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!

Though not everyone showed to accept awards last Saturday, Sept 4th (the competition was, er, stiff and of course suffered from Internext post-coitus), sleek etched-glass trophies were amiably accepted by other attendees on behalf of their web-brethren.

The slick production included a big video screen depicting on-stage action and nominee and winner video clips, as well as DJ Franco Fabi cuing mood and transition tunes, and live band Zone 51 jumping in when winners were announced.

Presenters included Eric from GammaCash.com, Howard and Norton from MyVirtualCard.com, Platinum Adam from PlatinumBucks.com and MediaGuy from 2much.net, among many others.

Plante reserved a "very personal" Hall of Fame award for photographer JFK of Fubar Webmasters Adventures for climax of show, while starting off with Best Single Amateur Site, awarded to TaylorLittle.com, from LightspeedCash, which had to contend against an incredible 35 nominees.