Be Careful What You Click On
This is especially true when installing anything, including "updates".
Avoid installing "Accessory Tool-bars", especially in your browser(s).
When going through a series of "dialog boxes" (small program Windows), especially for a program update such as "Java" and "Flash Player", be sure to read each screen carefully, and "un-check" (or check) whatever is appropriate so that unwanted stuff does not get installed on your system.
Usually this stuff is harmless, but not always... and it can clutter-up your screen, and bog down your system.
Keep Up With "Critical OS Updates"
OS = Operating system (such as MS Windows).
I cannot emphasize enough how important this is.
Be patient with this process.
The people I help who have the most problems usually ignore installing updates. It is absolutely (and sometimes literally) a "pay me now, or pay me later" situation.
"Critical Updates" are clearly defined here.
ALWAYS install these!... Immediately!
"Optional Updates" are usually OK to postpone, at least for a while.
This can be checked manually from the "Start Menu" if you want.
The "Default" setting is to "Check Automatically", but it is a good idea to verify this from time-to-time, especially after any event where you think your system security may have been compromised.
One insidious trick that Malware can use is to turn-off these automatic updates, so be wary!
Vigilance with this is essential, especially if you do Banking or Credit Card purchases on-line.
Other Updates to be aware of are:
The above two programs are frequently integrated into Browser functions used in on-line Banking and Purchasing. For this reason it is VERY Important to keep them up-to-date. Always allow these to update, but read the update screens very carefully! This is an essential security practice.
When In Doubt, Right-Click
This is the best Windows PC tip that I've ever received.
You can Right-Click anywhere, and on anything.
A blank space (on the Desktop, in a program window, etc.) will typically yield a "pop-up menu"... as will rt-clicking on an item (icon, program tool-bar, button, etc.).
Feel free to experiment from time-to-time with this... it can lead you to a lot of time-saving shortcuts.
Hitting the "Esc" (escape) key/button on your keyboard (upper L-H corner) will usually allow you to back-out of anything that you are unsure of!
PC Speed or ISP Connection Problems
If you only have PC response time problems when connected to the Internet, then the very 1st thing you want to do is an "ISP Speed Test" (Internet Service Provider).
The ones I use the most are:
Will work for any ISP connection.
Click on "at home" (location) to start the test.
It is helpful if you know what your service is "rated" at.
Services are typically rated by "Download Speed".
Most "Broadband" services start around 5Mbps (Mega bits per second)
Anything 3Mbps or higher is typically adequate for video "streaming" (even HD) such as "Netflix", etc.
Try also running this test on another PC or device connected to your network. This can help you determine if the problem is with the PC, or with the Network / Provider.
One quick fix can be to "reboot" the modem. Just unplug the power source for 15 seconds or more, then reconnect it and wait for it to re-boot (which can take up to 1 to 3 minutes).
Right-Click on the "Network" (Network Connections) icon in your System Tray (near the clock/date) if available.
The resulting menu here should give you an option to "Diagnose and Repair" your Network (and ISP) connection.
Use this first if you are having ISP connection problems.
You can also find this through "Control Panel".