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Wednesday 8th February 2012

Give your XP computer an MOT

There are a few things your computer does that can eventually start slowing it down

For example, did you know every time you look at a website your computer stores the images in a place called Temporary Internet Files? The reason for this is so when you re-visit a website your computer attempts to load the page quicker by displaying the images stored in the Temporary Internet Files. However this facility can backfire on itself! When your computer has collected thousands of images and files it can slow down your enjoyment of the Internet as it takes ages to attempt to find the file it stored locally.

So what's the answer? (I hear you say) The answer is to use the Disk Cleanup facility once a month. This is how to do it. Oh, before we start I should warn you that if you have never done this it can take a while (it could take over 30 mins on an old computer)

1. Open My Computer and look for your hard disk (C:) icon - it should look something like this...

2. Right click over this icon and select Properties right at the bottom of the list (with a left click) you should see a pop up with a pie chart like this...

3. Click on the Disk Cleanup button and wait...it may take a couple of minutes to calculate until you see this...

4. Tick everything in the list (notice that this will achieve much more than just cleaning up the Temporary Internet Files)

5. Now click the OK button and then Yes to go ahead - If this is the first time you have done this I suggest once it begins you put the kettle on and watch a movie :)

Remember, if you carry this out once a month it will be much quicker and keeps your computer fitter and healthier.

Update: About Ccleaner

There is a great free program we recommend that cleans up your PC in one simple step. Go to www.ccleaner.com and download the free version. It's really easy to use and free from Spyware.

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