Ways, Hints and Tips on How to Speed up your Computer/Laptop System
Posted: Thursday, January 14, 2010
by Connor Davidson
My Books and Articles (under construction)
One of the most annoying things about computing is a slow computer. It is infuriating when you click on a page and it does not seem to be doing anything, or you're in a hurry and it takes an eternity to open up. The most annoying thing for me is watching videos on YouTube and BBC iPlayer with it stopping to load every two minuets - it totally ruins the videos.
Disk Clean Up
This is a very simple process that deletes useless files for you. To access it click start, all programs, system tools and then disk cleanup. Alternatively, you can open up my computer from the start menu, right click on the drive you want to cleanup (probably the c drive) and then go to properties.
The whole process should only take a minuet or two and should be done regularly.
Disk Defragment
This is will have a greater effect on overall performance of your computer. To run a disk defragment you need to open up my computer, then right click on the drive you want to defragment (probably c), click properties, the tools tab and finally defragment.
This could take several hours and, while it is running, will significantly slow your computer down. I'd advise you to run it when you're not using the computer.
ReadyBoost
This is an ingenious idea that allows you to increase your computer's memory. In order to do this you will need a modern operating system such as Vista or Microsoft 7.
To run ReadyBoost you first need a USB Flash Drive (aka memory stick or thumb\pen drive) or a memory card. For these to have any noticeable effect on your system they will have to be pretty big such as, 8GB, 16GB or, ideally, 32GB or more.
To run ReadyBoost you must first enter the device and locate it in my computer. When the icon appears right click on it and then click properties. On the properties window click on the ReadyBoost tab. Select how much memory you would like allocate to ReadyBoost (as much as you can) and then click ok.
Removable Hard-Drive
If you, like me, store a lot of large files on your computer then you should get a removable hard-drive to save disk space on your computer. Once you have bought one, simply export all of your files to it and don't save them to your computer.
Run Virus, Spy and Adware scans
To be able to run these you need to have security software installed such as Norton or McAfee. You should use these to run a weekly scan and destroy anything damaging within your system.
Remove Unused Software
You're computer has probably got many programs that are installed but never used. For example, if you never play a certain game what is the point of keeping it? You can always reinstall it if need be.
Sort Out your Desktop
By this I don't just mean deleting your unused icons - though that is good too- I mean doing things like removing your background image and screen saver. If you have any programs that you have set to open automatically when you switch on, stop them from doing so.
Don't Run too many Tabs or Windows
Instead of minimizing tabs or windows close them. If you don't need them again, or for a while, you're wasting your time having them open.
Should you follow all these tips you should notice a faster and less frustrating computer emerging.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Thanks, Connor, for these tips. A slow PC defeats the purpose, doesn't it? In the past I've tried some of your tips; I'll try the others too. ~mogama~Please log in to respond to this comment.Thanks for the comment.Please log in to respond to this comment.
How about those for sale that supposedly pick up malware etc.? Thanks for sharing this info by the way! MarijoPlease log in to respond to this comment.Thanks for the comment.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Good tips Connor--thanks.Please log in to respond to this comment.Thanks for the comment.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Some great tips there! ReadyBoost in particular is well worth using, especially on a laptopPlease log in to respond to this comment.Thanks for the comment.Please log in to respond to this comment.
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