Speeding up your computer by "defragmenting"

Over time as you add and delete programs, your computer finds spaces to put parts of your programs. Over time this can lead to having a "fragmented" disk drive. "Defragmenting" your hard drive (usually the C drive for most computers) can help.

First, you will need about 15% of free disk space on your drive. You can check this my finding the " Computer" icon and selecting your drive (usually C:/) and right clicking to select "Properties". There you will see how much space you have free on the "General" tab. To defragment your drive, simply click the "Tools" tab and click "Defragment Now" or you can simply setup a regularly scheduled defragmentation.

A Note On Using These Programs

First, you need to regularly ensure that the virus and spyware protections are updated regularly. To do this, go to the update section of each program and update it. Once a week should be fine.

Second, run the spyware removal and anti-virus programs, at least once a week (more often can only help). I recommend doing any "full" scans when you won't need the computer since they do take awhile, maybe set them up to run while you are asleep?

Some useful FREE programs for your old computer in need of care or for a new computer

UPDATED (0/17/2012): All of the following software is fairly easy to use, fairly safe, and free.

Surfing The Web:

• Chrome

Anti-Virus and Anti-Spam:

• Spybot Search and Destroy
• Malware Bytes
• AVG Anti-Virus

Using Files:

• Foxit (much better for .pdf files and not a space hog)
• 7 zip (free and easier to use than gzip for zipping and unzipping files)