Computer performance issues are a well-known fact that many computer users experience from time to time, especially with the Windows operating systems. The Windows operating systems work in such a way that in order to enable it to work smoother and faster (Without going too deep into it), it uses temp files to store information to enable quicker responses. An example for it is the browser, holding pages you have visited, so that the next time you load a similar page, it will load faster. Now there are certain files that do not get deleted.

Now the problematic issue with that technique is that the temp folder is getting filled with more and more files, and eventually the amount of files is so huge, that even the operating system needs to take a short while to locate the temp files it needs from the huge amount of temp files. Eventually, that slows down the system. There are more issues similar to that which are not temp files related, but the overall picture is the same or nearly the same only with different sections of the Windows operating system.

Let’s go over some of the main issues that affect Windows performance:

• [] Hard-Disk Errors:  [once a week]

the hard disks get written many times, every day and such hectic actions tend in time to affect the structure of the hard-disk, like the de-fragmentation and errors on the hard-disk. In order to keep those issues in the order you can do the following at least once a week:

* (This will be done on the next reboot of the system).

• Start –> My Computer
• Right-click the “c:\” drive and select properties
• Choose the “Tools tab”, and click the “Check Now” in the error-checking.
• Tag both checkboxes – and let it run
• Then reboot the system, and the check will occur on startup

• [] Removing temp files: [ once a week ]

* (This will be done on the next reboot of the system).

• Start –> My Computer
• Right-click the “c:\” drive and select properties
• On the “General tab”, and click the “Disk Cleanup”.
• From the window that opens – Tag the check-boxes which are relevant for you – and let it run.
• Many forget to empty the “Recycle Bin” – so please do it often.

• [] Rearranging files on the hard-disks – “Defragmentation”: [ once a month ]

* This process rearranges the files, so the same files will be arranged at the same blocks of data, which boosts the performance since there is no need to jump from block to block to collect the full info needed.

• Start –> My Computer
• Right-click the “c:\” drive and select properties
• Choose the “Tools tab”, and click the “Defragment Now”
• Do “Analyze Disk” – then you will be able to “Defragment Disk”.

• [] Spy-ware Free – You need to keep your computer spy-ware free, spy-ware spying around on your computer will slow it down.

• You can perform a free scan by Microsoft at: http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm
• Spy-Sweeper – is considered a really good spyware removal/prevention program, but it is shareware and will cost around 25$.
• SpyBot Search & destroy – A completely free anti-spyware program, try it out.
• Windows Defender – Freeware by Microsoft, to keep your computer spy-ware safe.
• Ad-Aware – Ad-Aware is one of the oldest, and a well known one, you can download a free trial will give some protection, but the Plus version will give better coverage for extra pay.
• Spy-ware Terminator – This one gives fair protection for free, check it out.
• Spy-ware Blaster – Another free option, check it out and see how it works for you.

These are basic tools anyone can use, in order to assist your computer to go a bit quicker, and more efficient.