Eliminate Viruses and Spyware
- 1Run your antivirus program. There may be something slowing your computer that you can remove. It is a good idea to run your antivirus program every week.
- 2Remove spyware. Run a good spyware tool at least twice a month.
- 3Use a pop-up blocker, if you have one. Check your antivirus program.
Dispose of the Extras
- 4Delete your document files for anything you no longer need. Saved pictures, audio and video files in particular can slow your computer.
- 5Remove unwanted programs from the Control Panel area. Old toolbars or games the kids downloaded off the Internet are a good place to start. Look for software you no longer use, such as the old printer you threw out last year.
- 6Clean out your email. Old messages are a constant drain on your computer's resources. Go through every folder, deleting everything you do not need. Leave no mail! Finish by emptying the Deleted Items folder.
- 7Turn off unnecessary programs. Check your taskbar for icons that show running programs. Disable anything you are not currently using.
Run Maintenance
- 8Run the Disk Cleanup tool located in your Control Panel. (Windows only. For other operating systems, please check the Resources section below.) This will remove temporary files, cookies and unnecessary components to speed up your computer.
- 9Defragment your computer. Defragging takes some time, but will speed your computer significantly. You can find the tool in your Control Panel. Run it monthly.
- 10Check for disk errors. Sometimes corrupted files slow down your computer. To find and fix these files, Go to My Computer and right-click on C drive. Choose Properties, then Tools.
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Tips & Warnings
- Be extra careful with program removal. When in doubt, do not delete!
- Never turn off your antivirus program!
- The Disk Cleanup tool may offer to delete things you wish to keep. Read carefully!
