• A fast computer is a joy to use.computer image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com
  
  Over time, your computer system will slow down. When you install and uninstall programs, you add files that may be unnecessary, end up with a fragmented hard drive, and end up with a computer that is much slower than when you first bought it. Collectively, all these add up to a great deal of frustration. However, there are certain elements that you can tweak to ensure that your computer is running at top speed.
  
  

Defragment

• Defrag your computer. Files are broken up and saved in different areas in your hard drive; a defragment will align these fragments of data, resulting in a machine that will be able to gain access your data more efficiently. Click on the "Start" button in the lower left corner of your screen. Click on "All Programs" and select "Accessories." Click on "System Tools" and select "Disk Defragmenter." The process can take a few hours, but you will end up with a speedier computer.
  
  

Security Software

• Use an anti-virus and anti-spyware program. A computer laden with computer viruses will be a slow computer. Ensure that your computer is running at full capacity by installing an anti-spyware program that will protect you from infections. Regularly scan your computer for viruses. PC Magazine has a list of notable anti-spyware programs that you can try. Check the Resources section for a link.
  
  

Free Disk Space

• Free up disk space. More space on your hard drive allows your computer to open disk memory and allow the installation of additional programs. Uninstall programs you do not use any more to free up disk space. Click on "Start," and then select "Control Panel." Click on "Add or Remove Programs." Sift through your installed programs and delete any software that you do not use.
  
  

Disk Cleanup

• Remove temporary files. Reduce the number of unnecessary files by using the Windows Disk Cleanup Utility. Disk Cleanup removes temporary internet files, files in your Recycle Bin, and a variety of temporary system files. Click the "Start" button, then select "All Programs." Click on "Accessories," "System Tools," and then "Disk Cleanup" to open the utility. In the Disk Cleanup dialog box, click on the files that you want the program to delete. Click on "OK." Disk Cleanup will delete all temporary files from the hard drive, freeing up disk space and improving computer performance.
  
  

System Updates

• Keep your computer updated. An updated computer will ensure that all system processes and hardware configurations communicate with one another seamlessly and efficiently. Windows releases regular system updates that will improve system components and software. Visit the Windows website to check for integral computer updates. Check the Resources section for a link to the Windows Update website.