Oftentimes, we experience a decline in our computer's performance some months after purchase or reformat. And really, this is never good news for anyone. The amount of irritation one feels about computer lag can somehow range from mild to infuriating. But to actually get into the core of the problem and find out ways how to speed up that computer is in our hands. Sometimes, we don't even have to get it repaired. So first, we should try to figure out as to what causes a computer to lag.
The first thing we think about when our computer lags is that a virus might have penetrated our system. And though this may be probable, this isn't always the case. There are various reasons, besides outside infiltration that can cause a slowing down, and sometimes, it's just the way we handle files, how we carelessly install and reinstall things or how we jam up our computer with too many programs.
First of all, we must learn how to clean up our computer system once in a while. There are times when we store too much files or and install too many programs, and there are little files left behind even after we uninstall them. And these files take up additional space that could be freed to make our computer breathe better.
Basically, we could start optimizing our computer's performance by:
Always remember, the main key to keeping your computer fast and convenient, is to be careful in installing things in it. One should consider looking at reviews or asking for recommendations from people who are knowledgeable about a certain software of program before actually installing it. This skepticism actually helps in minimizing clutter in your computer and inviting unknown viruses to be embedded within your system.
The first thing we think about when our computer lags is that a virus might have penetrated our system. And though this may be probable, this isn't always the case. There are various reasons, besides outside infiltration that can cause a slowing down, and sometimes, it's just the way we handle files, how we carelessly install and reinstall things or how we jam up our computer with too many programs.
First of all, we must learn how to clean up our computer system once in a while. There are times when we store too much files or and install too many programs, and there are little files left behind even after we uninstall them. And these files take up additional space that could be freed to make our computer breathe better.
Basically, we could start optimizing our computer's performance by:
- Minimizing our Start-Up programs. Too much automatic Start-up Programs can slow down our boot. To do this, we can manually go to a certain program's customization options and turn off automatic launch on start-up. Usually, we can find this in the Settings or Options. But there are freeware utilities that can ease the burden of doing this like Autoruns which can be downloaded free at select sites. It holds a good knowledge of auto-starting locations of any start-up monitor, and shows someone what programs are configured to run during system boot up or login, and the order Windows processes them.
- Removing or Turning-off unnecessary Windows Services/Components and Files. These unnecessary things include softwares/programs that you don't really need, unneeded default Windows Visual Effects, and other files and services such as Fax Service, Indexing Service, Internet Information Service, Management and Monitoring Tools, Message Queuing, MSN Explorer, unnecessary networking systems, Outlook Express and Windows Digital Media Enhancements. Removing these things and other unnecessary things that you don't really need will make your computer run better.
- Cleaning the Disk Drive. To perform this, one can simply Click Start in the bottom left corner, click run, and type cleanmgr.exe, press okay and follow instructions at the pop up dialog box. Or you may make use of a freeware utility like CCleaner to help you get rid of all the useless junk in your computer.
- Having enough memory. This is a very important thing so that you may allow your computer to run smoothly. Having enough memory makes your computer run smoothly in launching and processing softwares and programs. Current standards would say 512mb of Random Access Memory is sufficient, and anything higher is much more ideal. Or else, if you need help in optimizing your memory, a freeware utility such as FreeRam XO Pro can help manage it. This program configures your memory so that it may work at its best for your own usage.
Always remember, the main key to keeping your computer fast and convenient, is to be careful in installing things in it. One should consider looking at reviews or asking for recommendations from people who are knowledgeable about a certain software of program before actually installing it. This skepticism actually helps in minimizing clutter in your computer and inviting unknown viruses to be embedded within your system.
Kris Mainieri is an accomplished Computer Tech focusing on innovative and unique ways to help people take their computing performance to a whole new level free.