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For example, we need lots of software for our various computing tasks, software such as checkbooks, word processing, spreadsheets, photo editing, and more. Each software program takes up hard drive space and uses memory when you use it. Some even continues to hog the memory even after you're done using it. In addition to our productivity software, many of us download lots of freebies we find on the internet. These freebies can include screensavers, smilies, and games. Unfortunately, these freebies can also contain hitchhikers such as viruses, worms and spyware. Not only can the viruses, worms and spyware wreak havoc with your computer, it can sit there unnoticed but can consume your resources like crazy! End result - slow PC. We can get some of our PC's original speed back by taking a few simple steps. The first order of business is to rid the PC of any virus or spyware infections. Get a good antivirus and a good antispyware tool and run regularly. Keep the programs up to date and keep your system clean. Next, run the disk clean up utility and the disk defragmenter. You can access these utilities in the "system tools" folder located under "accessories" in your start menu's "all programs" list. Each of these tools should be used regularly to keep your hard drive operating at its best. Next, make sure that you aren't loading a bunch of software that you don't need automatically. Here is a step by step tutorial on how to remove startup applications. In a nutshell, the start up items can be edited by going to the "start button" and choosing "run" and typing in: msconfig. This opens the MSCONFIG editor. Click on the startup tab and choose only the programs you wish to load automatically, deselect those you don't want to load. Note that you can come back and make changes if you don't like the results. Another good idea for recovering speed is to remove old programs you no longer use. Click on the start button again and this time, choose Control Panel. Click on the Add and Remove Programs icon. A list will show up listing all programs. What's neat about this feature is that Windows XP tells you how often you use the program and when the last time you used it was. This will give you an idea if it's worth keeping. For example, if you have a program installed that takes up hundreds of megabytes of space yet you haven't used it in two years that would be a good candidate for removal. Be aware of removing programs such as updates and hotfixes though. Removing these would be a step backwards as these are your system updates. Another thing that can slow a PC is an unused network connection. Windows will try to connect to the networked drive even if it's disconnected. This makes for slower than needed computing. To disconnect an unused network connection, go to My Computer, click the Tools menu and click Disconnect Network Drive. Select the network drive you wish to disconnect and click OK. Try these simple steps and enjoy your rejuvenated PC. |
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