One of the first places to start when dealing with a computer problem is to download the latest version of your virus software and the latest versions of your spyware detection software. If you have a kit to detect rootkits then you should make sure that it is also up to date. Once all is up to date disconnect your computer from the internet by removing the cable from the computer and run all of the virus, spyware and rootkit software you have. I say to disconnect you computer from the internet because some of the more malicious viruses will tell other infected computers that they have been scanned and then the other infected computers wait and work hard to reinfect the computer.

For virus software I use AVG Free from Grisoft. They also make a rootkit detector that is free. For spyware I use two free programs, one catches things the other misses. I use both Adaware and Spybot Search and Destroy.

If you run all of your virus and spy software and still find your computer is running slow then you should next defrag your harddrive.

To defrag your hard drive open 'My Computer' and right click on the hard drive you want to defrag. Go down to the properties option and click on that. Now click on the 'Tools' tab at the top of the screen. Then click on the defrag option. Once there tell your computer to defrag your hard drive.

Defragging your hard drive should be done on a regular basis to ensure that the data is not spread all over the place. Think of it like a messy room with clothes all over. Defragging your hard drive is like cleaning the room and putting everything back in its place. Once everything is where it should be you can find things faster.

After defragging your hard drive you should do a boot check of the system. Right above your defragging tool there is a tool to check the hard drive for errors. If you have a large hard drive I would suggest setting this to run when you are leaving for the day and do not need you computer. Once you check the box to set a disk check you have to do it next time the computer boots. So do it just before you leave and restart you computer.

All of the above listed should be done on a regular basis to improve the health of your computer.