Speed up your sluggish computer

Got documents, folders, photos, and programs scattered across your desktop? Both PCs and Macs must sort and load this pile of files when you start the computer. That wastes memory and takes time, says Rich Brown of CNET. For snappier startup, store stuff elsewhere.

The PC fix: Stash files and apps under My Documents. For desktop access to certain items, create shortcuts, tiny files that point to the real file: Right-click the item and select Send to Desktop.

The Mac fix: Move files to folders under Places. To create a shortcut, control-click an item, select Make Alias, and drag it to the desktop.

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