What to do if your computer is running slow?

There is not much more frustrating then a slow running computer. But there are ways to free yourself from this frustration and enjoy a smoother running computer. I have below listed a few tips that I myself do regularly to my computers and for purposes of this article I have included tips that generally are relevant for both Macs and PCs:

1.) Clean out your trash (recycle in windows), browser cache, temp files, and unused files from time to time. Many windows based machines can be set to do this automatically. You'd be surprised how many megabytes of space are taken up by these files. To do so in Windows simply go to System Tools and select Disk Cleanup; select all the selections and hit ok. In both Mac and PC you can clear your temp folders and cache by going to Internet Options in IE, History in Safari, and in Firefox under the Tools heading. Select Clear Private Data, or Clear Cache.

2.) Use programs such as SpyBot and AdAware to rid your computer of pesty pop up ads, spyware, and other slightly malicious programs. They are free for download on the internet and work well. Peer Guardian is also good to block harmful urls and IPs from constantly attacking your computer and slowing down your internet. Also having a good antivirus program will protect your computer from hackers, spyware, adware, and viruses.

3.) Delete unused programs and old files to free up space. This free space gives you space to store new data as well as allows your computer the ability to access hard drive data more quickly.

4.) Restart your computer from time to time to clear your RAM.

5.) Upgrade your RAM.

6.) Close programs that aren't currently in use to save in use RAM.