If your computer drags and lags and is slow, read this.....
these are "free" way to improve the speed of your computer:
Computer Cleanup
By: Jeff Cunningham
Here's a problem I bet most of you have run into, your computer at home or at work is running slow, really frustratingly slow. So what can you do to make it run like new? Keep reading.
We've found out that even if you got a new computer within the last few months it only takes a couple of weeks or even days to slow down. We're going to be talking about fixes you can do to Windows XP, but remember, most of these fixes can be done on other versions of Windows.
The first tip, and the easiest, is just turn off your computer. Unplug it from the wall, leave it off for 30 seconds, plug it back in and turn it on. This will help get rid of unneeded files and other junk clogging up your memory.
Still having problems?
All windows operating systems come with one very good program. It's the disk defragment program. To find it just click on your start button. Then go to "programs" .... "accessories" .... "system tools" ... and then click on “disk defragmenter” In the main window highlight your "c" drive and click defragment. Now go cook dinner, watch a movie or go for a walk. This can take a few minutes up to a few hours depending on how messed up your disk is. Remember, it's normal for your disk to become fragmented, you just have to run this program every couple of weeks.
So you think your computer is still running slow??
Maybe you need to free-up some more memory. There are two easy clean-ups for this. First, on your keyboard click and hold in the windows button.. Then also click "e". This opens up the file explorer. In your main drive, usually the *c* drive, click the plus (+) symbol next to it. Then you need to search for two folders. First, the folder called "temp". Then the folder called "temporary internet files" These are usually in the main windows folder, local settings or my documents. Highlight all the files in each of these folders and hit delete.
Now close all the windows.
If you use *internet explorer* to surf the web do the following on a regular basis. Open Explorer, click on “tools” then “internet options”. Now click “clear history” and click yes. Then click “delete files”. In the new window check the box labeled "delete all offline content". Then click OK. This could take a few minutes if you've never done this before. Once this is done, your internet surfing should go much quicker.
UPDATE:
One tip we have added to the list will permanently eliminate the need to constantly remove temporary internet files, there is a setting that you can use inside IE. It will dispose of temporary internet files every time the browser is closed. Open up Explorer, GO to TOOLS ... INTERNET ... OPTIONS. Choose the ADVANCED BUTTON. You will get a window to open, then scroll down the highlighted entry and click on the button to select the option: Empty Temporary Internet folder when browser is closed . This will permanently eliminate the need to navigate the C drive to get rid of temp files. Then click APPLY and OK. Bye bye files!
Now if you're using the internet a lot, there's a good chance you also have what's known as “bots” on your system. They are very small programs that track the sites you look at and eat up a lot of memory which in turn slow down your computer.
How do you get rid of them? We recommend a spyware program. We've used the free program called "SpyBot" and have defiantly noticed an increase in speed. Just make sure to read all the instructions before using this program. You can download this program by clicking here for free.
Now with most of these programs and tips, there is information in the windows help feature. or within the program itself. As with any computer tips and tricks, try them at your own risk. And if you have questions ask for help from someone who knows more about computers.
