Few things are as frustrating as dealing with a slow, sluggish  computer. When a computer is brand new, it works wonderfully well. Over  time, though, its performance can slowly begin to worsen. This happens  for a number of reasons, but the biggest culprits are things like  spyware, adware and other computer threats that are unwittingly  downloaded along with other content while online. You don’t have to  download thousands of MP3s, movies or other items to experience these  problems, either – nobody is immune to them. Instead of accepting the  situation, there are plenty of techniques and strategies that you can  use to make it better – a few of the best ones are outlined below.
 Strategy #1: Clean Your Computer’s Windows RegistryThe biggest cause of slow, sluggish PC performance is errors and  problems within its Windows registry. Adware, spyware and other threats  usually target the registry, damaging or misplacing important files  within it. When it comes to PC cleaning, a daily Windows registry  cleaning should be at the top of your list of priorities. However, this  should never be done manually – there are too many opportunities for  major errors that could seriously damage your PC’s operating system.  Instead, invest in a high-quality Windows registry cleanup program and  configure it to run once per day – you won’t believe the difference that  it makes.
 Strategy #2: Remove Unneeded FilesEvery time you log on to the Internet or otherwise use your computer,  temporary files are generated. They are usually only needed once;  however, they don’t disappear on their own. Instead, they accumulate  over time until they are cluttering up your computer’s file system and  affecting its performance. While it’s possible to remove these files  one-by-one, it’s much easier and quicker to use a PC cleaning tool  that’s designed for the purpose. Try to do so about one time per week to  keep your computer humming along with ease.
 Strategy #3: Remove Unneeded ProgramsLike many people, you probably download and try out many different  programs each month. How many of them do you actually end up using on a  regular basis? Chances are, not very many of them. By getting into the  habit of uninstalling unused and unneeded programs, you can keep your  computer’s file system a lot less cluttered. In turn, your PC’s  performance will improve dramatically. You can optimize your computer in  this way by using its Add/Remove Programs feature. Its location varies  by operating system, but you should be able to find it somewhere in the  Control Panel.
 Strategy #4: Empty the Recycle BinWhen you click “delete” on a file or a program, it doesn’t go away  for good – not immediately, anyway. Instead, it sits in a kind of  purgatory in your computer’s Recycle Bin. As things pile up in the  Recycle Bin, your computer can start exhibiting some very annoying  problems. If sluggish startups and frequent crashes are occurring with  increasing frequency – and your computer’s recycle bin is very full – go  ahead and empty it. From then on, get into the habit of doing so about  one time per week. This small but important strategy can make a huge  difference.
 Strategy #5: Perform a Disk DefragmentationWindows isn’t very efficient when it comes to storing files. It  actually splits them up, depositing them into whatever spaces are  available. The more spaced apart the pieces of a file are, the harder  your computer has to work to make them run. The Windows disk  defragmentation system tune-up utility works to piece all of those files  back together again. The process is a long one, though, and only needs  to be done about four times per year. Set it up to run automatically  once every three months. By doing so, you’ll be able to keep your  computer running in tiptop shape.
 When it comes to keeping your computer running optimally, small but regular maintenance is the best way to go. Protecting your PC only does so much; even the most careful Internet users in the world unintentionally download malicious software from time to time. By using basic system tune-up tools, cleaning your computer’s Windows registry regularly, performing regular file-cleaning maintenance and otherwise optimizing your PC, you should be able to keep it in like-new condition for a lot longer. Even if your computer has been performing slowly for some time, beginning this regimen is sure to produce results. In the end, you’ll be able to enjoy a computer that flies along – instead of one that spins its wheels.