How to speed up your computer

If your computer has become slower over time, there are some things you can do to improve the performance. This article will show you some steps you can take to speed up your computer.

Free up disk space

The Disk Cleanup tool included with the Windows Operating System frees up space on your hard drive, which improvise the performance of your computer. The tool identifies files that you can safely delete, and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.
Method
Open the Windows 7 Disk Cleanup tool by clicking on “Start,” click on “All Programs,” click on “Accessories,” click on “System Tools,” and then click on “Disk Cleanup.”
The Disk Cleanup Options dialog box opens.
Select whether you want to clean all of the files on your computer or only your own files.
Select the hard disk you want to clean and click on “OK.”
Click the “Disk Cleanup” tab and select the check boxes for the files you want the Disk Cleanup tool to remove.
Click on “OK” and then click on “Delete files" to confirm that you want to remove the selected files from your computer.

Disk defragmentation

If the files on your hard disk are fragmented this can slow down the overall performance of your computer. If the files are fragmented, Windows has to search the hard drive when a file is opened and put it back together. This slows down the speed and response time of opening the program or file. Disk Defragmenter is included with Windows and is used to defragment the hard drive. It is very easy to use and should be done on a monthly basis. Method Open the Disk Defragmenter by clicking the “Start” button, “All Programs,” “Accessories,” “System Tools,” and then click “Disk Defragmenter.

Spyware/adware/malware

Spyware and viruses will slow down a computer. A spyware infection collects your personal information without asking you or letting you know. Some of the ways you can get spyware is from websites you visit, and programs you download, especially shareware. Tips
Download a reputable spyware application on your computer and run it. Be sure to update it first as new spyware is developed every day. You should run spyware scans on your computer on a weekly basis.

Viruses

Viruses can wreak havoc on a computer and render it useless in some cases. You should run a virus scan on a daily basis. Always remember to keep the software up-to-date as new viruses are developed every day.