PC problems

Lots of things you can do Jock, most of have been mentioned.

Disk Defrag and Disk Cleanup under Accessories > System Tools.
You can download a program called CCleaner which is a better version of Disk Cleanup

DON'T have more than one instance of Anti Virus software on your computer, that's a big no no. Even with Windows Security Essentials and AVG installed together it will slow it down. Get rid of one.

Delete unwanted files. Do a full virus/spyware scan (sometimes best leaving it overnight) and remove any viruses etc. Remove any toolbars from your browser (done by going to Control Panel, Programs and Features in W7 or Add/Remove Programs in Windows XP.

DON'T use Internet Explorer. Download the latest windows updates for your laptop. Download a program called PC DeCrapifier and remove the programs you don't ever use - most of this dross comes pre-loaded nowadays.

Make sure you have the latest versions of your internet browser and flash player.

If it has problems being slow when first loading up. Go to start and find 'Run'. Type msconfig. Go to the start up tab and have a look. Uncheck the boxes of the programs you don't NEED to run on startup.

Think that's about it for now.