My computer is slow - what can I do to speed it up?

I agree with this. Simply back up all of your important files and then re-install windows. Start with a clean slate, and your 2006 machines will boot up just as fast as it did when you bought it.

That said, if you are looking to get a new machine, and already have XP discs, you can easily shop on newegg for components to build a new machine.

My current machines was built for just $250, and I kept my old hard drive to boot! If you are worried about building your own computer, try and find a local guy who will do it for $25, or as I always request, a case of beer!

BP

LOL, I was thinking 'What the..?', before I saw this:

Anyway, to address your OP:

The short answer is to buy a new computer (faster microprocessor, more RAM, sleeker operating system.) The biggest problem with running an older operating system like XP is that it cannot be secured properly. Patches are provided for problems with the software (when you download updates) until it becomes impractical, and is surpassed by a newer, improved (and more secure) version. Like most things, computers and software evolve everyday.

I use windows7 and IE9, and they are far superior, and faster, than any previous windows software. Especially Internet Explorer, which used to be really cumbersome, even just one or two versions ago.

If you are determined to keep XP though, along with the computer that you already have, I would:

1) Run CCleaner regularly.

2) Defrag your HardDrive? (I have never experienced this as being necessary since the 'bad old days', but it can't hurt.)

3) Check your motherboard to see if it can take more RAM. If so, this will definitely speed up your system.

4) Check your internet speed, and perhaps upgrade your plan.

5) Run your antivirus in safe mode, and make sure that your PC is clean. I only use, and highly recommend, Norton 360, but Kapersky is also highly rated, and Malwarebytes goes without saying.

6) Make sure your operating system, and all of your software is legitimate, and has the latest updates. Once again, Norton should be used to check every file before you install it, and it will tell you if it is dodgy or not (it also checks for how widely it is used throughout the community.)

If your kids are downloading software all of the time, get it at CNET if you can, so you always know what you are getting. Also, be careful to tick/untick all the right boxes when you install, because some programs are bundled with unnecessary add-ons. (They can be really sneaky at doing this!)

7) Possibly re-install your operating system.. but, remember, you will then need to re-download all of your security patches/updates. I have experienced problems with this before; it doesn't always go smoothly because the older versions aren't well-supported.

8) Using the startup feature on CCleaner, disable any unwanted programs that start automatically when you boot your computer. Then disable any unwanted internet explorer add-ons, and scheduled tasks, in the same way. This will speed up your computer start-up time, and your connection when you go on the net, because all of your programs won't be trying to start/access the net at the same time!

You may need to disable some add-ons, such as 'adobe shockwave flash object', via your 'manage add-ons' menu in Internet Explorer (TOOLS->Manage Add-Ons.) This will stop most videos (and annoying ads) from starting/downloading automatically, and speed up your internet connection.

CCleaner can also be used to securely shred documents and files, safely (/completely) uninstall programs, and clean your registry, so I can't recommend it highly enough.

MY download is in process, and ti looks really good, Thanks.

I run CCleaner at the end of every day. It typically deletes half a gigabyte of temporary files!
I also highly recommend iolo System Mechanic Pro for antivirus and antimalware protection. It also has utilities for defragging and other maintenance chores. A single license allows you to install it on every computer you own.

Hey, thanks for all the responses. I did have more RAM added to it not that long ago. I actually only use this PC desktop computer as my secondary computer, so fortunately, I don't waste too much time on it. I just noticed that it was running slowly lately, so I'm going to look into the ideas you all mentioned. My main "tool" (as someone mentioned above) is my laptop, which runs Windows 7. I also agree that it's better than XP. I prefer the laptop as I don't have to be stuck in one location to work all the time. I would definitely like to go the Mac way, possibly when my laptop needs replacement. Thanks again!

For anyone that isn't aware it's good practice to reformat (backup your data and reinstall your operating system) every 6 months. If you are very good at other computer maintenance (bidaily hd defragging, registry cleaner, adware remover, nightly virus scans) then you can switch that amount of time to 1 year, but you should absolutely reinstall every year.

Every time you install something on your computer it gets stored somewhere in memory. Eventually you'll uninstall things. When this happens the next time you install something it will start to store data in the first open position it can find. This means part of the files could be saved where that old app was deleted and part could be stored in some other open spot. This is called disk fragmentation. No matter how much defragging you do you're going to continually see worse and worse performance from your computer until you completely wipe it and start out fresh.

Also don't get a mac. They are a waste of money. They still aren't supported by many mainstream apps out there or the apps are very buggy when run on a mac. They are also hugely overpriced. My current office has a mac because we make video games and needed a mac to port our current game to iphone and ipad. The mac cost us $3200 and to get a pc with the same specs cost us just under $900....

Apple is a ripoff because they purposely create their machines in a proprietary way so no one else can interface with their hardware and they can charge you whatever they want once they hook you. Also if you've ever heard of that "Macs don't get viruses" myth disregard it. Macs absolutely can get viruses and it's no harder to make a mac virus than a pc virus. The only reason there are more PC viruses is that most people use PCs. If I'm going to spend my time making a malicious piece of software for the masses would I make it for the operating system used by 90% of all users or the one used by 8%? Hmmmm... toughy.

Last but not least make sure you have a quality antivirus. AVG, Avast!, or Avira, pretty much anything else is garbage and all 3 of those have a free version which is more than adequate for normal computer use.