Keeping your computer running at its best requires one to maintain all aspects of the computer, all the time. Besides being a cautious user, there are many other ways to keep your computer running fast, whether it is old or new. This does not require any upgrading of computer hardware, only maintaining everything within the operating system. The following applies mostly to Microsoft-based operating systems.

Assuming you already have adequate virus and spyware protection, run these applications on a regular basis. If you are running low on free memory and CPU usage, it would be a wise decision to use Microsoft's "msconfig" application, which is built into most operating systems by Microsoft. Clicking the start menu and selecting "run" can access this application. With the prompt window up, you just type in "msconfig" and you are ready to go. For Windows 2000 users, you will have to download this program from somewhere, just "google" it and you will find it easily. When the application pops up, click on the startup tab and uncheck all unnecessary programs that are scheduled to startup on every reboot. Doing this will ensure that no physical or virtual memory is wasted on services that are not a necessity at the present time.

A standard maintenance wouldn't be complete without a disk defragmentation. You will want to run a disk defragmentation once a month. Many people make the mistake of running the defragmentation in normal mode, but to get the best results, you will want to reboot in safe mode before running the application. In addition to running the disk defragmentation in safe mode, you might want to run the disk cleanup application as well. This program will eliminate temporary files, including temporary files from the Internet. There are programs out there such as "CleanUp!" that will remove temporary files more effectively. Running a program such as this will often free up a decent amount of space on your hard-drive as well.

The best sequence to follow for a maintenance run of the computer would be to start out with a spyware scan and a virus scan. After those are complete, restart the computer in safe mode and run disk cleanup. When the disk cleanup is complete, you should then run the disk defragmentation, which usually takes the longest anyway. After all of those are complete you should be able to restart normally and be running topnotch. But if you are still running low on resources, then I suggest upgrading hardware and perhaps purchasing a stick of memory that fits best to you computer's specifications. Upgrading the processor is a much more difficult process and you would have to make sure of what your motherboard supports.

Keeping in mind that operating systems use different amounts of resources, so it is suggested to change that if it is an option for you. Desktop and folder setting can also play a role in how quick everything opens. It probably isn't too late to use Windows 98 for owners of older computers. You shouldn't have to be forced into using an operating system you do not wish to use, but it appears that day is coming soon.