What are a few things I can do to help my laptop run faster & smoother?

Question

Also, what makes the biggest difference in how fast a computer performs?

Thanks : )

Answer 1

Aside from the processor itself, the RAM is one of the biggest factors. Sometimes the OS.

When you purchase a computer of any sort, I highly recommend purchasing RAM the same day. Specifically the same amount that is already on the system so that you are doubling it. I am an IT Tech and RAM is one of the most common issues with speed. Particulary with VISTA.

Some great pointers that might help you improve your speed can be found with searches on the internet so I will not go into great detail here. Here are my quick points:

-RAM
-defragment
-add/remove to get rid of programs you no longer use
-check the msconfig so see if anything not needed is running in the start up
-check the startup folder (Start > Programs > Startup) for extra shortcuts that you really don't need to start immediately. The things listed there are only shortcuts and are safe to delete. You can always go to that program when you are actually going to use it.

If you or anyone would like help I use windows messenger. Just look for [e-mail]

Answer 2

First, uninstall any programs that you don't use anymore. Remove all the programs from the startup folder that you don't use every day. Then download and run CCleaner, including the "check for issues" part of the program. Now download and run AdAware. Also download and run Spybot S&D. If Ad-aware misses it, Spybot will catch it. IF you aren't afraid of tweeking your computer download and run Process Explorer. Now run Disk Cleanup and De-fragment your hard drive(both programs came with windows). Run these four programs frequently and defragment at least once a month.

Then buy the max memory your computer can handle. Memory makes the biggest difference in how your computer runs.

Still not happy? You may be able to upgrade the video card on your laptop. Most video cards also come with 'overclocking' software to speed up the CPU and video card. Be careful though. Overclocking can overheat the computer if you are too aggressive.

Answer 3

More memory - use systemscanner at www.crucial.com to get the right amount. Make sure you ONLY get top notch memory to keep things running smoothly..

Cleanup & optimize using IOBIT free program http://www.iobit.com/advancedwindowscareper.html , The Pro version is not that much more. (or use another program you trust).
.
Defrag every couple of months.

Replace a slow hard drive with a new high speed unit.

Stop all programs that start autotamatically, but don't need to.

Stop the indexer service one each drive.

Answer 4

There are several primary reasons could cause your computer to be slow and also some softwares you can download to speed up your laptop.
First,Corruption and Errors within your registry.The registry is a main part of your laptop's Operating System. With time, as you use Windows and install and uninstall programs, your registry will get congested and full of errors. So your laptop could slow down. So, if you can clean it up this problem can be solved.Sometimes you can speed laptop up by 300%. To clean up registry,You can download a software called regsitry cleaner---Clean registry,remnant,corrupt files and temp files,history,cookies,etc.. This site:
http://makepcfaster.info
lists top 5 registry cleaner,you can download and scan for free.
Second,Your laptop is loaded with spyware/adware.spyware/adware hamper your computer's performance.It use system resources and slow your laptop down.

So, to speed up your slow laptop, use a registry cleaner software and clean your registry files first. It will make all the difference, and provide you with the immediate fix you need for your slow computer.Then,download a good anti-spyware to get rid of spyware/adware in your laptop.

Answer 5

do a disk cleanup every 2 weeks i do it every otherday though go to my computer and click on Local Disk goto Documents and Settings go to ur account and other account if more than one dont go to all acounts and go to cookies and delete them all they'll make ur pc run slower u cant delete index but the rest u can they wont hurt ur pc at all there just temp internet files now delete the got to the disk clean up under system tools on ur start bar and run it check all that apply and delet then go back to the start bar right click my computer go to properties goto advance tab under porformance click settings and click adjust for best proformance it will make ur pc look old but will make it run faster and get a antivirus program to scan for virus's that could be slowing down ur pc i suggest avast 4 free for 60 days

Answer 6

Try to disable some of program from your system. On Run - type "msconfig" - click Enter. On Boot menu, change you timeout to "0". On Startup menu, disable the program that you don,t need. Other than that, you can try to use TuneUp Utilities 2009 or Uniblue SpeedUp My PC 2009

Answer 7

Spybot search and destroy.

I have for years only used AVG antivirsus Zone alarm fire wall and Ad-Aware ad-ware remover. I downloaded Spybot and and found over 4000 spy programs on my computer I erased!
Another very good thing is get a registry cleaner, and a hard drive cleaner.
Also defrag your drive.

Answer 8

Right click on My Computer>Advance>(Performance)Settings>Adjust for best performance

Click on Run>(type)msconfig>Startup>Disable all and restart ur pc.

Compress ur all drive, if u dont do produce or creat music from ur pc!

Answer 9

get a good spyware program and run diagnostics frequently. also make sure you do a disk cleanup and defragmenter on a regular basis. dsl is your best connection for speed. spyware is what really slows your laptop down.

Answer 10

defrag, disk clean, virus scan, spyware scan, delete unneccesary programs, dont get vista, and biggest diff is the memory.