It’s one thing to boot up a computer
brand new from the store, and to
revel in the galactic superspeed in
which it loads. It’s another to keep it
running at that same speed,
especially after some months have passed.
An overloaded startup
Most applications you install usually
add themselves automatically to you Start Up folder. This results in a slower startup because of the time needed to
load them all. If your computer used
to boot at the speed of light, but now moves slower than an old lady at the
zebra crossing, this might be your
problem.
SOLVE THIS: by accessing the
MSCONFIG command through your
search bar or run application,
heading to the Startup tab at the top, and unchecking all unnecessary
programmes. Seriously, do you really need iTunes to boot whenever you
start your computer?
Too many temporary files
Whenever you look at webpages,
watch videos, look at photos or even
type on Microsoft Word, your
computer stores temporary files so
that it can load up faster the next time
round. These files build up over time and may slow your computer down,
especially since they’re usually
located in your OS drive.
SOLVE THIS: By running Windows Disk
Cleanup, found in Accessories,
regularly.
A fragmented disk
A very old school problem, but still a
very real one. Disk fragmentation
occurs when the file system can’t or
won’t allocate enough continuous
space to store a complete file. This
results in gaps within that file, and can make that file run slower than it
usually would. Sometimes, those
gaps occur when the OS deletes a file
it doesn’t need any more. (This is safe
though, your OS is smarter than you
think).
SOLVE THIS: By running the Disk
Defragmenter, also found in
Accessories, regularly. We suggest
not using the computer whilst the
Defragmenter runs so as to minimise
more fragmentation
Programs uninstalled improperly
What a mouthful this header is. A PC
does not work like a MAC – simply
deleting the application you don’t
want won’t cut it, and leaves behind
remaining files that may cause your
computer to slow down.
SOLVE THIS: By always uninstalling
programs with the proper
uninstall.exe, or remove them via the
Control Panel. Go one step further to
delete leftover files from the folder
manually after uninstallation. This could include save games, 3rd party
add ons, screenshots and etc.
A full OS disk
Many people make the mistake of
saving everything possible into their
C:/ drive, and that usually hosts their
OS, or operating system. Once that
drive gets too full, it slows down,
thereby slowing down your entire computer’s processing speed.
SOLVE THIS: by partitioning your drive
into C:/ and D:/ and saving your data
in D:/. The lack of strain on your OS
drive will let it run faster. You might
be pleasantly amazed at the
difference this can make.
Background anti-viruses
Anti-viruses are always ful, but
can sometimes do more harm than
good. Since they’re always running
and usually boot together with your
computer, they can slow down
processes considerably. Strangely enough, it’s always the ones you’ve
got to pay for that wreak the most
havoc.
SOLVE THIS: By disabling auto scans
and updates, or by switching to a
more lightweight, freeware anti-virus.
Some have suggested Avira and AVG
Antivirus, but it’s your job to ask your
trusted geek friend what he’s using.
Spyware and viruses
Malicious software often heads
straight for your Windows Registry or
core file system, slowing down your
computer. They can sneak in with
applications you download online
and install, and can also hop in from less-than-savoury websites you visit.
SOLVE THIS: While spyware and
viruses can be removed manually by
deleting them from your registry,
some can be more persistent. In this
case, use an automatic spyware remover – tons are available if you do
a Google search. One of the more
popular one is Ad-Aware Spyware
Remover.
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