Ever wonder why your computer bogs down after a few months or years of usage?

Think of the computer like a person who has a list of tasks to do. When you first get your computer the list of tasks to do when it essentially ‘gets up in the morning’ or boots up, is small to none. When you install programs it adds to a list of things to do.

For instance a program can check for updates, start itself up when the computer boots. Over time this list gets so big that your computer takes a very long time to boot up.

To remedy this you have a few options.

1. Uninstall unnecessary programs:
   Go to your Add/Remove Programs section and remove any shareware, games or things that you no longer use. Sometimes even these programs are active in the background and eating away at your precious RAM.
2. Clean up your Startup Programs:
   Somewhat of a more advanced way to go is to go to Start -> Run and type MSCONFIG. Click on the Startup tab and uncheck any programs that are not important to have when your computer first boots up. Note that some programs reconfigure themselves to start up again even after you uncheck this. The only option for that is to uninstall it or go into the program’s preferences and turn off “Start Program When Windows Starts Up” or a like option.
3. Reformat:
   Sometimes Options 1 & 2 will not be enough. Either your computer has had a virus or some sort of malware that has compromised the system files so your computer needs a fresh start. Often times a reformat will do your computer some good. Just be sure to back everything up before doing something like this.

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