Does your computer run as quickly and efficiently as it did when you first got it? Chances are, if you’re like a lot of other folks out there, probably not. So what, if anything, can be done about it?
Well, I’ve got some good news for you. Many of
methods you can use to restore most, if not all of your computer’s original speed are basic, easy to do and, for most part, free.
Follow these basic steps and see if you don’t notice a huge improvement in performance:
1) Download (and then run) a spyware detection and removal program.
Spyware is term used for programs that are installed on your hard drive WITHOUT your perimission.
That, in itself, is not cool, but it gets worse.
Once on your hard drive, they begin to send out information about everything you do on your computer. The web sites you visit, how long you stay, and how often you go there. Most any keystroke, including your passwords can be captured and sent to spyware's home site.
Bummer, huh?
But fear not! Thankfully, there are two free programs that have evolved into one of most popular and effective one-two punches in spyware detection and destruction available.
The first is called Spybot Search and Destroy and second is Ad-Aware from Lavasoft.
Together they will detect most of those nasty little critters installed on your hard drive and with click of your mouse, destroy them. And then guess what?
You'll be AMAZED at how this one step alone can speed up operation of your computer!
Simply go to: http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=download to download Spybot, and then hustle over to: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/ to download Ad-Aware.
And then run both of these programs (one after other, of course), as they compliment each other very well, and if one program doesn't locate a particular spyware program, chances are other will.
And did I mention these product are absolutely NO COST?
2) Update your antivirus software.
What? You don’t HAVE an antivirus program? GET ONE! I’ve used Norton Antivirus with great success and highly recommend it. However, just as important as having antivirus software is to keep it continually updated. THIS IS CRITICAL!
