Gadget Blog

Optimising the performance of any computer is easier than many users think. This article provides simple steps to speed up any computer quickly. 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. One of the main functions of the registry is to connect software, hardware and computer files. For this reason the registry is often referred to as the computer’s nervous system. 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 can in theory attempt a manual cleanup of the registry, however this is not recommended due to the high likelihood of further errors occuring. Registry repair software are usually fast and reliable and offer overall, a better alternative to correct errors, delete unused files, poor 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 usually happens when peer to peer networks are involved, for example when downloading videos and music. One of the simplest solutions to improve any computer’s speed is to use an anti spyware or adware software to scan, remove and block these unwanted threats. In order to try out the right anti spyware or adware program, it is preferable to use a trial version which is usually free. Among the key features to consider are Ease of Download and Simplicity of Use, Automatic Backup, Quality of Customer Service, and of course 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. In order to overcome these problems, as well as optimise performance, users should run the latest version of the best anti-virus programs. In the end, they will also be in a stronger 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.  Another simple step to improve computer speed is to stop programs launching automatically. These straightforward tasks generally deliver marginal improvements.

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. The amount of free space on the hard drive is a key factor of performance as it is used by temporary files needed by software to run. This frees up space for the computer to swap files, which is used particularly when the operating system starts using virtual memory once it has run 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 example, whilst the hard drive may be large enough, the problem may be that it is too fragmented or that some of its sectors have been damaged. Defragmenting the hard disk is another action, which will improve the response time of any computer. 

 

Step 6 - Optimising the RAM

Some programs are poorly designed and do not release RAM resources after they are closed. This adversely impacts the RAM available for other programs. Computers frequently run out of RAM after a while. In order to overcome this, ugrading the RAM is probably necessary. Alternatively running certain programs simultaneously should also be avoided, this option is of course free.

 

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.

There are many ways to optimize a computer and this article covers simple steps to make any computer faster quickly. PC or Mac users should be able to implement either of the first two steps in this article in less than 15 minutes.

 

Step 1 -  Clean the computer registry

Slow computers often have errors in their registry. One of the main functions of the registry is to connect software, hardware and computer files. For this reason the registry is often referred to as the computer’s nervous system. Errors often lead to the corruption of the registry, and reduce the computer speed . A simple step is therefore to locate then fix registry errors. 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. An easy solution to improve the response time of any computer is to run an anti spyware or adware program which will scan, remove then block adware and spyware. It helps to test the relevant anti spyware or adware program by downloading a trial version as most of them are free. The overall effectiveness of the software is obviously the main feature to consider, however other features are also important such as Ease of Download and Simplicity of Use, Automatic Backup, Quality of Customer Service. 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. In order to overcome these problems, as well as optimise performance, users should run the latest version of the best anti-virus programs. In the end, they will also be in a stronger 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.  Another simple step to improve computer speed is to stop programs launching automatically. These simple tasks generally produce marginal improvements.

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. Computer speed also depend on the free space on the hard disk, as temporary files are placed there by computer software. This frees up space for the computer to swap files, which is used particularly when the operating system starts using virtual memory once it has run out of RAM. In that event, unless sufficient  space is free on the hard disk, the system slows down significantly. Disk scanning programs such as Scandisk for Windows can help check for errors on the hard disk. For instance the hard disk may be too fragmented and some of its sectors may be damaged, and this can create problems even if the hard drive is large enough. Defragmenting the hard disk is another action, which will improve the response time of any computer. 

 

Step 6 - Optimising the RAM

Some programs are poorly designed and do not release RAM resources after they are closed. Other programs have less memory to run as a result. Computers frequently run out of RAM after a while. In order to overcome this, ugrading the RAM is probably necessary. Alternatively running certain programs simultaneously should also be avoided, this option is of course free.

 

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. To overcome this problem, replacing the fan is the most pragmatic solution. The effect should be immediate as this will increase the flow of air through the computer, thereby reducing the computer’s temperature and increasing its speed as a result.

For more information click on how to make my computer faster.