Tips for keeping my computer running at its best performance?

Question

over they years computers get slow, and domt seem to be as good as they were 3 years ago when you bought the thing, so....

1) what makes a computer get slow over the years?

2) some tips for keeping it run at its best?

Heres a bit of what i know, any other suggestions would be nice,

- disc cleanup and defragmention every so often

- empty the recycle bin

- uninstall any unused programs

- organize stuff on desktop into folders

- delete internet browsing history now and then

Any other pointers on how to keep my computer running at its best would be greatly appreciated =)

Answer 1

- disabling unused services and windows startup items with MSCONFIG, to free up more memory and decrease CPU's workload.

- scanning your computer for viruses/malware as often as possible

- cleaning and oiling the coolers in the PC to make the cooling more efficient thus preventing possible overheating.

- tweak the windows a tad with some 3rd party software (Powertoys for windows for instance).

- do a little overclock to make it run even swifter X)

Answer 2

run a reg cleaner,try cleaner its free,defrag reg aswell ,re-indexing helps ,removing duplicates on pc,once a year open it up and clear out all the dust,because no matter were u live ,there will be some,oh yes and buy some more ram,or try giving the pc more virtual memory............my pc 5gig virtual ,,4 gig actual ram,lighting fast