Identify viruses, spyware and adware

These culprits can make your computer run slower than usual. If you don't have any security software, or if it fails to catch invaders, you can turn to several Web sites for help.

I recommend: PC Hell has comprehensive advice and solutions for hardware and software problems, including instructions to remove specific malware. PC World has two articles that will help you determine if a virus or malware is the root of your problem.

Remove viruses, spyware, adware and other malware

Once you've ID'd a bug, get rid of it. Some leading anti-virus manufacturers provide free, Web-based scans, or you can purchase software to do the job.

I recommend: Trend Micro and Panda Software offer free, but slow, virus and spyware scans that detect and eliminate the guilty parties. Microsoft offers a free malware remover on its Web site. Symantec's Norton SystemWorks software automatically detects and purges viruses, spyware and adware.

Solve Windows problems

If you've got a problem with Windows, good step-by-step advice is freely available.

I recommend: HelpWithWindows.com has advice and tutorials, including a troubleshooting section. Tom Bair's Windows Watcher columns in Computer Bits are full of excellent problem-solving advice. Microsoft's “Windows XP How-to and Support” site has tutorials, a “knowledge base” and links to paid support.

Solve miscellaneous problems

Software, hardware and networking problems can bring your business day to a grinding halt. Get back up and running with free help from several sources on the Web or with security software.

I recommend: PC Magazine lets you search for solutions on its Web site. CNET also allows visitors to search its hardware forums for help. Symantec's Norton SystemWorks software undoes failed software installations, system crashes and more.

Get help

If you're unable to diagnose a problem or find a solution in a reasonable amount of time, it's better to seek expert assistance.

I recommend: Get free help from Help2Go, where volunteers will attempt to answer your questions. For paid assistance, call the Geek Squad 24/7 for phone or in-home support or find them in any Best Buy store.

Control your startup items

Most software applications, including programs installed with new hardware, dump unnecessary modules into your startup folder. These mini-applications are always running. At best, they hog resources. At worst, they cause system problems or conflicts.

I recommend: Sysinfo.org has a database of items that are commonly loaded at Windows startup. Each entry tells you whether the item is necessary (or necessary for a particular program), optional or created by malware.