Is your computer running so slow that you’re thinking of shelling out the cash for a new one? Well, DON’T DO IT…at least not before reading this article. These quick tips may be all you need to get your computer running like new again and can save you a couple of thousand dollars.
As you may know, a computer’s performance deteriorates over time. Gradual deterioration is almost never due to a lack of processing speed or capacity. It is generally due to the software “grime” I refer to as “system build-up.”
Most software programs are designed to run in the background whether you’re using them or not. These programs, such as QuickTime and RealPlayer, initiate on start-up. These programs running simultaneously tie up memory resources and CPU capability, leading to sluggish performance. That’s why it’s important to perform regular maintenance on all computers. This will help avoid program build up, fragmentation, and file build up that kills your computer’s performance.
Here are a few things to help you speed things up:
- Be wary about installing more software to speed up your computer. Why? Because “excess” software is the problem! Adding additional programs will only add fuel to the fire, and many of them are given away free so they can sell you additional software and install cookies for tracking and monitoring you online. Only those programs you know and trust should be installed (call our office for recommendations).
- Regularly clean out your Internet temporary files. When you open your web browser, click on the “Tools” menu, then “Internet Options” or “Options.” From there choose “Browsing History,” and delete the temporary files. You can also delete the temporary files on your hard drive. You can often find them by searching on all files with a “*.tmp” extension in your C-drive. Temporary files are used by virtually all programs and remain on your drive even if you haven’t used the file in a long time.
- Disable programs that automatically run after Windows starts. Some applications may give you the option to have them “Run In Taskbar,” which is generally not what you want them to do.
- Use the defrag tool to organize the data on your hard drive and speed up disk read and write times. You can find this tool by clicking on the “Start” button, then - All Programs – Accessories - System Tools - Disk Clean-up.
- Add more memory. While this option costs some money, it is by far the best thing you can do to increase computer hardware performance at minimal cost. Memory is extremely cheap these days and can do wonders to dramatically improve sluggish performance.
If you’ve done all the above and your system is still way too slow or if you just want someone else to do this for you, you’re in luck! We will have a trained expert perform a “Spring Cleaning” of your computer or network to make it run faster and with fewer problems.