The holidays are almost here — and if your computer has been acting up lately, now is the time to deal with it. The last thing you want is a frozen screen when you're trying to video call family, order gifts online, or print out a recipe for Thanksgiving dinner.

Here are seven signs your computer is overdue for a tune-up, and what you can do about each one.

If you press the power button and then go make coffee while you wait, that's a problem. A healthy computer should be ready to use within a minute or two. Slow startups are usually caused by too many programs launching automatically in the background — programs you may not even use anymore.

You can check your startup programs in Windows by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then clicking the Startup tab. Disabling programs you don't need at startup can make a noticeable difference.

Random freezes, spinning wheels, or programs that stop responding without warning are signs that something isn't right. This could be a software conflict, a failing hard drive, overheating, or simply too many programs running at once.

If your computer freezes regularly — especially during normal tasks like browsing or checking email — it's worth having someone take a closer look before the problem gets worse.

A sudden increase in pop-up ads, especially ones that appear even when you're not browsing the web, is a red flag. It often means unwanted software has found its way onto your computer. Some of these programs are just annoying; others can be more harmful.

Running a reputable malware scan is a good first step. If the pop-ups keep coming back, it may be time for a more thorough cleanup.

When your computer's storage gets close to full, everything slows down. Windows needs free space to run properly — as a general rule, try to keep at least 10–15% of your hard drive free.

Check your storage by opening File Explorer, right-clicking on your main drive (usually labeled C:), and selecting Properties. If you're running low, deleting old files, emptying the Recycle Bin, and uninstalling programs you no longer use can help.

Outdated software isn't just a performance issue — it's a security risk. Windows updates and software patches often include fixes for vulnerabilities that hackers actively look for.

If you've been clicking "Remind me later" on Windows Update for months, now is a good time to let those updates run. Make sure your browser, antivirus software, and any other programs you use regularly are also up to date.

If web pages take a long time to load, your browser crashes often, or your homepage has changed to something you didn't set, your browser may need attention. Too many extensions, a cluttered cache, or unwanted browser add-ons can all cause these problems.

Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, and review your installed extensions to remove any you don't recognize or use.

Computers generate heat, and the fan's job is to keep things cool. If your fan is running at full speed constantly — or if the bottom of your laptop is uncomfortably hot — your computer may be working harder than it should.

Dust buildup inside the computer is a common cause. Over time, dust clogs the vents and makes it harder for the fan to do its job. This is especially common in laptops that have been in use for a few years.

A professional computer tune-up goes beyond what you can do on your own. It typically includes:

• Removing unnecessary startup programs
• Cleaning up temporary files and junk data
• Scanning for and removing malware
• Checking for and installing software updates
• Inspecting the hard drive for errors
• Cleaning dust from vents (for in-home visits)
• Reviewing overall system health

The goal is a computer that starts faster, runs more smoothly, and is less likely to give you trouble at the worst possible moment.

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for technology problems — and one of the worst times to deal with them. A tune-up now takes far less time and costs far less than an emergency repair later.

If your computer is showing any of these signs, My Neighbor Tech's Computer Tune-Up & Optimization service can help. We come to your home in Bel Air, Harford County, and the surrounding Maryland area — no dropping off your computer, no waiting in line.

You can also browse our Computer Tune-Up Guide for more tips on keeping your computer running well on your own.

Schedule a tune-up today and head into the holidays with a computer you can count on.