How to Increase Your Computer's Speed for Free

As you use your computer, the hard drive accumulates files, images and cookies that can dramatically slow down your computer's operation. But with periodic maintenance, you can restore your computer's original speed. With a few steps, you can improve the speed of your computer at no cost to you.

Instructions

1. Delete any temporary files or cookies that your computer may be storing. To do this, launch Internet Explorer. From the "Tools" menu, select "Internet Options." The Internet Options dialog appears. Click the "General" tab. Under the Browsing History section, click the "Delete..." button. The Delete Browsing History dialog appears. Check the items that you want to delete, such as "Temporary Internet Files" and "Cookies." Uncheck "History" if you want to preserve your browsing history. Then click the "Delete" button when done.

2. Check your hard disk space to determine whether it is close to capacity. Delete files not in use, such as old music or videos that take up much space.

3. Run an anti-spyware and antivirus program to remove spyware and viruses. Free programs available include Microsoft Windows Defender (Microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx), Lavasoft's Adaware Free Internet Security (lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php) and Spybot (safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html).

References

• Microsoft at Work: How to Make a Computer Faster: 6 Ways to Speed Up Your PC