MacBook Pro Mid 2010 Model very sluggish when trying to carry out "demanding" tasks.

Question

Hello,
I've had my MacBook Pro for almost three years now, I purchased it in August of 2010 and I have never had any problems with it until recently. First, the disk drive went out on me, it will read very low capacity disks such as photo disks or DVDs but when I try to pop in a game disk or burn anything, it makes this really loud noise and freezes up. I've already had this problem looked at, and I will be sending it to Apple to be repaired in the next month or so.
However, recently, a new problem has occured. Whenever I open an app, especially Safari, if I try to carry out "demanding" tasks (i.e. watch videos on YouTube, get on Facebook, listen to music from Pandora) it freezes and the only solution is to shut the computer down (by pressing and holding the power button, which I know is unhealthy for the computer) and turn it back on. Control+Option+Esc doesn't work anymore when this problem occurs and it doesn't just freeze the app in question, it freezes the entire computer. My GeekSquad and AppleCare over-the-phone-support options are both expired, as I haven't had any reason to renew them, since I haven't had any problems in the past two and a half years.
I have tried every solution that has been said on the web. I've cleaned all the chaches, I've reset the SMC, I tried to reset the PRAM but I didn't get the expected results, I've reset Safari, I've run virus scans, I've deleted unecessary items, I've done disk repairs, I've run all the great utility apps such as OnyX and Memory Clean, I have done everything that has been suggested with no results.
The only thing I can attribute this to is the recent addition of Virtual DJ Pro to my computer. My boyfriend and I use this computer for many purposes, such as making music, making videos, photo editing, writing, surfing the web, but mostly used for school. It used to be used for playing Sims 3, but since the disk drive has stopped working, I have removed the program from the computer completely.
I have read that Macs usually slow down after about 80% of their memory capcity is reached. I'm worried that this is the problem, but why would it only affect Safari? iMovie and iPhoto occasionally freeze, but they have had this problem since I've had the computer. This computer is running with a 2.4 Ghz Intel Core i5 processor with OS X 10.8.3 software and 4 GB 1067 Mhz DDR3 memory. I plan on buying an external hard drive soon and backing up using Time Machine, as I have never done this before and I fear that this problem may affect all of my documents.
I'm still covered by the in-store GeekSquad, but it's a twenty minute drive and the last time I took it in for the disk drive check-up, they basically said "Sorry, take it to Apple" and the nearest Apple store is three hours away in Kansas City, MO.
I put this question under "Internet and Networking" as the thing mostly affected by this problem is Safari. My internet connection is not the problem; it performs fine on the desktop, iPad, and iPhone 5. I am at my wits end here, and if anyone could offer a simple solution, I would be more than grateful. Thank you for your time in reading and taking time to respond to my question.

Answer 1

In the Replacement Program Support Article, it states:
Apple will service affected 15-inch MacBook Pro computers free of charge until three years from date of purchase. This worldwide Apple program does not extend the standard warranty coverage of the affected MacBook Pro.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4088
According to these terms, you are outside the eligibility window. However, I still second andyBall_uk's sentiments.
Make a Genius Bar Reservation. Print out a copy of the kernel panic report and the Support Article. If the 'Genius' refuses servicing without cost, ask for the store manager. It is ultimately at the manager's discretion.
Additionally, if this doesn't work out, you can look into Apple's flat fee repair program:
Do You Know About Apple's Flat Rate Repair Pricing?
Best of luck.