10 Tips to Speed Up Your Computer

If you´re working on a PC that moves like a snail and would like to hasten things up a little bit, then here are some valuable tips that would put that laggard equipment of yours on roller skates.

• Reduce the number of processes or executions performed during startup by the operating system. You can check what programs are being ran during the boot up phase by clicking Start > All Programs > Startup.
  
  Before you remove any of these programs, it is advisable to set a system restore point to help you recover back in case of any unfortunate event. In order for you to set up this virtual time machine, choose Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. Click on Create a restore point and follow the prompts.
  
  After you´ve finished creating a restore point, click Start > Run, type msconfig, then press Ok. Choose Startup on the top of the page.
  
  From here, you can select the programs which you might deem as unnecessary to be loaded up during startup. This procedure will only stop the selected applications from running during the boot up stage and will not cause their removal from the computer. You must restart the computer to effect the changes.


• Install a dedicated anti-spyware detection and removal program. Malicious applications should be removed from your computer as they can damage your operating system and other applications. The non-removal of these unwanted programs could result in a system crash.


• The Windows registry is a very important PC component. Thus, it is important to keep it in excellent condition. Frequent PC use clutters the registry. Hence, it is important to invest in a good registry cleaner in order to ensure optimum computer performance. It is advisable though, to create a restore point before running the tool.


• 1.Defrag often to maximize available disk space and optimize the performance of your PC. You can do this by clicking Start > All Programs > Accessories, > System Tools > Scandiskor Disk Defragmenter. Choose the drive that you would like to be checked, then select the type of test that you would like to run (standard or through). Then, click Start.


• Install good security software, like anti-spyware, that occupy less space and provide good surveillance against malicious programs. You can download many anti-spyware applications on the Internet. After installing and running it, go to its main window or page and choose the option which allows it to check for updates. Download these updates then run a full system scan. If the software detected unwanted files, remove them from your system.


• Use a good uninstaller program to ensure the removal of all the files or instructions associated with the uninstalled application. This would ensure the proper functioning of your system and will also create more space by deleting the software completely.


• Allocate sufficient space to Windows page file to provide your operating system with enough elbow room to perform its procedures. You can increase the page file size by right-clicking My Computer, then selecting Properties. Click on the Advanced folder tab then press Change under “virtual memory”. The suggested amount of page file memory would be around one and a half times more than that of the physical memory. After completing the changes, click the Set button.


• Use the Clean Manager Windows utility to free up hard disk space from unnecessary or temporary files. Run the Disk Defragmenter tool before starting the clean up process.
  
  To start Clean Manager, press Start > Run, then type cleanmgr.exe. Select the drive you use, then press Ok.


• Install good antivirus software to get rid of viruses and keep it patched and updated regularly. Installing and using an antivirus is simple. You could download it from the Internet or install it from a CD. After the installation process, go to the main page or window and click on the button that would allow the program to check for updates. Download the updates then perform a full system scan. Remove the detected viruses, if any, immediately.


• Lastly, seek the help of an expert if you encounter any hardware problem. Don’t tinker with it if you do not know what you´re doing as you can do more harm than good.

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