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its box. Then go ahead and perform the cleaning of all remaining items.

Having taken care of this possible reason for a lazy computer, you are now ready to return to the Start Menu and to click Programs again. Re-select Accessories and System tools. This time, click Disk Defragmenter. In the dialog box, click Analyze. Most probably, the computer does not have to be defragmented. But if it does, follow your system's prompter to get the task done.

Once this is completed, your next move is to go to your on-line browser and to eliminate all backlogged emails. Those sent and those received. Delete files and folders you no longer need and empty your Trash and Spam bins. Finally by pressing F5, refresh your computer's internet connection.

This may seem like a gang of checkpoints. But each measure really does have its unique purpose. Understand that the longer a virus or other computer threat is active in your files, it possesses a greater opportunity to act as a termite in wet wood.

Its presence can slowly if silently eat away at all of your essential data. And like the typical termite infestation in wood, such a threat can multiply throughout your hard drive. Its prolonged life in your system can turn your stored files into sawdust. The sooner you address a threat's invasion, the better chance you will have of removing your computer out of harm's way.

After having gone through all of the checkpoints, it is likely that you will have restored your computer's performance. Its former slowness should be much improved if not totally eliminated, leaving you free to go back to that overhanging status report for your boss.

Still it may be wise to keep your new found technical know-how to yourself. You haven't the time for co-workers to come to you whenever they've forgotten to empty their Sent files. And you don't want that operation administrator thinking that you've got your sight on her position.

Just keep in mind the importance of daily maintaining your computer's fitness. A sensitive if necessary instrument in the workplace, your technical ally will reward you for your diligence in a thousand thankful ways. And next to a sweet raise from your boss, it doesn't get any better than that.

Learn more about this author, Pat Dowdy.
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