How can I make my computer faster?

Question

My computer is a fairly new laptop by Gateway, not even a year old, and its already starting to slow down. Its a Windows XP. I deleted some junk on it, got rid of software I dont use, but it just seems to be getting slower! What else can I do to speed it up, or stop its decline in speed?

Oh! I have norton anti-virus and it says my computers clean of adware/spyware and the such. So im guessing its not it...

Answer 1

Its the memory. As you add more programs along the year, it gets slower and slower. Your RAM is a part of your computer that scans your hard drive whenever you load up programs. When you boot up it scans, when you open a program it scans. It also determines how many programs you can have opened all at once because it uses virtual memory to help load your apps. I have several solutions.

1) Go to MY COMPUTER then Right click on your C drive. Do a disk cleanup, it wil clean up temp files.

2) Do a disk compression, it will compress all your harddrive folders and subfolders.

3) Do a disk defragment. It will move all your files around that are fragmented so that you can make the most of your hard drive space.

4) Go to Start Menu, click RUN.
Type msconfig and hit enter.
You should see a pop up box.
Go to Startup tab and uncheck all the programs that you do not want on your start up.
This will prevent those programs from starting up when you restart windows.
This will usually make your computer go a little faster if you have do not have much memory on your computer.
You do not want a bunch of things running in your background during startup if it is not necessary.

5) Go to Control panel in your start menu settings and then go to SYSTEMS. Check below how much RAM memory you have. If its 128-256MB, then you might want to install more RAMS. I promise you...once you add more memory, you will see a difference in your computer when you boot up or when you open programs.

Answer 2

1) Run a defrag utility at the end of every week.
2) Regularly scan for and remove viruses/spyware/adware.
3) Get unused icons off your desktop.
4) Cut down on running processes. You can do this by telling some of the programs you see near the time in your start up menu NOT to start on startup if you are not immediately going to use them. Also research the functionality of the services under Control Panel->Administrative tools and set their startup type to disabled if you will not be using them (right click the service you want to stop, then select properties). Don't stop these without doing your research because you DO need some of them.
5. If you are still slow, add more RAM.

For faster internet, also clear your cache, cookies, and temp files (Tools->Internet Options in Windows, IE)

Answer 3

RAM aka "random access memory"

When ever you have a program running it pushes the information into the RAM for quick access if you run out of ram it starts to use page filing instead. This slows your computer considerably.

RAM is the most important part when considering an upgrade.
It can be a night and day difference.

You can have the largest processor available but if your demand for memory exceeds your physical amount of ram it will depend on your hard drive for page filing which will limit you.

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"You can have a race to see who delivers the most dirt via wheel barrow in 5 Min's.

You can be the faster runner in the race, but if your wheel barrow is half the size of your competitor chances are your not going to finish first."

CPU = The runner
RAM = The wheel barrow
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clean your system with "ad aware personal" or "Spy-bot", and rid it of spyware, both programs are good, and cost nothing.

Find a decent registry cleaning tool, and run it.

Read up on disabling services you don't use.

Another thing to consider is OEM systems are sold with loads of junk on them. A retail copy of windows xp runs much better!

NORTON IS A RESOURCE HOG!! ditch it and get a good anti-virus program like Avast , or nod32!!
This alone will make a world of difference!

Hope this helps

Answer 4

Hi this is chethan here and I work for the support of Microsoft.
I would say better turn off Automatic Updates for both Windows and Office. Have your fire wall (Norton) turned off when not on internet (would matter a lot). Also would like to know whats the version of Norton thats there on the computer.

Chethan
chethan_ncb_cis Y!

Answer 5

You can buy a faster processor cause thats where the computer gets its speed from. i suggest either buying an AMD dual core or a Intel Dual core processor for multitasking and better speed thus ur programs will be running alot smoother.

Answer 6

I would start by checking for a virus then i would try doing a defragmentation of your hard drive but before you defrag you need to clear you cookies that are unwanted and your cash memory this can be done through your control panel in your start menu.good luck

Answer 7

Clean up your spyware.

Spybot and AdAware scan for and remove spyware. Run them both about once a week. Get them both free here - http://www.download.com

Answer 8

clean up spywares and adwares, defrag your hard disks, add memory, overclock ur processor

Answer 9

the only way you can make your computer faster is two ways, free up programs and make sure malicious **** isn't hogging the memory and buy more memory.

Answer 10

Download and then run startup.exe at:

http://www.mlin.net/startupcpl.shtml......

Can't live without it and windows...

Then disable and/or uninstall whatever u don't need.

Joe...