Speed up your sluggish computer

A few easy -- and free -- tweaks can help rev up your old machine, so you won't have to rush to buy a new one.

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4. Simplify security

PC security suites provide whole-hog protection from worms, viruses, hackers, and more -- but they drain computing resources while scanning for these threats. Besides, some of the programs' features are redundant, says Cisco Cheng of PCMag.com: Today's web browsers have pop-up blockers to prevent malware installation, and Windows has firewalls to block spyware. Trading out power-suck suites for simple virus protection can make your computer more efficient.

The PC fix: Delete the suite in favor of ESET Nod32 Antivirus (eset.com; $39.99).

The Mac fix: None; Mac users typically don't use security software.

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Last updated April 01 2010: 11:40 AM ET

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