Computers can run slow for many reasons. If your computer used to be fast, then it probably isn't the memory. It's possibly fragmented files, a build-up of applications that have been installed over time and applications loading at startup. Another reason can be spyware, adware, virus, etc.

First, check to be sure you need all those applications in your system tray running.

If there are any unnecessary ones, make sure it isn't set to start when Windows starts and then close it. If there is anything you have installed that you do not use, it could be a good idea to just uninstall it so you have the hard drive space (if your hard drive is getting full). Don't forget to check the Recycle Bin if you recently deleted any files. Depending on your settings, there might be files sitting in there.

Second, try defragmenting. This may help speed up the amount of time it takes to load an application. You may not notice a difference though, but it is still good to do this every once in a while. Windows comes with a tool do this, it's called Disk Defragmenter. You can find it under Accessories > System Tools in the Start menu. There are also other applications that will do this for you as well. System Mechanic by iolo (www.iolo.com) is really good and also has other optimizing tools built into one. If you delete a lot of files, running Disk Defragmenter (or whatever you use) might be a good idea.

One tool I find useful with helping clean things up in System Mechanic is the registry optimizer. Cleaning out registry items that have been left behind and also compacting it. Please be sure to backup your registry before making any changes!

This third one is usually a pain depending on what your computer is infected with. Spyware, adware, viruses, trojans can all make a difference in how your computer 'behaves'. There is really great software available for free, several top names come to mind, but I will recommend one that includes some. Hitman Pro (Found at www.hitmanpro.com). Spyware Blaster, Spybot (Search and Destroy), and AdAware are a few of the top free ones that are included in the Hitman Pro package. Hitman Pro is free to download and very easy to use, because it does everything for you. You don't have to run each individual application yourself anymore. For viruses, I recommend NOD32 by Eset (www.eset.com).

If your computer is still running slow, because maybe you just have more applications running than you used to, upgrading your memory will help. With XP now-a-days, I recommend at least 1GB of RAM, because we all usually have anti-virus, anti-spyware and other necessary programs running at the same time that it just slows down the system. If you really want to be safe (and you run software that uses a lot of memory) install 2GB of RAM to ensure that you have plenty.

Learn more about this author, Alisha G..
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