Slow Windows XP, want to optimize my computer!

My computer runs very slow when I attempt to run multiple programs at once, and many programs become non-responsive when I load them and require 2 or 3 tries to get them working. As well, I am unable to run certain games that I should be able to run on my system. My aim is to simply improve the speed of my computer and make sure there are no malicious software or viruses present. Thanks for your help!

Hi Darkraver Could we have some more info please on your computer Cpu speed How much ram OS 98,2000,xp or vista. Yo can get this info by right click on my computer>left click on propertities, theinfo should be on the general tab Cheers Peterm

Thanks for the reply, Here are my specs: - Windows XP - Intel 1.86GHz Processor - 0.99 Gigs of RAM

Hi Darkraver

A place to start could be reading this.

Help! My computer is slow!

Regards Abydos