Prepare for spring: cleaning up your PC to maximize efficiency

The temperatures are warming up and the snow is melting away. It can only mean one thing: The traditional spring cleaning season is right around the corner. In addition to cleaning your home, you might want to consider giving your PC a spring scrub-down as well. Cleaning your PC can help it run faster and more efficiently and improve your overall computing experience.

If you have a Windows-based PC, kick start your spring cleaning with the following tips and tricks:

* Remove unused programs to boost startup speed
Getting rid of unused programs from your computer is the equivalent to clearing all the junk in your garage that you never use. Removing programs will free disk space and help your PC start much faster. To uninstall programs, go to the Start menu, click the Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs, and finally select the programs you would like to remove.

* Run Microsoft Update
Go to update.microsoft.com to ensure you have the latest security and performance enhancements installed.

* Upgrade your browser
Keeping your Internet browser up-to-date is important, since browsing the Web is how most people spend the majority of time on their PCs. Modern browsers provide the most secure browsing experience and often protect customers from the newest security issues. The newest browsers are also optimized to display Web pages rapidly, which means you get to your favorite content more quickly. Most PCs offer an automatic update service that will alert you when the browser you are running needs to updated. Visit www.microsoft.com/ie to download the latest version of the most secure browser.

* Install antivirus software that won't slow you down
Running antivirus protection is a smart way to improve your PC protection, but some antivirus programs can really impact the performance of your PC, or may interrupt what you are doing to run scans at inconvenient times. So choose antivirus software that uses your processor and memory efficiently, and runs quietly in the background when you have important things to do. Microsoft Security Essentials is a great, free option.

The rules of maintaining a home and PC upkeep are similar: cut down on the junk, keep it organized and up-to-date, make sure it is secure and perform regular maintenance. These quick, simple tips and tricks will keep your PC running smoothly and efficiently all year long.