11/10/2013
Is your PC slow? 10 tips to speed up your computer
1. When your system starts, a lot of programs auto load which slow down your machine. Therefore, it is suggested to remove unneeded programs at startup with the help of Microsoft's MSConfig tool. Go to Start > Run > type "msconfig". Go to the startup tab and uncheck the programs you don't want to load whenever the system boots up. Click OK and restart.
2. Your PC comes pre-installed with a lot of programs which you don't even use. They unnecessarily eat up a significant amount of space on your machine and slow your system down. Go to Control Program > Programs and Features > Unintall the programs you don't use.
3. Whenever a program runs on your computer, it leaves certain files on your machine which consume a certain portion of disc space. Over a period of time, hundreds of programs run and thousands of files pile up on your device - which eventually decelerate your machine and sometimes lead to system crash. Therefore, you are suggested to periodically delete temporary files. Go to Start > Run> type "%temp%" > click OK. A folder full of files comes. Select those temporary files and delete.
4. You are advised to timely update software running on your machine. Most of us tend to click on the "Remind Me Later" button whenever a window pops out suggesting us of any update, and we never bother to go back to update.
5. A computer is vulnerable to viruses and other types of malicious programs like Spyware and Adware. These malware load into computer memory and slow down its speed. Thus, it is recommended that you install an antivirus on your machine to check for such programs. While there are many antivirus software available for free, we would recommend you Microsoft Security Essential. Also, ensure that the antivirus installed on your machine is not scheduled to run scan during the time of the day when it is heavily used. Schedule it to run scan when you are not using the system.
6. As your PC runs, files get spread across the device in pieces - framgents. It is recommended that you defragment your disk to bring back separated parts in one place. Defragmenting disk has a noticeable effect on a slow computer. Windows
7 comes with a built-in defragger which automatically defrags at intervals. 7. By turning off Windows graphics, you can set your computer to deliver a slightly better performance. Go to computer icon on your desktop > Properties > Advanced System settings > Advanced > Click Settings under performance > Enable Adust for best performance. It will have an impact on the speed of your PC.
8. Users should optimise the browser they use as per their needs. Ensue that your brower does not have unnecessary plugins and add-ons installed which may affect the performance of your device.
9. Hard drive on your machine must be partitioned. Partioning your hard disk helps in improving the speed of your slow PC.
10. ReadyBoost in Windows 7 can use your flash memory device to add instant RAM to your PC. Plug in a USB flash drive or card and ReadyBoost is active to use. ReadyBoost is designed to help when your PC's memory is running low. ReadyBoost works with most flash storage devices.
