Slow Computer Performance: Speed Up Your Computer In 10 Steps

Okay, you need to bear with me here a little, this is going to be a bit of a long one. We're going to start with the simplest and easiest ways to speed up a computer and then progress to more advanced. Hopefully, the majority of you will solve your problems before we make it to the final option.
“Slow” can mean a lot of things when we're talking about computers. People often generally use the word “slow” to describe computer performance and internet browsing speeds. Less experienced computer users can even confuse the two (we all had to start somewhere).
Before reading the below suggestions, I'd like to ask you to read it in full and not stop at a specific step. You can always go back and begin at the top suggestion later. There are some steps near the end that may actually solve your slow computer performance problem immediately, especially if you are having slow computer performance due to your computer hardware.
Let's start with the easier of the two: “Slow Internet Browsing”
1.)The first thing I like to suggest is for the user to be conscious of what they're running in the background. Do they have a program like Bit Torrent running? Windows Updates running? Or any similar program that may be sucking up bandwidth, thus creating your slow computer performance, in order to download information?
If this is the case, then all you have to do is go down to the bottom right of the computer screen where the icon for that program is, right click, and close. That's pretty simple for step number one.
2.)The second thing would be to check your internet browser for third party tool bars. Sometimes programs like tool bars will create a lot of lag during during browsing, I'm really not sure why (it could be all of the things going on behind the scenes, information gathering and what-not). I would suggest never installing one of these unless you have a very good reason, convenience of not having to physically type in the address in the address bar is not one of them. Although, I do know webmasters like to use these (specifically Google's) to check page rank on competing websites.
Basically, all you need to do to remove it, go to your browser and find "view tool bars" or something similar (most say that or the equivalent). Deselect the toolbar. I really recommend removing altogether through your Add/Remove programs area in the Control Panel, but inexperience users sometimes have a fear of removing anything from their personal computer. Either of these would be better than letting it cause slow computer performance.
Pay attention when you install new software, a lot of software packages have tool bars with the installation. I know Yahoo Messenger does, all you have to do for most of them is "uncheck" the box during the installation that says something like "Also install tool bar."
3.) Unused instant messengers, if you're not using it, it should not be running (this goes for any unused program running in the background). Close them out. I used to have a lot of trouble with messengers causing slow computer performance back in the day.
4.) There is a program called "Disk Cleanup" which I am very fond of. The icon is a little pink bell. It's very easy to find and I would recommend anyone install it. It can be found on most free download sites like CNet. Just search on Google for it.
5.) Adware and Spyware are two of the biggest reasons for slow computer performance, they cling to your computer and slow them down quite a bit. AdAware is a great program that can be acquired for free online. It's the only one that I trust and I use it frequently for my computer, as well my friends and family members' computers.
6.) If none of the above solves your slow computer performance issue, it's time move on to software solutions. Windows comes with diagnostic utilities that can be used to speed up your computer. These are found in the start menu. You'll go to programs, accessories, system tools, and they'll be in that folder. The two programs that I am referring to are "Disk Cleanup" and Disk Defragmenter." That's also the order you should run them in.
7.)Registry cleaners also can help. Any installed program will edit the registry upon installation, and when these programs are installed a lot of useless information can be left behind. These are just junk files that may hinder operation and computer performance. Most registry cleaners are not free, thus you must do your research and try to find something reasonable. You can get one of these for around thirty bucks for a download online.
This should definitely help you with your slow computer performance, although I would not suggest going with a free registry cleaner. The free ones often come with much added adware or spyware.
8.) Now that you have exhausted your software fixes, you will have to start consider some hardware changes in order to solve your slow computer performance. In other words, upgrading your computer hardware. This is where you will want to start adding RAM if you are having general computer lag. More RAM will always speed up a computer, also the better quality the RAM, the better the computer performance.
For example, 1333MHz is not quite as good as 1600MHz, if you are a little unsure what this means, do a little research regarding RAM or consult someone that can explain this in further detail for you. I believe many of the online computer part stores now have a "RAM selector" utility built into their website.
9.) If your slow computer performance is only when you are gaming and the RAM upgrade did not help, your next upgrade would be the video. You could actually go with the video upgrade over the RAM upgrade if your computer is having trouble during game play. If you are a gamer you should be checking the requirements on either the video game website or the box before purchasing the game before making the purchase of the game (unless, of course, you plant to upgrade).
10.) I hate this last one, but this is the “solve all, fix all” solution for slow computer performance. If all else fails, it's time to buy a new computer. The good news is that most computer retailers offer some sort of financing option these days where you have a limited amount of months free of interest and as long as it is paid in full before that allotted time, then you are not charged anything extra. The downside is if you do not pay before the allotted time period, then you have to backup and pay interest for every month.
I hope this helps with your slow computer performance issues!