Slow Computer?

Question

Does any one know how to speed up your computer. I already do the basics like disk defrag and the cleanup tools, but I am still strugling. I see different add for programs to download that are supposed to help, but that scares me. What can I do?

Answer 1

A Few Suggestions:

~ Disk Cleanup Utility ~

You may not realize it, but just because you finish with
a file doesn't mean your computer does. In many cases, if your computer's hard drive were a garage, you would have unused junk files piled 20 feet high and spilling out into the street.

Everyone should use the Windows "Disk Cleanup Utility" to
delete old, unused, and temporary files that clog your
hard drive.

Click Start, point at All Programs (or Programs),
Accessories, System Tools, and click Disk Cleanup.
Analyze your hard drive for files you can eliminate and
it may shock you to see how much hard drive space (and
speed) you can free up with a few clicks.

~ Uninstall Unused Software ~

We all maintain software on our systems we rarely, if
ever, use.
That software can steal system resources. Click Start,
Control Panel, and "Add Remove Programs" to pull up a
screen that allows you to remove old programs you don't
use anymore.
Simply select and uninstall all programs you know for
sure you don't need or want.

~ Buy More RAM ~

Increasing your RAM, a computer's memory, can
dramatically increase speed when running certain
operations or programs. RAM costs so little now that you should install the maximum amount of memory your system can handle.

~ "Stop Them At Startup" ~

This operation requires a bit more technical savvy than
the other four, so proceed with caution. Many programs load into the system tray in the lower right of your computer's desktop and consume system resources even if you never use them.

Click Start, Run, type in msconfig, and press Enter.
Click the "Startup" tab to see a list of programs that
automatically start with Windows.
Clear the check box next to programs you know you don't
want to load at startup.
But don't clear any checkbox unless you are 100% certain
of a program's purpose.

Once you finish, click OK and it will prompt you to
restart Windows.

~ Turn Off Themes ~

If you don't mind sacrificing a little eye candy (and personally, I detest the "telly-tubbies" look of XP, turn off themes ENTIRELY. On older systems you can get close to a 30% improvement in performance. From the Start Menu, choose "Control Panel". If your Control Panel is in category mode you then need to pick "Performance and Maintenance". Then (in either control panel mode), click on "Administrative Tools" and then "Services". Find "Themes" from the list, right-click on it and choose "Properties". Click "Stop", set the Startup Type to "Disabled" and hit "Apply". Windows will take on a much more basic appearance, but you've dumped a great deal of resource-hogging crud. Doing this is standard practice in my workplace to extend the life of older machines and improve the performance of newer ones. It also gets the clutter out of your way to make you more productive.

~ Reinstall Windows ~

The best way to speed up your slow computer is to reinstall Windows. This advice goes especially for people who have purchased a name brand PC (HP, Dell, Gateway, etc.) because those come loaded with so much junk. Even fast performing machines bog down with the way they are packaged from manufacturers. Usually manufacturers dont include disks for windows anymore and you need to call and have them send you one or borrow one from a friend (but use your OWN legal key, of course). If you own a Dell, HP, Gateway, etc. computer and you follow my advice by reinstalling a fresh bare copy of Windows, you will be AMAZED at how much quicker it is.

~ Clean Up The Registry ~

These tools have been a Godsend to me and I'd like to share them with you...

RegVac is shareware - $29.95 is a suite of 8 Registry cleaning and tweaking utilities that got the lead out of my overburdened systems. Well worth the price!
http://downloads.zdnet.com/search.aspx?kw=RegVac

Registry Detective free download & Tutorial
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,73719,00.asp
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,81183,00.asp

Answer 2

Don't download things from ads!!! That's probably the worst thing that you could do. Your computer might have spyware that is making it so slow. There are free programs you can download that remove spyware. Go to a trusted site, like www.download.com and download a program like adaware or spywaredoctor. If it's not spyware, try getting rid of programs that you have never used. If that doesn't work, adding some memory will definitely work. Just make sure you get memory that fits your computer.

Answer 3

Make sure you are not running low on RAM (physical memory). Open Task Manager (CRTL+Shift+Esc) and go to the Performance tab. If your Available Physical Memory is below, say, 50,000-60,000 then you should add more RAM (check with your manufacturer to see how much you can add). Also, check for overheating and low voltages with SpeedFan. You should also check for spyware and viruses and do a general cleanup with the following programs:

Spyware Tools:
http://www.lavasoft.nu/software/adaware/ad-aware_se_personal.php
http://www.safer-networking.org
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsdefender
http://www.merijn.org/programs.php

Anti-Virus:
http://free.grisoft.com

Cleanup:
http://www.ccleaner.com

Answer 4

It is common for computer to slow down after using it for some time. You can take a look at this list of pc optimizer software that improves computer performance. It is very simple, all you need is several mouse clicks, besides, these tools are all free.

Answer 5

Your PC may be outdated you can get more RAM, or maybe a better processor. But then you may need help installing the hardware on your PC if you haven't done so before. You can always search the web for info. on this. If you know the maker of your motherboard search for diagrams. Google for instructions about installing them etc.

Answer 6

Well in virtually all groups, your web is actually plugged into a few field on or close your road. When every person plugged into that field attempt to max out their web connections you can also enjoy a few slower web. As in your pc, it does have whatever to do with it. Your internet browser has to load, and your pc runs it. Viruses too can sluggish down your pc and absorb plenty of your web connection, making it seem sluggish

Answer 7

How much memory (ram) do you have. Just right click my computer and properties. It will tell you there. If you do not have atleast 512mb or more your computer is probably going to run slow esp if you are using XP home or Pro. I would recommend atleast 1gb to run XP of anykind..THnaks

Answer 8

Your computer may need more RAM(random access memory).

Answer 9

You can visit mygreekplanet to make your computer fast.