how can i speed up the performance of my computer

Mornin' crhodes62 and welcome to the Community! We require a bit more info in order to help you out!
Are you using a PC or laptop? Age of machine? Make & Model? Which operating system are you using? Processor, Memory (RAM), 64bit or 32bit?

Well to answer that they are a couple of ways. You can go the hardware route like he is suggesting or the software route but no matter what you do make sure you back up your data number on thing everyone should be doing. If your using a web browser going into the setting and clean up all your browsing history this should clean the cached files. This should speed up your browser a lot  when you are online. Make sure that your passwords, and Autofill form data isn't filled. You would want to click Browsing History, Download history, Cookies, Cached images and files. That should speed up your computer. If your going the hardware route make sure that  your computer can handel the new upgrades to your computer you can find this out by typing your model number and it should give you the specs to the computer and you can coralate that to the manufautes website. 
 
You can also speed up the internet by getting a faster router depending on how many device and range of your router can effect your speed and what objects could potential be blocking your signal also you could upgrade your speed from your service provider to speed you internet online. 
 
FYI always make sure your using a https encryption when your submiting forms otherwise data is not secure through the internet. The protocal is called Hypertext Transfer Protocal Secure and it encryps your data in the connection you can find this on you URL (Unviersal Resourse Locator)  where you would type in a website and there should be a green lock icon on it. 
 
I also reccomend putting your Webroot Extentions on your webrowser so it will block any Malicous content onto your computer when your on the internet. This will help with malicous payloads too.