Routine care.
WHAT TO DO REGULARLY
Apply updates Restart, at least weekly Check free disk space Review what starts automatically Remove software you no longer use
WHY RESTART
Memory is released, updates complete, and a surprising number of problems clear.
WHAT SLOWS A COMPUTER OVER TIME
Programs starting automatically A nearly full disk Too little memory for what is open Accumulated browser extensions Failing hardware
WHAT TO CHECK FIRST WHEN SOMETHING IS SLOW
Free disk space What is consuming processor and memory
WHERE TO LOOK
The system's own activity monitor.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT A PROGRAM CONSUMING EVERYTHING
Close it, and establish why.
WHAT TO REVIEW
The list of programs starting at login.
Most do not need to.
WHAT NOT TO INSTALL
Tools promising to speed up or clean your computer.
WHY
Most do nothing useful, and some cause harm.
WHAT ACTUALLY HELPS
Free space, fewer startup programs, and more memory.
