Is there any free S/W available to speed up the computer?

Question

Or is there any free S/w that lists and deletes obsolete files? Some s/w like "registrysmart" once downloaded freely make a list, but ask to be upgraded to delete the obsolete files.

Answer 1

A lot depends on your computer itself -- the hardware that is -- and yes, I am assuming that you mean your personal computer at home!
From a software point of view -- let me assume that you use Microsoft Windows XP (or 2000).

If you are interested in a cost effective solution, this is what I'd do.
1a. Run Disk Cleanup -- double click on my computer, right click on C:, select properties, click on Disk Cleanup -- and leave it alone!!! For about 10 to 15 mts.
1b. Run your built-in defragmentation program -- double click on "my computer", when it opens, right-click on C:, select properties, click on "Tools" tab, click on defragment now - click on C: to select it and click on "Defragment". I suggest that you do this just prior to going to sleep -- depending on your disk space, this could take a while. Oh! yes, no other program should be running. If possible, right click on all the system tray items and see if you exit out of all of them. (I can't speak for all, but Windows native defrag program definitely works better than my System Mechanic 6 Pro!!!)

2. Memory upgrades -- It is amazing what a $512MB RAM upgrade can do to sluggish machine -- I'd imagine about $80ish?

3. This is highly recommended but totally optional -- IF you do not have one already -- then adding try a graphics card. Nothing fanciful, something from BestBuy or Circuit City would do -- look for something with atleast 128MB onboard memory. What the graphics gard would do is free your main processor from having to perform graphics calculations also and all graphics related work including just displaying text would then be relegated to the graphics card. And that is really a big enhancement.

4. If you plan on buying hardware I'd suggest use tigerdirect.com (they have ridiculously low prices!!!).

5. Yeah, they do say compacting the registry is good! I am kind of in the middle on that one. Since the exported size of the registry is no more than 6 to 10K (mine is 6.28K), I really don't understand how compacting that would help. "regedit" does take time to open up, but if you notice, most programs start up much, much, faster than it takes regedit to open up the registry.

Warning: IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT REGEDIT DOES, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE IT. YOU COULD END UP BUYING A NEW PC -- which then defeats the purpose of this response :))

Now, if you have a high end machine then I'd have to assume that you knew what you were buying and also that you are familiar with hardware. If you still find problems with speed, then you are left with very little choices -- the one I can think of is graphics -- try one of NVIDIA's SLI motherboards and two identical SLI compatible graphics cards (ATI has a similar option available). For memory upgrades see if you get a hold of HighSpeed RAM and RAM busses -- the higher the bus speed the better. You are looking to spending roughly $800. I don't know about that one!!!

Answer 2

You can use CCleaner (http://www.ccleaner.com/). It's one of the more popular freeware tools for removing temporary and obsolete files in your computer. You can also clean up your registry and remove unwanted programs that run at startup.

I would also recommend an Anti-spyware tool to remove programs that hijack your computer: Spybot (http://www.spybot.info/en/index.html). If you surf the Internet a lot, this is an indispensable tool.

After running these two programs, you should notice a significant speed increase in your machine (assuming you haven't used such tools before). Goodluck!

Answer 3

Free softwares? Hmm.

Ccleaner at

http://www.ccleaner.com/

will securely erase obsolete files.

Mind you, it does have a registry cleaning feature, which I never used, but is said to be good. I only use it to remove my **** history. Oops that's more info than you need.
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You can get Tuneup utility from
http://www.tune-up.com/download/tu2007/
it is a good software, but it only offers a 30 day trial.
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Same goes for ace utility
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Best way to speed up your comp is to upgrade to higher RAM, especially if you are into gaming.

This cleaning, defragmenting etc. helps very little. Also to speed up your computer, I would advise you to check your startup programs, and disable unnecessary programs from starting at system startup, disable useless processes like UPS etc. from starting at system startup, and keeping your system tray clear of clutter. Do you really need Yahoo messenger to start when you switch on the computer? Not me! I am not online all the time, and certainly don't log in every time i use the comp.

Answer 4

Do disk cleanup using the program in Windows.
Just search for files with extensions like .bak, .tmp, .old etc. and delete them.
Defragment the disk using the program in Windows once a week.
That's all you need. I have been doing this regularly.
Registry cleaning softwares can be dangerous if you don't know how to use them. I would advise against using them.

Answer 5

1. Advanced WindowsCareV2 Personal from
www.iobit.com.
Does most of the jobs of individual programs
Also try the tools to optimise memory etc.

2 .http://www.wisecleaner.com/registrycleaner
This program is also quite effective.

Answer 6

the best thing is do it urself than depending on a 3rd party software. jst delete any cookies ,delete temporary files from local settings,delete prefetch files from c:/windows, delete downlowded program files from c:/windows, if u want a s/w only then try using "clean centre" or xp tools

Answer 7

if u r runnin win xp then xp tools is a good program with several tools to help clean n speed up ur pc it can be found on www.download.com along with other good freeware n trial programs for all needs :)

Answer 8

Try Google search for "Tweaks to improve computer speed"

Answer 9

RAM booster can increase your PC performance

Answer 10

Yes look at download.com or tucows.com and look in the utilities sections. When you search look for freeware.