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masquerade as anti-spyware packages. Many of these are Spyware or Trojan installers. Apart from trying to get you to part with your money they can cause considerable damage to your system. Before downloading investigate carefully.

A number of free packages are available, but the full functionality is only available on the paid version. Limitations include inadequate protection against Trojans, limitations to automatic or real-time file scanning. Free anti-spyware software products do not generally detect and remove all spyware from your machine.

The first priority must be to install a comprehensive and reputable computer security package. The package should protect against viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware and adware. The package should include a licence to download regular updates. An investment in a good protection system can prevent much damage to your machine and data in the long run. Remember that the software must be updated daily.

Once you have installed a good computer security package and run a comprehensive scan, you can try out some of these additional steps which should help to speed up your machine:

* Run Windows defrag. If your drive was very fragmented this may be all that is required to speed-up your machine.
* Run a Registry cleaner. Registry Mechanic works well and a free 30 day evaluation version is available.
* Check your free disk space. Windows prefers at least 25% of the hard drive to be free space. Ideally, purchase an external USB hard drive to store your videos and music and to back up your machine. The more free space on your drive, the faster it will run.
* Clear the Windows prefetch file. Get detailed instructions for this from the Web.
* Uninstall unwanted programs. All programs that you have installed but never use should be removed. They use up space and resources.
* Remove unused network references.

If you still have problems, then it is time to reinstall Windows! When all else fails, this is usually the best route to go. Back-up your machine first! Re-install Windows using the Operating System CD that came with the machine or the installation files may be on a separate partition of the hard drive.

Learn more about this author, Barry Marcus.
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