The fastest way to boost a computer's speed is to add a memory module. In most computers, this upgrade is simple, inexpensive and will allow the computer to work faster and last longer. To add memory to desktop computers, the cover has to be removed. The memory module ports are located on the motherboard, which is a flat, square panel speckled with small electronic components. All you have to do is insert the new memory and replace the computer cover. For laptops, locate the memory module compartment (it is always on the bottom of the laptop, but some are under the battery compartment), open it and insert the module. Most times, inserting the module is all that is necessary. The computer will recognize that it has become smarter and will act like it when you use it.

Some people think that they have permanently deleted files when they send them to the Recycle Bin or the Trash. That is not the case. The initial deletion of a file only moves it to a different location. The file size is the same and it still takes up the same amount of space on the computer, which can slow it down. Take out the garbage to get rid of the files you delete permanently and get your computer back up to speed.

Temporary Internet Files allow a computer to speed up your browsing, but too many of these files can slow the computer down. Delete these files every week or so (every few days, if you are a record-holding Internet surfer) through your browser to keep them from piling up and causing your computer to be sluggish. To do this in Internet Explorer, just delete the browsing history. In Firefox, go to the "Tools" drop-down list, and click "Clear Recent History."

Malicious software can kill a computer's performance. Get rid of this stuff if your computer is to have a chance at revitalization. There are various programs -- paid and free -- that will get rid of malicious software. Whether you go with Norton, McAfee, Windows Defender, Avast, AVG or Avira, the wisest step to take is to update and run the program often -- weekly -- to ensure that the computer is clean and stays clean. Most programs contain firewalls, so keep the firewalls going to keep out unwanted intruders. Scan anything you download before you use it on your system.

Most computers come with a program that will defragment the little information particles on the hard drive. In Windows, the program is called the Disk Defragmenter and, in Mac operating systems, it is called the Disk Utility program. Run the respective program on your computer to condense all the fragments on the hard drive. When you do this, searching for information can be done more quickly because the computer does not have to look all over for the information it needs to run.

A computer's system registry contains information that tells a computer what programs are installed on the computer, what to do with the programs and when to do it. When programs are uninstalled, the registry items they created are supposed to be uninstalled as well, but most times some things stick around. These registry items take up space and can slow down a computer. Use freeware like CCleaner or Tweak Now! Reg Cleaner to delete unnecessary registry items and speed up your system.

Programs take up the bulk of the memory on a computer. If your hard drive is packed full of programs, delete the ones you do not use and take a load off the computer. A freeware program that helps uninstall programs and any of the information they create is the Revo Uninstaller. It deletes the program, its folders and registry items and comes with a set of utilities that cleans the computer and erases files. With the unused programs deleted, your computer can use the extra memory to run the programs that matter.

The cache works like the Temporary Internet Files in that it keeps information that allows the computer to do faster searches, but also like the Temporary Internet Files, the cache can overflow and slow down the system. In Windows, the cache is contained in the "Prefetch" folder. It is located here: (C:)/Windows/Prefetch. Open the folder, highlight everything there and delete it. The CCleaner program will also delete it for you, if you check the "Prefetch" box before running the program.

The special effects on your computer take up memory from the programs. If you want the computer to run faster, go for a less impressive appearance. Get rid of the background, especially if you have an active desktop. If you make the computer look like the interface came from the mid-1990s, it is guaranteed to move faster.

Cleaning the disk implies running a program that will delete unnecessary files off the hard drive. These items include deleted files in the Recycle Bin, Trash, System Restore points, temporary and cache files. If you run the Disk Clean-Up utility (Windows) or the CleanMyMac and ShredIt X programs (Mac), you can get the clutter off your hard drive and speed up the system. For the best performance, clean the disk and defragment it immediately. The clutter is gone and the information is condensed for faster searching.