Is your computer slowing down, whizzing and whirring as it tries to keep up with you? Before you spend hundreds or even thousands on a new computer, you may find it only takes a few simple steps to make your Windows  computer run faster.

1. Make sure that your computer hard drive is clean. Download a software called Cleaner or Tuneup Utilities. It will help keep your computer a lot cleaner.

2. Don’t download software from just any website. Make sure that the website is trusted, and even if you do download something–and find it useless–make sure you delete it from your computer.

3. Using programs to keep your computer clean is not the exact right idea. It uses a lot of space and also can cause system errors. Instead try using the tools that Windows has given you: Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools:

4. Run Disk Cleanup once a week to remove unnecessary (temporary files) files.

5. Run Disk Defragmenter to defrag your hard disk once a month (you don’t need to overdo it). Defragment after deleting some files and emptying the Recycle Bin.

6. Defragment before installing new programs so they will not get fragmented in case there are gaps in the hard drive media when it would be installed.

7. Keep your computer safe from viruses by making sure that you use a safe web browser. After all, prevention is better than cure. Research shows that Internet explorer is more prone and vulnerable to attacks from hackers than any other web browser. Try using Firefox and adding McAfee Site Adviser to it if you wish.

8. Use a good anti-virus (and you might use internet virus security) and the Windows firewall. Try Kaspersky Internet Security as it seems safe. Do not download files from just any website as it can contain viruses, always scan your computer once a week and make sure your antivirus is up to date.

9. Make your computer look good–if you don’t have windows Vista–download Vista Inspirat 2, which will make Windows XP “look like” Vista, or download any other theme from a safe and trusted website.