Holding cash in hand is the mantra that all of us need to follow. But at the same time it should not hamper the work performance too. Improving our computer system's performance don't demand cash only. It can be achieved without spending much. The only thing is to know is how to harness the maximum out of the old hardware.

Without Spending a Single Penny
The Windows users must have noticed that with passing of time, the operating system keep slowing down and it does not perform as fast as it used to do earlier. It is a general problem that arises due to the lack of regular maintenance and can be resolved if we follow these tips:
1. Delete Temp Files: Erase the temporary files piled up on your hard disk. It can be done with the help of free tools available.
2. Clean up the Registry: Do not clean up the registry manually unless you are a master in dealing with registry. Registry cleaner tools are used for this purpose. You are strictly advised to create a back-up of your registry prior to modifying it because these tools may or may not back up your registry.
3. Defragment the Registry: After making a change to the registry, it is advised to defragment it so that the irregular space formed as the result of deletion of unused registry entries is discarded. It enhances the performance of Windows. Hard disk defragmentation can be used to achieve this.
4. Scan the System: Scanning the system for spyware and cleaning it make huge differences in enhancing your computer's performance. As a result a significant amount of CPU resource will be freed up.

Just Few Bucks & See the Difference
People who are willing to spend a bit to enhance their system's performance, will find these suggestions helpful.
5. Upgrade the RAM: The cost of RAM has decreased considerably in last three-four years, and that allow us to improve our system's performance by increasing the RAM. It is as cheap as chips and improving the RAM will definitely speed up your system. A 2GB RAM cost around £60. RAM up-gradation can be performed quite easily, and will not require a bios update at all.
6. Upgrade the Processor: If you can carry some more expenses for upgrading your computer, then you should look into upgrading the main processor. If your motherboard is not too old and is compatible with the new processor, then you can change the processor only. However if it is too old, change both of them.
7. Upgrade the Hard Disk: You might consider upgrade your hard disk. The cost of hard disks have come down dramatically in last few years. Increasing the rpm of your hard disk will add up to the speed of your system. If the current speed of you hard disk is 5400 rpm, you might want to look for a 7200 rpm version with the same capacity.

Few Other Tips
8. Remove the Unused Programs: A number of programs in our computer, that are pre-installed like image analysis software, processing software, audio processing software, etc., is not of any use and we never use them. Such programs should be deleted from the system. It will save valuable hard disk space and free up RAM usage dramatically.

9. Format the Root Drive: Even now if the above mentioned steps don't help you much, go for root drive formatting. Reinstall the required programs only. Though it takes some time but is definitely worthy looking at how much difference it makes. Make a back up of all your data files on the hard disk before going for this method.

10. If you are going for the formatting option, it is strongly advised to create an image of your hard disk after all the basic programs are installed. It will help dramatically reduce the time required to restore your computer to a basic configuration.