Your once blazingly-fast computer will eventually slow down. Larger, more complicated programs and an aging operating system form a double-edged sword that will cut down its speed. You may think a slower computer is inevitable, but just by taking a few simple steps, you can keep your machine running fast and worry-free.

PC Users

• New PCs are often loaded with add-on programs from third-party software developers. Unless you foresee a need,  it’s best to uninstall them. They only add bloat to Windows.
• Use only one anti-virus/spyware program. Regularly perform scans to ensure your computer remains infection-free.
• Always perform updates when prompted by Windows, or by other reputable software providers, since the updates often eliminate program glitches or repair potentially dangerous security flaws.
• Keep your documents, videos and music organized in your personal folders. Create subfolders, if necessary, to avoid clutter.
• Uninstall programs that you don’t like or rarely use.
• When you download a program, an .exe installer file is saved on your desktop or in a downloads folder (depending on your preference). Once the program is installed on your computer, delete the .exe file, since it’s no longer needed.
• Always be aware of what you click. Never click on a link in an email from a source you don’t recognize. Also, be aware of websites you visit, and never download anything that looks suspicious.
• Perform Disk Defragmenter once a month. Find this by searching Disk Defragmenter in the Start menu, or by going to Programs—>Accessories—>System Tools.

Mac Users

• Always perform updates when prompted by OS X, or by other known programs, as they often eliminate software glitches or repair potentially dangerous security flaws.
• Keep your documents, videos and music organized in your Home folder. Create subfolders, if necessary, to avoid clutter.
• Use an uninstaller program—such as AppCleaner—to remove unwanted programs and associated files.
• Uninstall programs that you don’t like or rarely use.
• When you download a program, a .dmg file is saved on your desktop or in a downloads folder (depending on your preference). Once the program is installed on your computer, eject the disk image from your desktop, then delete the .dmg file, since it’s no longer needed.
• Always be aware of what you click. Never click on a link in an email from a source you don’t recognize. Also, be aware of websites you visit, and never download anything that looks suspicious.
• OS X automatically performs scheduled maintenance programs, so there’s no need for anything additional.

Check back next week for the basics on keeping your computer and personal info safe and secure.