To enhance system performance and eliminate slow efficiency due to program buildup, clean out your internet temporary files by going to tools, clicking options, then searching and deleting files ending in ‘.tmp’. To delete fragmented files, go to ‘my computer’ and run a disk defragmenter. This will make it faster and safer to retrieve files. To clean up your disk, go to Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Clean up. If your computer is still unnaturally slow and your computer is only a few years old, you might want to try restoring your computer to factory condition. This will delete any files you’ve recently saved, so you’ll want to back up any important information on an external hard drive or USB drive. Restoration can be achieved by a few simple keystrokes during boot. Use this chart to determine when and how to restore your specific computer.

Another way to increase efficiency is to add more memory. Though it costs money, increasing RAM will provide valuable memory space and stop slowing down your computer’s speed. If your computer still performs poorly, it’s possible it has a virus infection. Antivirus software is a must have, and having it will do no good if you don’t perform routine checks. Run your antivirus software’s full scan to identify and eliminate any viruses your computer may have. You’ll also want to make sure you have a spyware program in action.

One way to rid yourself of your old computer is by selling it on eBay or Amazon. This way, you can make money to put towards your new computer and help someone else out at the same time. Be sure to be as descriptive as possible when detailing the information on either of these sites—if buyers don’t receive the product promised there can be serious repercussions. If you have no luck selling online or don’t want to bother with online sites, you can sell individual parts or whole items at junk sales, yard sales, Gumtree, or car boot sales. If you’d rather avoid the hassle of selling all together, give back to the environment by recycling your old stuff. Find a local recycling company online or look them up in the phonebook to learn about the recycling policies near you.  Computers contain many valuable metals as well as some non-recyclable parts, so it’s important you personally contact a recycler instead of tossing it in a recycling bin. Some companies, like Dell and Fonebak, will do the recycling for you. A less literal form of recycling would be to giving away unwanted outdated technology to someone else who wants or needs it. Try checking out www.Freecycle.org to advertise anything you want to donate to someone in your area. You can also donate to homeless shelters, children’s shelters, or other charitable groups that serve the less fortunate in your area.

For the most part, cookies are relatively harmless. Their main threat lies in their ability to be used as spyware. It’s a good idea to install an anti-spyware program that will warn you before entering a site with cookies. You can choose whether to accept cookies and how long you want to keep them. The reasoning behind the need for anti-spyware is a privacy concern. Many people don’t want to be tracked or want their personal information remembered by a third party site. More serious problems caused by cookies and spyware is the intrusion of malware, or malicious software. This includes viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and spyware that can cause harm and infiltrate your computer system without your consent.

To delete browser cookies, open your internet browser, go to the ‘tools’ button on the toolbar, select ‘internet options’, go to the ‘general’ tab and look for the ‘delete cookies’ option. You might also see an option under ‘browsing history’ where you can delete cookies and other temporary internet files.

1. Acer: Acer computers come in desktops, laptops, and netbooks. They have special models specific for business, students, and leisure. In 2007, Acer acquired the Gateway line (focusing on design and style) and the eMachine line (great value and function).
2. Apple: This premium well known computer brand sells desktops (the iMac or Mac Mini) and laptops (the MacBook or MacBook Pro). Though more expensive, Apple’s Macs are great for graphic design, leisurely use, and for students. They use the Mac OS X operating system with has fewer problems with viruses and other malware than other operating systems.
3. Compaq/HP: One of the top tier computer brands, HP offers the Pavilion for mainstream performance in desktops and laptops, the TouchSmart for an all in one desktop, the HP Mini as a netbook line, and the Compaq Presario line for lower cost desktops and laptops.
4. Dell: Dell is currently the largest seller of desktops and laptops in the US. Their Inspiron line is great for students and pleasure, the Studio line is geared towards design and style oriented users, and the Studio XPS models are perfect for gaming systems and offer premium performance (Alienware systems are available for hardcore gamers). Dell also offers the Mini, a netbook series great for young users and easy transport.
5. Lenovo: As a former line of IBM, Lenovo offers the ThinkPad and ThinkCentre—two highly ranked business computers. They also have consumer lines that feature desktops (IdeaCentre) and laptops (IdeaPad).
6. Sony: These computers are known for their extra software capabilities including free Sony multimedia programs. They sell desktops, laptops, netbooks, and an Atom-processor-equipped system called the Lifestyle PC.

1. An external hard drive: If something were to happen to your current computer and all of your files—work documents, pictures, music, your son’s 20 page term paper due tomorrow—were no longer accessible. To prevent your precious files from disappearing forever, back up files you wouldn’t want to lose on an external hard drive.
2. A wireless keyboard and mouse: Whether you use a desktop computer or a laptop, a wireless mouse and keyboard can work wonders for your computer’s versatility. You can use them traditionally, or hook your computer up to your TV and surf the web from the comfort of your couch. We recommend the Logitech Cordless MX Duo Keyboard and Mouse.
3. Speakers: Sure,  you’re computer came with standard working speakers, but if you’re looking to upgrade and like high sound quality there are way better speakers out there. We recommend the Audioengine 5 or 2, the Altec Lansing Expressionist Ultra MX 6021, or the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40.
4. A quality printer/scanner: There is a great selection of wireless printers and scanners available today that make it easy to transfer your on screen viewing into your waiting hands. The Lexmark Interact S605 prints, scans, and copies through the use of wireless technology and an integrated touch screen.  The Samsung ML-2525W wireless laser printer is also a reliable bet.
5. A video camera and microphone: If your computer doesn’t come equipped with a standard built in video camera and microphone, you’ll want to buy one to stay up to date with the latest video chatting trends. Through Skype and iChat, people around the world are staying connected face to face through video chatting capabilities.