Problem
slow computer? Don’t worry there are some tips and guidelines you should read
follow to make your computer run faster. Just have time to read this some
tips and it will help you in your problem.
1. Speed up your Startup
The
most annoying computer slowdown for most people is startup. Even new computers
can take a few minutes to start. After years of use, it can seem like hours.
Your computer spends much of that time starting third-party programs. Security
software, printer software and driver updates are just a few examples. The
frustrating part is that many of these don’t need to run at startup.
Autoruns
is a freebie that can help reduce the load. It finds and disables unneeded
programs so they don’t slow you down. But it won’t stop important startup
processes, like security software.
Startup
Delayer is a good program if you want more control. You can tell what programs
to start when. That way, they’re not fighting for system resources.
If
you have a Windows 7 or 8 computer, you might invest in a solid-state hard
drive. These are much faster than conventional hard drives. It can bring your
startup times to well under a minute.
2. Clean the clutter
Another
thing that slows down your computer is a cluttered hard drive. In the past, you
had to worry about a full hard drive. Thanks to modern large capacity drives,
filling the space isn’t easy. Still, even coming close can slow down your
system. So, if you have less than five gigabytes of free space, it’s time to
clean. Use a free disk-visualizing program such as WinDirStat to see what
applications and files are taking up the most space. Move space-hogging files
you need to an external drive and delete the ones you don’t.
Grab
Revo Uninstaller to thoroughly remove any programs you don’t use anymore. Zap
unused trial software and other unwanted bloatware with PC Decrapifier. Even if
you have plenty of space, clutter can still slow things down. Plenty of
programs create temporary files they have to sort through later. Get rid of
temporary files with the free program CCleaner. You might have duplicate music
or photo files clogging up your programs. Use a program like CloneSpy or
VisiPics to remove them quickly.
3. Pick up the pieces
Files
on a hard drive aren’t like files in a filing cabinet. On a hard drive, files
become fragmented. Bits and pieces of them get scattered around the drive. This
increases the time your computer takes to open them. That’s why there are
defragmenting programs. These assemble the pieces so they’re easier to find.
Windows Vista, 7 and 8 this isn’t such a big deal anymore. They run the built
in defragmenter automatically on a schedule. To check when it runs, go to
Start, or go to the Start Screen in Windows 8. In the search bar, type “defrag”
(minus quotes). This will either bring up the defragmenter program or a list
where you can select it. Check when it ran last and when it’s scheduled to run.
Usually it’s set for early morning. If your computer isn’t usually on then, change
it to a different time. You can also run it manually. In Windows XP, you’ll
have to run the defragmenter manually. Open My Computer and right-click on your
main drive. Then choose Properties. Go to the Tools tab and choose Defragment
Now, then click Defragment. It will take a while, so sit back and relax. One
exception to defragging is if you have a solid-state hard drive. These work in
a different way and don’t have this problem. In fact, running a defragmenter on
an SSD will shorten its life. Windows 7 and 8 will detect an SSD and turn off
defragmenting automatically.
4. Boost your browsing
Your
computer runs fast, but loading websites leaves you twiddling your thumbs. What
gives? First, make sure you’re getting the Internet speed you paid for. The
free service Speedtest will give you the real scoop on your Internet
connection. If you suspect the problem is in your wireless network, you can
tweak your router’s settings to eliminate hang-ups and bottlenecks. If your
wireless signal is weak or your home has dead spots, try putting your router in
a central location. Also, move it away from walls and metal objects. It might
turn out that it isn’t your connection, but your browser. On Vista or 7, the
fix for that could be as simple as upgrading Internet Explorer to version 9 or
higher. Do this from Start>>Control Panel>>Windows Update. On XP,
you won’t have this option. Instead, ditch IE entirely for the newer, more
nimble Firefox or Chrome. Both of these are fast and secure. Not sure what
browser you’re using? Getting rid of
unneeded browser toolbars, like Babylon, will also speed things up. These often
come attached to free software. You can remove these manually in the browser
add-on settings, or use a program like Toolbar Cleaner.
5. Remove pesky viruses
Speaking
of unwanted programs, viruses can seriously slow down your system. They might
be busy recording everything you do, or sending out spam.
Combat
malware with up-to-date security software. AVG and Avast are two good free
options. I also recommend Malwarebytes for manual scanning and removal. The
worst viruses will block you from installing security software. In that case,
grab a rescue CD like AVG Rescue CD. This runs outside your operating system so
viruses don’t have a chance.
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