Fix Slow Computer for Free

When you first unpacked and booted up your computer, it probably ran like a dream. It was most likely incredibly fast (especially when compared to your old machine) and you couldn’t believe how easy it was to switch between programs. Now some time has gone by and your computer just isn’t running as quickly as it used to. In fact, it is down right slow, but you are afraid to take it anywhere. After all, paying someone to fix your computer is expensive. There must be a way to Fix the Slow Computer for Free.

There are a number of things you can do to fix slow computer for free.

The first thing you need to do is make sure that your operating system is up to date. Windows programs typically check for updates at regular intervals. Make sure that you always click on “yes” when that little box pops up and asks you “updates are available for your operating system, would you like to install them now?” There are also a number of places on the internet that you can visit to do a free check to make sure that your operating system is up to date. Simply visit your system’s home site and go from there.

Another way to fix slow computer for free is to run an anti-virus program. You would be amazed at the number of viruses your computer can contract without you ever realizing it. If you do not have a program like Norton, there are a number of free anti-virus programs on the internet. There are even a few web-based virus checkers that will do a quick troll of your computer system and let you know how many viruses it has. These programs will also tell you how to fix those viruses yourself. Why take your computer in to the shop if you can fix the slow computer for free yourself?

Akin to a computer virus is that pesky product known as spyware (or adware). Spyware is usually installed on your computer without your knowledge and then the programs use your computer’s resources and will records your internet wanderings for a variety of advertisers. These advertisers are the people responsible for those pesky pop ups. Never click on a pop up. Do not even click the “x” they often display. Any clicking done on a pop up will usually install a new spyware program into your system. Luckily there are safe and free programs available online that you can download that will check for spyware and adware and then help you get rid of those files. It’s amazing how much faster the computer will run when it is spyware free.

Fixing a slow computer for free is easy to do. There are hordes of friendly people on the internet who have created message boards, forums and websites devoted to teaching people how to fix computer programs at home. Who wants to spend a bunch of money when they can learn how to fix slow computer for free?

Slow Computer Problems Tip #1

Check your internet cache. Not only does every single page you look at on the internet get stored into a history folder in the depths of your computer, but every single part of those pages gets saved as a separate file in what is known as the cache folder. Yes, every single tiny graphic gets stored in its own file. That green dot that repeats twelve times as an illustration of bullet points? Twelve separate gif files in your cache. Make sure you clean out the cache often.

Slow Computer Problems Tip #2

Ad ware is the devil. Ad ware can be attached to your computer by any number of sites (though it is most famously used by sites of an "adult" nature). This ad ware keeps track of where you go online like a cookie does, but ad ware is typically a covert program that slows down the computer to make it easier to track where you go. Run a spy ware or ad aware program on a regular basis to keep these programs and files at bay.

Slow Computer Problems Tip #3

Defragment your hard drive regularly. Sometimes parts of your files get corrupted. The more files that are corrupted or "fragmented," the more slowly your computer will run. A defragmentation of your hard drive should be done on a regular basis. It is a long process, so the defragmenting program is best run overnight.