Make a Computer Faster
Article by George Norman
On 01 Sep 2009
How fast your computer works is directly related to two factors: hardware and software. The physical limitations on your hardware mean that your computer is only as fast as the hardware components it is made of. As such, less powerful systems run a bit slower, while high end, very powerful machines run considerably faster. Then there is the problem of software – in this category I am counting the Windows operating system as well as the software apps installed on top of it. While there is little you can do to speed up your hardware (apart from replacing it with better components), the same cannot be said for the software. Take the Windows operating system for example. Over time it will get sluggish as data becomes fragmented, boot times increase as more and more programs are loaded at startup, and the overall user experience drops as you find yourself anxiously waiting on some app to launch.

Luckily there are a few things that you can do:

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Step 1. Get rid of unnecessary data, free up hard disk space. Delete the files you do not need, empty the Recycle Bin, perform a Disk Cleanup (Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Cleanup).

Step 2. Defragment your computer at least once a month (click here for a how to defragment your computer tutorial)

Step 3. Make sure you are using up-to-date software. Update your operating system, your security software solution, and any other software apps you use frequently. Every now and again scan your system for malware.

Step 4. Uninstall the software applications that you never use (click here for a how to uninstall software applications tutorial).

Step 5. Make sure the operating system does not load any unnecessary programs at startup (click here for a how to make your computer boot faster tutorial).

Step 6. Detect and repair disk errors thanks to the Error Checking utility in Windows: My Computer -> Select a drive -> right click the drive -> Properties -> Tools -> check the Automatically fix file and system errors box as well as the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors -> click Start.



Tags: Microsoft, Windows, Computer, Speed, Tips
About the author: George Norman
George is a news editor.
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