The Top Nine Ways to Make a Windows PC Move Faster
As time goes by, a computer's speed can decrease. This is especially
true for computers that have Microsoft Windows on them. This problem is
evident as the system takes more and more time to respond to the
actions of the user. These slowed actions include the opening of folders
and files, internet surfing as well as other tasks. The good news is
there are ways to speed up a slowed computer.
The list below outlines the things you need to do to improve the
performance of your computer. To be the most effective, you should
complete these steps in order. The key to success is doing the least
invasive and simplest thing first. Complete each of these steps, in
order, until the system begins to respond better.
The Most Important Rule is Do No Harm
If you are interested in improving your computer's speed, that is
great. Just remember that the most important rule is doing no harm. Once
you go beyond the scope of the Windows forum, if you begin to feel as
if you have gotten in over your head, ask for help from people you know.
It is important to keep in mind that you have time. You have the
ability to stop most of the processes listed below without causing any
harm to your computer. Common sense and caution are essential when
working with your computer. In fact, problems are many times much easier
to fix than you think.
The Nine Steps to Increase the Speed of Your Computer:
1. Make Certain that Your Hardware is Adequate
In addition to everything that you are able to do with software to
ensure optimal computer function, make sure you are using the
appropriate hardware to sustain Windows. If you are not, this is a
critical error and you must correct it to increase the speed of your
computer.
2. Clean Up Your Desktop
Is your computer running slower? Is your desktop full of files? Is
your hard drive light flashing while your computer is attempting to
respond to the requested action? There is no need to fret; there are
things that you are able to do to eliminate this problem.
3. Scan Your System for Possible Errors
To understand the problem, you must understand what an operating
system actually is. The operating system consists of an assortment of
files. Each of these files performs a different function. However, it is
a possibility that over time, some of the operating system's files have
changed. Some of these files may also be corrupted. If either of these
situations occurs, the computer's speed could decrease.
You should utilize the utility named 'System File Checking.' This
utility will inspect and then correct any problem that it finds with
these files.
4. Scan Your Computer for Spyware, Adware and Viruses
All the Windows computers are susceptible to obtaining a virus.
Viruses are malicious programs that cause havoc on your computer. These
problems could be major or minor, depending on the kind of virus that is
infecting the system.
Adware and Spyware are programs that companies create to obtain
information about consumers. They do this so they are able to
successfully market their products. Generally, these kinds of programs
are not made for malicious reasons. However, Adware and Spyware can slow
a computer down by using up some of the computer's memory.
By periodically scanning your computer and removing any Spyware,
Adware or Viruses that you find, you will be able to improve your
computer's performance.
5. Always Uninstall Any Unused Programs
Over time, you have more than likely accumulated various programs on
the computer that you no longer use. When you install a program,
connections are created between that program and the computer's
operating system. Even when you are not using these programs, they have a
tendency to slow your system down.
If you uninstall these programs using the original installation disk
or file, you will be able to free up some memory on your computer. This
may help increase the speed of your system's performance.
6. Adjust the Visual Effects on Your Computer for Better Performance
Windows offers numerous interesting visual effects, which include
fading menus and animated windows. If you are running out of or already
do not have an appropriate amount of operating memory, these visual
effects do have the ability to decrease the performance speed of your
computer. If you adjust or reduce these visual effects, your computer's
system speed should increase.
In order to increase the speed on Vista computers, you may want to
consider disabling functions and features that you do not use. To learn
more read 'How to Speed Up Windows Vista.'
7. Do Not Have Seldom Used Programs Start Automatically
Programs use RAM, which is operating memory. It is also referred to
as 'system resources.' If you have programs initiating at Windows
startup, that you do not always use, remove them from your startup
sequence. By doing this, you will speed up your computer's booting up
process and performance.
8. Consider Defragmenting Your Computer's Hard Drive
Defragmenting should only be done once you have attempted all the
other options available. If you have numerous programs and a lot of
information on your computer, chances are that Windows has put pieces of
files in different areas on your hard drive.
Windows may end up doing this for multitudes of programs and
files, depending on the amount of space that is available. When you
defragment your computer's hard drive, all the information for each of
your files will be located in one place. This can result in a faster
performing computer.
A Very Important Note
Prior to trying this, make sure you backup everything onto another computer, CD, disk or hard drive.
You should only defragment your computer if you have a reliable
power source for the computer. If your computer shuts off while in the
process of defragmenting one of its drives, it will cause you even more
problems than you had before.
9. Reinstall Your Programs and Operating System
Once you have completed all the steps listed here, your computer
should become faster and more responsive. If this does not happen, you
may want to consider reinstalling your programs and the operating
system.
This process is a 'clean sweep.' You have to back up all your user
settings and data, then wipe your hard drive clean and begin
re-installing the operating system using your original disks.
Next, begin reinstalling your programs and then restore all the user settings and data.
In the end, a 'clean sweep' can be nice because you fundamentally
have a brand new computer. Your computer is now free of registry
changes, software, errors and additions that turn a Windows computer
from a quick rabbit into a slow moving tortoise.
The negative thing about the 'clean sweep' is that time and planning
are necessary to do it properly. If your computer is only three to four
years old, and continues running slower than it did when initially
purchased it, this might be the only way to make a considerable
difference in its performance.
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