My Computer is too slow
I get a lot of people asking for help because their computer is too slow. This is a vague complaint that could have an infinite number of causes. Thankfully, most of the computers I have dealt with had the same few problems slowing them down. If your computer is slow, give these a try. Just be careful and don't do anything here if you don't understand it. I am not responsible if you break your machine. Also, these steps recommend software and windows configurations that require agreement to licenses. You might want to read the license agreements before you click "I Agree" you'd be surprised what some companies are sneaking in.
Scandisk and Defrag - This has been a good little tip for at least 15 years, but sometimes people forget the basics.
Your profile is too big - If you have Windows NT, 2000, or XP, many of your settings and files end up in your profile. When this gets over 200 MB, it slows your computer down. I don't know why, I just know that every time I reduce the size of somebody's profile, their machine gets dramatically faster.
You might have a virus - Most brand-name computers come with Anti-virus software already installed. Problem is, the default set-up usually does not download pattern updates. If it does, it often expires after three months. Take some time and make sure you have the latest pattern files and you are set up to continue to get the latest. It's well worth the time. It may also be worth your time to switch anti-virus products. Many are getting sneaky with their subscription renewal processes.
You have spyware - It's gotten to the point where if you use the internet, you have spyware. It's everywhere, and it runs in the background and slows you down. If you don't already have some protection, download SpyBot. It's free. I've seen computers that were six months old run like a 486 because of spyware. I've seen them run like new after getting cleaned with SpyBot.
You have too many temp files - Internet Explorer has an option to delete local cache. Use it. A lot. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. If you know where the temp files are located, take a look there after you empty the cache. There are still tons of files there. Many of these are copies of E-mail attachments. I say back that directory up and then manually clear it out. Use this tip at your own risk, though.
Your systray is full - In the lower right corner of your screen, by the clock, there's a bunch of little icons. Each one of these is a program running in the background. Many companies think their little program is so important, it needs to be running all the time. If you see icons there for programs you don't use anymore or use rarely, uninstall them.
A program you use a lot is damaged - If a program you use a lot crashes a lot, that program might be corrupt. You might want to try uninstalling it and re-installing it. Also take note when shutting down. If you have to click "End Now" on the same program every time, the installation may be corrupt - or you may be using it wrong. Some programs need to be closed before you shut down. VPN software comes to mind.
Your operating system needs updating - Use Windows Update. Set it up to automatically download and install updates. It used to be a good idea to wait and make sure the patches didn't do more harm then good. You can no longer wait because there is bad stuff out there that moves quickly and you need to protect yourself as soon as Microsoft releases fixes. The benfits outweigh the risks.
Computers get slower with age, usually because people are not doing these things. I hear a lot of people talk about how much faster new hardware is or new operating systems. I think they seem a lot faster by comparison because they are pristine configurations. For most people, you could be running on three-year-old equipment and software and notice no difference if only you could have a configuration as clean as the day you bought it.
If I see a lot of people hitting this page, I might put more detailed descriptions of the steps you should take to do each of these.