1. Update your computer device drivers, software and hardware by using Windows Update. This feature contains a long list of high-priority fixes as well as optional software and hardware downloads. Its purpose is to fix any known system bug, as well as to improve a program's existing features or a lack of compatibility with your computer. Click 'Start,' go to 'Programs' and launch 'Windows Update.' Note that you must have an active Internet connection.
2. Enable Windows Firewall to prevent potential hacking activity. A firewall blocks outside connections unknown to the user to prevent malicious access to your computer. Windows Firewall provides extensive computer protection absolutely free of charge. Click the 'Start' menu and launch 'Control Panel.' Click 'System and Security' followed by 'Windows Firewall.' Finally, select 'Turn Windows Firewall On or Off' from the left pane.

3. Perform a disk cleanup to increase your hard drive capacity. When your storage unit's capacity decreases, installing additional applications can become a problem. A convenient method to increase hard drive space without having to purchase additional memory is by removing all temporary files, which can add up as more programs are accessed. Click 'Start' and launch 'My Computer.' Right-click any available hard drives and launch 'Properties.' Click 'Disk Cleanup,' and the system will automatically locate temporary and other unnecessary data. Select the data you'd like to remove and click 'OK' to initiate the cleanup process.
4. Defragment your hard drive to increase computer performance. A common computer problem includes sluggish performance that can set you back from completing any given task. Windows' 'Disk Defragmenter' tool organizes all computer data used into the hard drive's sectors and clusters. As a result, it delivers a faster response when you're using applications and general features. Click 'Start,' go to 'Programs,' click 'Accessories' followed by 'System Tools' and launch 'Disk Defragmenter.' Highlight the hard drive you wish to inspect and click 'Defragment.'
5. Increase the amount of virtual memory if your computer lacks sufficient RAM. If insufficient RAM is available, Windows depends on a minimum amount of hard disk space to help any active program perform its task efficiently. Click 'Start,' right-click 'My Computer' and launch 'Properties.' Launch 'Advanced System Settings' to the left of the applet window. Click 'Settings' from the 'Performance' section, go to the 'Advanced' tab and click 'Change.' Enter a custom amount of space to be used from your hard disk in the 'Minimal Amount' and 'Maximum Amount' fields. Click 'Set' followed by 'OK' to save your new computer settings.
6. Obtain a free anti-virus and anti-spyware program to keep your computer free of known threats. Commonly used anti-virus tools include AVG, Avast! and Avira AntiVir. When it comes to anti-spyware applications, popular choices include Spybot Search Destroy, Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials. These free programs offer competitive computer protection and are continuously updated to fight off the latest computer threats. Perform a thorough system scan every week to ensure that no malware ever penetrates your system.