Tips on speeding up your Computer

1)    Use anti-virus software, I don't use a full security suite as this can slow down your PC, check to see if your Security Suite is set to scan at startup, if so stop it, there is no need to scan at startup but do regular scans at scheduled times.
My recommendation for anti-virus software and not a full security suite.

Nod32 ESET NOD32 Antivirus Home/SOHO Edition for Windows
https://www.eset.com.au/store/home.php
Free anti-virus is MS security essentials
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/w...ity-essentials

2) Uninstall old programs that are no longer required as these may be running at startup and taking up unnecessary space.

3) Turn off programs that try to check for updates every week etc. such as:
ITunes, Google updater, Adobe products, Apple software, Windows Live.

BUT if you do this you will need to check for updates often as this is important for security.

4) Check for updates for your PC drivers & Microsoft security updates regularly. You will need to browse to your PC's manufacturer’s web site to check and you will need you PC/Laptops model number. If you are not sure how to find it try this link.
http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.com...fications.html

5) Clean your PC for dust, this can cause overheating and performance degradation.
http://www.cnet.com.au/how-to-clean-...-240055521.htm
How to clean a laptop http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yyEV...feature=fvwrel
Only do the above if your are comfortable removing covers from your computer, if not take it to a repair shop

6) Run disk clean-up often this helps remove old files that are not required on your PC.
Disk clean up XP: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312
Disk Clean-up Vista: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/w...g-Disk-Cleanup
Disk Clean-up 7: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...g-Disk-Cleanup

7) Defrag regularly.
Defrag XP: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314848
Defrag Vista: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/w...your-hard-disk
Defrag 7: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...your-hard-disk

8) Keep your internet browser up to date, Firefox, IE etc. release new versions so it is worth looking at updating. However Google Chrome updates automatically.
IE http://www.officialwindowsmagazine.c...ter-than-ever/
Firefox: http://www.ehow.com/how_4840197_mozi...ull-speed.html
Google Chrome: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/8-cool-...google-chrome/

9) Review your hardware, such as memory, hard drives and video cards. As more software, updates and service packs are released you will need to review hardware requirements. But if you are running a minimum amount of memory e.g. 512 on XP, 1 GB on Vista and Windows 7, a memory upgrade is a good place to start.