Run fewer programs at the same time

Don't have too many programs running at the same time. Each running program consumes a bit of the system's resources. Have multiple open windows for the same program (e.g. having three Word documents open) also lowers resources as each window takes up a bit of memory and processing power.

If you are not using an open file or program, close it so that the files/programs you are working in can speed up a little.