How to Improve Your Computer’s Performance
Tips for Speeding Up Your
PC
Few things are as frustrating as dealing with
a slow, sluggish computer. When a computer is brand new, it works wonderfully
well. Over time, though, its performance can slowly begin to worsen. This
happens for a number of reasons, but the biggest culprits are things like
spyware, adware and other computer threats that are unwittingly downloaded
along with other content while online. You don’t have to download thousands of
MP3s, movies or other items to experience these problems, either – nobody is
immune to them. Instead of accepting the situation, there are plenty of
techniques and strategies that you can use to make it better – a few of the
best ones are outlined below.
Strategy #1: Clean Your
Computer’s Windows Registry
The biggest cause of slow, sluggish PC
performance is errors and problems within its Windows registry. Adware, spyware
and other threats usually target the registry, damaging or misplacing important
files within it. When it comes to PC cleaning, a daily Windows registry
cleaning should be at the top of your list of priorities. However, this should
never be done manually – there are too many opportunities for major errors that
could seriously damage your PC’s operating system. Instead, invest in a
high-quality Windows registry cleanup program and configure it to run once per
day – you won’t believe the difference that it makes.
Strategy #2: Remove
Unneeded Files
Every time you log on to the Internet or
otherwise use your computer, temporary files are generated. They are usually
only needed once; however, they don’t disappear on their own. Instead, they
accumulate over time until they are cluttering up your computer’s file system
and affecting its performance. While it’s possible to remove these files
one-by-one, it’s much easier and quicker to use a PC cleaning tool that’s
designed for the purpose. Try to do so about one time per week to keep your
computer humming along with ease.
Strategy #3: Remove
Unneeded Programs
Like many people, you probably download and try
out many different programs each month. How many of them do you actually end up
using on a regular basis? Chances are, not very many of them. By getting into
the habit of uninstalling unused and unneeded programs, you can keep your
computer’s file system a lot less cluttered. In turn, your PC’s performance
will improve dramatically. You can optimize your computer in this way by using
its Add/Remove Programs feature. Its location varies by operating system, but
you should be able to find it somewhere in the Control Panel.
Strategy #4: Empty the
Recycle Bin
When you click “delete” on a file or a
program, it doesn’t go away for good – not immediately, anyway. Instead, it
sits in a kind of purgatory in your computer’s Recycle Bin. As things pile up
in the Recycle Bin, your computer can start exhibiting some very annoying
problems. If sluggish startups and frequent crashes are occurring with
increasing frequency – and your computer’s recycle bin is very full – go ahead
and empty it. From then on, get into the habit of doing so about one time per
week. This small but important strategy can make a huge difference.
Strategy #5: Perform a Disk
Defragmentation
Windows isn’t very efficient when it comes to
storing files. It actually splits them up, depositing them into whatever spaces
are available. The more spaced apart the pieces of a file are, the harder your
computer has to work to make them run. The Windows disk defragmentation system
tune-up utility works to piece all of those files back together again. The process
is a long one, though, and only needs to be done about four times per year. Set
it up to run automatically once every three months. By doing so, you’ll be able
to keep your computer running in tiptop shape.
When it comes to keeping your computer running
optimally, small but regular maintenance is the best way to go. Protecting your
PC only does so much; even the most careful Internet users in the world
unintentionally download malicious software from time to time. By using basic
system tune-up tools, cleaning your computer’s Windows registry regularly,
performing regular file-cleaning maintenance and otherwise optimizing your PC,
you should be able to keep it in like-new condition for a lot longer. Even if
your computer has been performing slowly for some time, beginning this regimen
is sure to produce results. In the end, you’ll be able to enjoy a computer that
flies along – instead of one that spins its wheels.
