One of the most common questions asked is how to speed up computer – yes that’s not quite English but is the phrase used when entering a search query into Google. In this article will look at a number of tasks that can be undertaken in order to extract the maximum performance from your PC.
How To Speed Up Computer – Tip One
Without doubt the most effective method of improving computer performance is the addition of extra memory. If you have a relatively old PC or laptop (4 to 5 years) adding additional memory to cope with more modern software can transform the performance of an older machine.
How To Speed Up Computer – Tip Two
Removing old software is a very effective strategy. Windows uninstaller is not the best although it is pretty straightforward to use. There are though a number of free alternatives that can do a better job and our current favourite is 10bit UnInstaller. Not only can it remove several programs at once but it also includes a feature that can remove software where Windows own tool fails. Windows own tool also leaves behind a trail of debris and the 10 bit UnInstaller is excellent at tracking down information that has been left behind.
How To Speed Up Computer – Tip Three
The more you use your computer the more files you tend to accumulate without knowing it. One common cause of a slow PC is a bloated registry. Now we’re not going to go into the purpose of the registry in this article suffice to say that the registry should be optimised to ensure maximum performance. Again, there are a number of tools to help achieve this many of which are freely available, and in all honesty, these free tools are equally as good as the paid for versions. Our favourite, and has been for many years, is Ccleaner which is a collection of very powerful tools.
Registry cleaners in the wrong hands can cause your PC to stop working, therefore, before working with such a tool ensure that you have a full backup of your computer or at least the registry file. Ccleaner includes an option to back at the registry when first run so ensure that this is done.
How To Speed Up Computer – Tip Four
Defragmenting your hard drive. If you don’t know what defragmenting is that it is unlikely that this task has ever been undertaken. It’s not something that needs to be undertaken that often but an annual de-frag is always to be recommended. Windows has its own built-in defragmenting tool however we prefer the free third-party offering our current favourite being MyDefrag.
How To Speed Up Computer – Tip Five
Change your antivirus software. Many modern antivirus solutions are bloated pieces of software that attempt to be all things to all men. The premium solutions are amongst the worst using significant system resources, the latest versions can bring an older PC to a grinding halt. They are also packed with functionality that 99% of users don’t fully understand and either don’t need or don’t know how to configure these functions correctly.
I have never used these premium security suites other than to testing purposes and tend to stick to the free solutions. In fact, the only security solution I currently run is Microsoft Security essentials and this has proved more than adequate for the last two or three years. Provided you scan your computer periodically for adware, malware and root kit threats it is very unlikely that you will need more.
How To Speed Up Computer – Tip Six
Given that most PCs are permanently connected to the Internet these days when people look for tips on speeding up their computer what they often want is for their webpages to load quicker. Therefore, it makes a great deal of sense to optimise your Internet connection and check with your broadband provider that everything is working okay. More on that though in a future article.
If you implement the tips discussed above you should find that the performance of your PC significantly improves. If not, it is necessary to take more dramatic action. However, before rushing out to buy a new computer consider whether it is appropriate or not to rebuild the existing machine.
Many PCs are shipped with an option to “restore to factory settings” which puts your PC back into the condition it was when you bought it from the shop. The performance improvements as a result of this action are often very significant, however, remember to backup your existing files and ensure that you have the relevant CDs you need to reload the software you need. Good luck.