5. Poor Security Software. A large number of security programs, and suites, are bloated with software and demand a great deal of system resource and memory. The constant surveillance of your system for malicious ITD's can cause your system to get sluggish. Yes, system security is essential, but some of the programs have gone overboard with coding and, some of the lesser known, can be a source of system infestation.

These programs we have previously recommended do not fit in this category. Sunbelt-Software's CounterSpy has been my favorite standby. It is not free, but it is user-favorable with an easily understood interface and more features than others I have tested.

6. Remnants of Uninstalled Programs. There is a program that I recommend, and use, for complete un-installation: Innovative Uninstaller Pro. The writer of this software is consumer-oriented and offers a free test period. In checking in the registry, I have found it does remove the coding and software of an uninstalled program you merely drop the icon of the one you want uninstalled on the uninstaller icon. Cool what? A good start on your way to a clean-up is through RegCure that cleans up previously left behind debris.

7. The Page File. The Windows Page File is a temporary source of memory used by the system in processing functions. It is actually a buffer that is used for "wiggling room." If your page file is too small, your operating system will not have enough room to move and the result will be poor performance and error messages.

If this is your experience, you can increase the size of the page file. Right click on My Computer and go to "Properties," click "Advanced Tab," click "Settings" in the "Performance" section, click the "Advanced" button, click "Change" under "Virtual Memory" Microsoft recommends that the paging file be 1 ½ times greater than the amount of installed RAM. However, Windows can automatically adjust this for you. Select "System Managed Size" then click the Set button. OK your way out.