Anyone with a computer knows that a slow PC can be an annoying thing to deal with. That said, there are various things that can affect a computer’s speed and performance. If you are having speed issues with your PC, do not become discouraged. There are various things you can do to get your issues resolved. The following hacks should get your computer back on track in no time at all.
1. Clean Up Your Computer
Cleaning up your computer on a regular basis can rid it of unnecessary items that can affect its speed. Some of these items include spyware, adware, and viruses. Spyware collects personal information from your computer without you even realizing it. Not only does this compromise your computer’s performance, but your confidential information as well. Adware and viruses are equally dangerous. If you do not currently have anti-virus/anti-spyware software installed on your computer, you should really think about getting some. This software can remove any potential threats and prevent future threats from showing up, which can greatly improve your computer’s speed. Scans of your computer should be performed regularly after anti-virus software is installed on your PC.
2. Make Data More Accessible
Data that is stored within your computer’s hard disk can become fragmented, which basically means that files are broken down into little bits. This makes it harder for your computer to locate and piece files that are fragmented back together, resulting in slow speed and poor performance. A utility in Windows, known as Disk Defragmenter, works by piecing these fragmented files back together so that they occupy one single location on the hard disk, instead of multiple locations. Since your PC does not have to work so hard to find information, its speed will be improved greatly.
3. Update Installed Programs Regularly
The majority of computer programs these days should be updated on a regular basis. These updates work to keep your programs up to date and functioning as they should be. Many installed programs will update automatically, but others require you to check for updates manually. If your programs are kept updated, they will run smoother and more efficiently. This in turn will keep your computer’s speed from suffering.
4. Free Up Space on Your Hard Disk
You may not realize the amount of unnecessary “junk” that gets stored on your computer on a daily basis. There is probably a good chance that you have programs installed that never get utilized as well. These things can accumulate and cause your computer’s speed to decline. A Windows tool known as Disk Cleanup can remove temporary internet files, unneeded program files and components, old error reports, and outdated restore points. You can also use it to remove installed programs that are no longer in use and empty the recycle bin. By removing this junk on a regular basis, your computer will run at a much better speed.
5. Improve Start Up
When you turn on your PC, the programs that are selected to start up with it take time to load. This can cause your start up time to be less than speedy. The reality is you probably do not use every program that starts up automatically on a daily basis. You can change what programs start up with your computer by performing a quick little task. All you have to do is go into Run, type in msconfig, and then hit enter. When the window opens, click on the ‘Start Up’ tab, uncheck the programs that do not need to start up automatically, and hit OK. This simple task can greatly improve your PC’s speed by loading only the programs that you need upon start up.
6. Speed Up Your Internet Browser
If you are using an outdated version of your internet browser, you may be dealing with slower speeds than you need to be. Make sure you are using the latest version to keep your browsing speed satisfactory. You may also want to remove unnecessary tool bars or unused search engine boxes, as these can also affect your browser’s speed and overall performance.
7. Check for Firmware or Driver Updates Regularly
This tip is aimed more towards the speed of your internet connection, rather than your actual computer. The manufacturers of wireless routers and network adapters often release firmware or driver updates that can improve the function of your wireless connection. You can find and download these updates at the manufacturers’ websites. Updates are usually done to fix issues, add features, and strengthen your equipment’s performance. Check for these updates on a regular basis to make sure your firmware and drivers are always kept up to date. These updates will help to keep your internet connection working at the proper speed.
Once you discover how easy it is to improve your computer’s speed and performance, you should have no trouble maintaining it. You will be glad you took the time to check out these simple hacks, as they are well worth the small amount of time and effort required to complete them.
This is a guest post from Karen Schweitzer. Karen writes about internet services for InternetService.net. If you wish to write for us, kindly check out the guidelines to write a guest post.