Cleaning PC

When you deleted programs did you use programs like Ccleaner or Revo Uninstaller? These get rid of all the files and deleting programs with them should not slow your computer down.

Programs like MalwareBytes and Spybot Search and Destroy will help to get rid of unwanted programs, and they are free.

I know nothing about PC majic.

Key word here is "Over the years." If you can afford it, just get a new computer. Computers change completely about every 4 years. The new programs get bigger. At stores like Fry's or Best Buy you can get a great laptop for under $500. Get the store extended warranty with it!

Just installing and deleting programs do not usually slow down a PC.
What does? Installing programs that require (but usually do not need) a program to start up at boot time. Like printers for camera programs.
Two little hard drive space. Easy to check out, right click on the C: drive and select properties. Unused space should be above 20gb or so.
What is slow, internet, or programs that start up slowly?
I have over 200 programs installed, but I get rid of the specific programs that start up at boot time. Someone can help you with that.
Too many emails can slow up gmail or hotmail, delete what you can.
Browsers issues can be popup, ads, or too many ad-ons.

You've been listening to too many commercials.

Use the above-mentioned programs, learn to use msconfig to control what loads on startup, and use the programs function in the control panel to uninstall anything you didn't specifically install.

Lastly, don't use McAfee or Norton for your antivirus. They're resource heavy and filled with junk. Even John McAfee would tell you not to put his namesake on your computer. In fact, Intel just rebranded it a few weeks ago. Use Avast or Malbarebytes.

I would say no to the clean PC web sites. The best thing to do is upgrade. Memory and disk space is cheap. You statement "Over the years" tells me your hardware is old. find someone to build a PC for you - store bought ones have too much garbage loaded on them. If you can't afford that, then the best thing to do is save off your data files and pictures, and have someone wipe the drive and reinstall the OS.

I would also say no to open sopurce of free AV programs like AVAST. I use Trend Micro. Subscription is inexpensive.

Or, you can look into tryin to clean things up yourself, take a look at this web site.

intheburbs wrote:
You've been listening to too many commercials.

Use the above-mentioned programs, learn to use msconfig to control what loads on startup, and use the programs function in the control panel to uninstall anything you didn't specifically install.

Lastly, don't use McAfee or Norton for your antivirus. They're resource heavy and filled with junk. Even John McAfee would tell you not to put his namesake on your computer. In fact, Intel just rebranded it a few weeks ago. Use Avast or Malbarebytes.

If you are referring to "Malwarebytes" it is not an Antivirus program

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is not meant to be a replacement for antivirus software.

Source

Todger wrote:
Over the years we have added and deleted programs on our PC. This has slowed the computer way down. I am not computer savvy but need the PC cleaned out. Should I have the PC looked at by a pro or are web sights like PC majic worth the cost.

PC Magic is snake oil as are most "one click makes your computer run like new" software.

Which Operating System are you using?
Windows 7?
Windows XP?

Possibly your computer has slowed due to the many updates over the years (assuming it is a Microsoft system). I'm thinking the fix you need is updating the operating system.

My 7-year-old desktop was very slow until last summer. I did use Revo Uninstaller when removing programs, but didn't uninstall many because what I loaded was usually what I wanted. Had two separate hard drives in it (not partitioned), one for the operating system & programs and one for my 'stuff'. So, basically, this old WinXP computer was well-managed over its years. But it still bogged down and chugged through its daily chores.

Last summer I upgraded it to Windows 7 by reformatting the drive with the operating system and then reloading the programs. Wow! Fast machine again. Not as fast as my new 64-bit Win7 with 32 GB RAM desktop, but darn impressive.

I use the three free products below on our current laptop running Windows 8.1 and on our last two laptops running Windows 7 with no issues.

Malwarebytes
Avast
C Cleaner

I use Advanced System Care (The FREE version)and have never had a problem with my PC or with the software. It has solved several problems. Cleaning up the Windows registry, getting rid of programs and data you no longer need, eliminating any unneeded programs that automatically start when you power on your computer will all help. It's amazing what gets installed on your computer without your direct consent, or you forget to uncheck that you want it installed.