It is a challenge to keep a computer fast. It is also a challenge to prevent it from becoming prone to errors and crashes. So, we have to take precautions in order to keep our computers running at their best. We know, of course, spyware, viruses and other types of malware can infect our computers and cause such slow downs and errors. They can even cause the "blue screen of death."

Beyond simply slowing down a computer, the wrong kind of spyware will read personal information, like social security numbers and banking information right out of the computer's onboard memory. Fortunately, everyone is aware of this and so just about everyone uses a spyware cleaner periodically.

The importance of using a good virus/spyware scanner cannot be overstated because by not using one a person leaves him/herself wide open to the odious things viruses and spyware are capable of doing.

A Corrupt Registry

While viruses and spyware may be on the top of our list of worst computer outlaws, there is one more thing that threatens our computer's ability to function with any amount of speed and efficiency.

It is registry corruption and though a lot of folks are not yet familiar with it, it can be very damaging to a computer's capability to function. Registry corruption is known for making a once speedy computer about as functional as a doorstop. So, a computer that is virus and spyware free and is still operating somewhere between sluggish and brain dead, probably has corruption present in its registry.

Stopping Registry Corruption

There is literally no way to prevent registry corruption. The old adage is corruption comes from deleted programs. Though this may have been true a couple of years ago, it isn't true of the enormous operating systems we all now use. It take a lot more effort to keep corruption from forming in Windows XP and Vista registries than it did in older registries.

In today's computing world there are an endless number of temporary files being exchanged constantly. Also, the unbelievably large sizes of the new operating systems make them a magnet for registry corruption. It does not mean the operator was careless if his/her Windows XP or Vista registry becomes corrupt. It happens to everyone eventually.

What Can We Do About It?

Fortunately, you can get a free registry scan with a top performing registry scanner so you can see if you do have corruption in your computer's registry. If you do, you will want to make registry cleaning a part of your computer maintenance routine along with regular virus/spyware cleanings. Registry cleaners are inexpensive and can literally save you computer's life. So it is a smart move to have one on hand.

Once again, don't overlook the importance of checking your computer for registry corruption. It is true corruption in the registry does not have the capability of causing your identity to be stolen like spyware does. However, enough corruption in the registry can make it so one day your computer may suffer a crash it will not be able to recover from. I have seen this happen on more than one occasion!