Best way to improve PC's performance?

[thelace]

Remember, I can use a PC but I'm not a technical genius like you guys.

What's the best method to speed up my PC, it's recently got clogged up with the last couple of years downloads, etc?

Is there a software that came with the PC or something that I can load that'll increase its performance?

[Peoplesoft bloke]

Remember, I can use a PC but I'm not a technical genius like you guys.

What's the best method to speed up my PC, it's recently got clogged up with the last couple of years downloads, etc?

Is there a software that came with the PC or something that I can load that'll increase its performance?

Assuming you are running some flavour of Microsoft windows, there's a few simple things - others will be along later no doubt, but for now:
-Uninstall any programs you don't use.
- Defrag the hard drive - My Computer > drive letter> properties > tools
- Delete old files - My Computer > Drive letter > properties > general > disk cleanup button

[Fred Bloggs]

If the machine is running 32 bit windows, fit 4Gb ram if it hasn't already got it and the motherboard supports it.

[PRC1964]

Remember, I can use a PC but I'm not a technical genius like you guys.

What's the best method to speed up my PC, it's recently got clogged up with the last couple of years downloads, etc?

Is there a software that came with the PC or something that I can load that'll increase its performance?

Assuming that all your downloads are from 100% legit sites , it won't be worth your while running good anti-spyware to check for any nasties.

[thelace]

I run my anti spywhere regularly, I have kids that have no idea where they keep picking virii (is that the plural??? ) up from

"nearly all" of my downloads are legit I slap them all through the spyware checkers too.

Currently running Win XP on a HP with a 2 gig sempron but only 1 gig of RAM. Never really needed much in the past, but I'll get some more anyhow.

Will try the disc cleanup stuff too

Many thanks guys

[d000hg]

Assuming you are running some flavour of Microsoft windows, there's a few simple things - others will be along later no doubt, but for now:
-Uninstall any programs you don't use.
- Defrag the hard drive - My Computer > drive letter> properties > tools
- Delete old files - My Computer > Drive letter > properties > general > disk cleanup button

I'd suggest you do the defrag after cleaning up old apps and files, if you can face doing it at all.

[thelace]

Already starting to archive some stuff off the old beast.

Don't want to accidentally lose bits, even I'm not that daft

[s2budd]

Leave the defrag running overnight.

[s2budd]

Use an online memory checker to check your memory upgrade options.
http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/dram...FYGT3wodn0X7rw

[scooterscot]

Install OS x...