Computer Slowing Down

Before we go any further, I would suggest you set a restore point before installing, uninstalling or changing any of your settings. Although I am confident with the following information, I can not take any responsibility for any damage you may do to your computer using any of the information that follows.

Your first treatment to protect against your computer slowing downwould be for viruses. If you haven't installed an anti virus software you must do so immediately. There are several software programs available at a reasonable cost or for the free option I would suggest AVG. To get this software go to www.grisoft.com then simply follow the links to the free edition. To claim your free edition all you have to do is register your email address.
Ok so now you have anti virus software installed and are fairly safe, but there are still a few precautions you need to take for example, email attachments always right click on them and click scan with AVG. The same precautions should be taken with anything downloaded from the internet.
Be aware the free version of AVG only offers basic protection. For complete protection I recommend that you upgrade as soon as you can.

Next we come to Trojan Horses, these sneaky programs are used to record details from your computer and try to send it out to someone who intends stealing your information. Trojan Horses can also be used to take over your computer or use it to launch an attack through your emails. AVG can deal with most Trojan Horses but if not it will inform you of its presence if this is the case visit Google for advice on its removal.

Next we come to Spyware these often come with downloads offering to help with a task on the computer. Spyware is used to gather information about your surfing habits. With this information certain unprincipled companies will then send you ads they believe you would respond to. Some may also send back other private information. These programs tend to run in the background slowing both your computer and your surfing. If you do download free software check it first.
Now we come to Adware although I have separated it from Spyware it is often used in the same way.
To control these threats you will need the following programs (both free). They are Spybot search and destroy available from Safer Networking.org. Install and run it. Next you need Ad-Aware available from Lavasoft.com
I believe you would be very surprised with the amount of unwanted additions you will find on your computer.
Now you have protection against Viruses, Trojan Horses, Spyware and Adware but it doesn't stop there, you need to regularly update these programs as new malicious programs are coming out every day.

So you have dealt with the nasty programs next you need to remove those programs install on your computer that you never use. These programs not only take up space on your computer, they also comtribute to your computer slowing down. To uninstall these programs go to add/remove programs and and click on remove/uninstall. Again I am sure you will be surprised with the amount of unused program you have taking up space on your hard drive.
The next step now is to clean up your hard drive. To do this, go to start/programs/accessories/system tools/disk defragmenter. By running this your disk will be tidied and your remaining programs will be organised in a more accessible way saving time when your computer has to search for specific information or programs.
Following these tips you should now have a more efficient and speedier computer. Remember to stop your computer slowing down clear out those unwanted programs and run the defragmenter on a monthly basis and keep your computing at peak performance.
Happy computing.