A PC that has an original Intel motherboard, 400 GB HDD, core duo processor, and 512MB RAM is always a better performer than 486 PC with its vintage configuration. However even these bleeding-edge technologies are susceptible external threats that can slow down the performance of your PC.

You can give your PC a free scan from free cleaning devices like RegCure to identify the problem that make it run slow. There are free registry cleaning kits and trial versions that will help in through scanning and listing all the infected files. Reputed cleaning devices also provide a disk back up option before performing a registry edit. Most of the best cleaning devices remove files that are only safe to remove leaving a comprehensive back up for review and modifications later if required.

The rising security crisis also manifests in your PC performance as your PC becomes susceptible to spyware and adware. These are most virulent forms of threat that can damage your PC to the extent that there might be very little chance for retrieval. Spyware and adware are distinctively different from the virus and spams and even hacker attacks. Your PC firewall and antispam kits might not be well equipped to fight these back.

Your registry might be contaminated by these malware that contributes to mar the PC performance in a subtle but organized fashion. If you are a heavy internet user then your PC is susceptible to spyware and adware that your antivirus kit is unable to detect and annul the damages that are caused.

Spyware and adware unlike viruses do not multiply or contaminate your emails. These trace your behavior and transmit it to others, appropriate your private information, change your web browser and alter your PC settings for displaying ads.

The most interesting fact about spyware and adware are that even if you remove these successfully these will leave traces and files that are almost impossible to detect and delete and this will continue to corrupt your registry for an infinite period of time.

Adware and spyware insert themselves on your PC in highly organized manner. When you’re visiting various websites these irritants are downloaded into your PC. There is no way you can list them and turn away from such sites. These contaminate your PC through illegal downloads and even when you are downloading or installing a specific software that you require.

Spyware can also be installed on your PC when you consciously download and install other legitimate programs. The most common are Search hijackers, Browser Hijackers, Key Loggers and Pop-up generators.

Try to obtain a good antispyware program and use it regularly to scan your PC. Ad-Aware SE Personal and Spybot Search & Destroy are two such freeware to protect your PC from malware. There are other antispyware devices like Spy Sweeper that are paid software.

Most PC perform sluggishly due top presence of malware, however you need to be cautious about other aspects that could slow down the performance of your PC. Overheating of the PC, excessive fragmentation, less than 512 MB RAM and some antivirus programs like Norton & McAfee also contribute to slow down your PC. Remember to clean up your logs and avoid running too many programs to get a better PC performance.