HOW TO OPTIMISE COMPUTER PERFORMANCE IN 15 MINUTES OR LESS
Monday, June 8th, 2009There are many ways to speed up computers and improve their performance, this article covers simple steps that anyone can follow. Implementing step 1 or step 2 should take no more than 15 minutes and will work for both PC and Mac users.
Step 1 - Clean the computer registry
Slow computers often have errors in their registry. The registry is comparable to a nervous system. Its main function is to connect software hardware and computer files. Typically the computer registry becomes more prone to errors over time, is frequently corrupted, and this slows down the computer. Locating then fixing errors in the registry is therefore frequently required. Users could in theory attempt to cleanup the registry manually, however this method is not recommended as it requires deep knowledge of both the structure of the registry and its functions. Registry fix software are a faster, more reliable alternative to correct errors, remove unused files, any incorrect links and deal with ActiveX components. Click on fix computer registry for more information.
Step 2 - Delete and block adware and spyware
Another common reason leading to computers slowing-down, is the large number of spyware and adware, which are downloaded from the Internet, often without the users knowledge. This happens particularly often, when peer to peer networks are being used to download music and videos for example. A straightforward solution to improve the speed of any computer is to use an anti spyware or adware program to scan, remove then block adware and spyware. Most anti spyware or adware software have a free trial version and it is worth using this first to try out the program. The main features to consider are Ease of Download and Simplicity of Use, Automatic Backup, Quality of Customer Service, and the overall effectiveness of the software. The best software tend to be the simplest to use and rely on a research capability that constantly updates the software for new threats. Click on best adware spyware removal for more information.
Step 3 - Eliminate viruses
Unsurprisingly many computer viruses can slow down computers and drive down response times. Computer viruses often damage files, can consume excessive amount of memory and take a large amount of space on the hard disk. By running the latest version of the best anti-virus programs, users should overcome these problems and be in a better position to improve their computer performance.
Step 4 - Simple housekeeping tasks
There are many simple housekeeping tasks which can be done to improve the speed of any computer, for example uninstalling any software that is not needed. Stopping programs launching automatically is also useful to speed up any computer and is usually very straightforward. Marginal improvements usually result from these simple tasks.
Step 5 - Optimise the Hard disk
For hard disks which are smaller than 2GB then at least 200MB of disk should be kept free and at least 500MB for larger hard disks. This freed up space is an important factor of computer speed as it is used by temporary files which software require to work effectively. This free space also enables your computer to swap files as the computers starts using virtual memory (when it runs out of RAM). In that event, users can experience a reduction in speed, if too little space is available on the hard disk. To check the hard disk itself it is recommended to use a disk scanning programs such as Scandisk for Windows. For instance whilst some hard disks may be large enough, they may be too fragmented with some sectors being unusable. Running a defragmentation software is another useful step which will improve computer performance.
Step 6 - Optimising the RAM
Some programs are poorly designed and do not release RAM resources after they are closed. This reduces the RAM which is available for other programs. Computers frequently run out of RAM after a while. In order to overcome this, ugrading the RAM is probably necessary. An alternative free option is simply to not run some computer programs at the same time as each other.
Step 7 - Stop the computer from overheating
Faulty fans are a common cause leading to the computer overheating, slowing down then freezing as a result. The best solution is often to replace the fan, this overcomes the problem by increasing the air flow through the computer thereby reducing its temperature and ultimately improving reponse times.
For more information click on how to make my computer faster.