35+ Easy Ways to Quickly Speed Up your Slow PC
Spywares can steal your personal information and disable the computer’s security. To do this, it can even hamper the computer’s inner functioning and victimize its speed, at the least.
To check that you have already been attacked by a spyware, or there has been any threats going on inside your computer, you can apply PC Safety Scan totally free of cost from the Windows Live One Care. This can check and, if necessary, free your computer from them.
To save your computer from future threats, you may download the free version of the Microsoft Security Essentials. It is extremely helpful in removing Malware (malicious software like the viruses, spyware etc.) from your computer. It enacts as a removal tool for spywares and has also got the automatic update option.
If your computer is infected by any of the malwares named Blaster, Sasser or Mydoom or other dangerous malwares, there is another software which can answer your problems - the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. It is a one-stop utility kit for checking for malicious software inside the computer and removing it. It runs on any Windows operating system including Windows 7, Vista or XP.
**Just remember that the Microsoft Security Essentials will be applicable if you have a genuine Windows operating system.
2.Free Memory Space On Disk:
The functionaries of a computer are based on the memory space available in your computer. Free up as much as possible for better performance.
Unused files can be detected and safely removed from your hard disk by the tool Disc Cleanup. It provides you with the option of deleting the unimportant files of your computer.
The Disc Cleanup can speed up your computer when you direct it to:
Clear the Internet history registry.
Empty the recycle bin
Delete the unnecessary downloaded program files including the Java Applets and the controls of Microsoft ActiveX
Remove all the temporary files, including the error and warning reports from the ‘Event viewer’ folder.
Delete any optional unused Windows components.
Remove the originals and shadow copies of unused restore points from the System Restore.
Uninstall and delete unused applications and programs.
To use Disc Cleanup:
(for Windows 7, Vista and XP users)
Step 1:
Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Disc Cleanup.
Step 2:
Specify which drive you want to clean.
Step 3:
Once the tool has finished calculating the available space in the drive, it asks you in the dialogue box ‘Disk Cleanup for’ to specify the files you want to delete. Select the checkboxes given beside the file you are intending to delete.
Step 4:
Once you have scrolled through all the options of the files and selected all the unimportant ones, click OK.
Step 5:
When you are asked to confirm the deletion of the files, Windows 7 & XP users have to click Yes, and Windows Vista users will have to click Delete files.
You can see the files being cleared. It will take a while if your computer is older. After the operation, the dialogue box will close and your PC speed along with efficiency will be optimized.
3.Addition of Extra Memory:
If the Disc Cleanup has not provided you enough speed, you can improvise the memory issue by adding extra and better accessible memory otherwise.
Adding RAM: If you have RAM any less than 2 GB, it is time to upgrade. Adding extra RAM speeds your computer’s efficiency and increases speed. It even speeds up your booting process.
Installing Solid State Drives (SDD): If you are not happy with the efficiency of your normal Hard Disk Drives, and have enough money to spend, you can opt for the newest technology of the Solid State Drives. It gives easily accessible data and also in very less time.
External Hard Drives: If you are genuinely a movie buff or even have a huge collection of songs that is too valuable to delete, you can transfer them in an External Hard Drive. These can be accessed by the USB ports and the speed of the computer need not be compromised for that.
Use ReadyBoost: If you have a Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating system in your computer, then ReadyBoost software will give you an option for adding external flash memory of the non-volatile type (like that of a flash USB drive, a memory card etc.) to your computer’s memory capacity. This is a cost-efficient way of increasing memory as you do not have to buy costly external massive storage units.
4.Increase Data Accession Speed:
The data fragmentation can be taken as a drawback of the read-and-write platform of the disk storage system. It reduces computer performance very much. The Disk Defragmenter, or simply Defrag, is a Windows operating system utility tool which enables us to undo this change. All the fragmented pieces of the files on the disk is brought back together to reduce time in accessing the data.
Defrag should be regularly used, especially when:
A lot of files are being added to the disk,
The total memory space on the disk is lesser than 15%.
While installing a new or updated Windows operating system.
*It should be kept in mind that Defrag will need a little space on the disk to operate. If the disk is totally full, then it is advisable to free some data beforehand.
** The Disc Defragmentation does not change the address of the files in the directory, only gives it an organized position on the Hard Disk, physically.
Enabling Disk Defragmentation:
(for Windows 7, Vista and XP users)
Step 1:
Start>All Programs>Accessories>System tools>Disk Defragmenter.
Step 2:
Select the drive for defragmentation and press Analyze Disk button (Analyze for XP) to analyze whether the selected disk or drive can be defragmented or not. Analyzing also gives you a rough idea how much time the total defragmentation of the disk might take.
Step 3:
After analysis, if the selected drive is eligible for scanning, press Defragment Disk button (Defragment for XP) to start the defragging of the drive. You will be able to see the process going on in the Current Status area (XP does not have any GUI to show the process happening. It can be only notified after being done).
Step 4:
The report of the defragmentation will be displayed in the Current Status area. If you still want a detailed report, you may click on the View Report option. Click on Close after seeing.
Step 5:
The computer can also be set to schedule for being defragged automatically after regular time intervals.
If it is already set for automatic scheduling by default, then the time, date and the required frequency of the schedule will be shown under the Schedule area. It will read at first “Scheduled defragmentation is turned on”. To change the schedule of the defragmentation, click on the option Configure schedule (Modify schedule for Windows Vista) and change the settings.
If it is not turned on, then click on the option Turn on schedule.
Click on OK.
(Windows XP does not have this feature.)
Step 6:
Click on OK to exit the Disk Defragmenter dialogue box.
5.Reducing Errors On The Disks:
The hard discs, as you use it, may develop some regions called the Bad Sectors. The data saving in these regions become difficult, and sometimes, even impossible. That is why; such regions are also responsible for slowing down the performance of the computer.
To reduce Disk Errors, you can use the Error Checking facility in the Windows operating system. In fact, it is advisable to use Error Checking weekly for a frequently used computer.
Running Error Checking facility:
Step 1:
Close all the open applications on the computer.
Step 2:
Start>My Computer (Computer for Windows 7)
Step 3:
Right click on the drive required for searching bad sectors>Properties>Tools tab??
?>Check Now.
Step 4:
A dialogue box saying Check Disk (Error-checking in Windows 7) will appear.
Select the option “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sector” there.
Click on the option Start.
Step 5:
The bad sectors, if found, should be fixed by clicking on the option Fix.
6.Better organizing:
a.Keeping the Desktop Clean:
As your computer gets old, the desktop generally gets cluttered with a lot of unwanted and unused icons with time and frequent use. The loading of these icons need a lot of time, every time you come on the desktop page. So, a shortcut way to increase computer speed is to organize these desktop icons.
You can:
Delete the shortcuts on the desktop.
Delete old and unused icons.
Arrange all the related files in one file.
This will make the computer’s desktop loading a little bit faster.
Step 1:
Start>Computer>Up option on the Toolbar.
Step 2:
You have come to the Desktop page and can do the changes to the icons, according to your choice.
b.Cure the Slow loading of Start menu:
If the Start menu is loading slowly, you can edit this problem by going to the Registry Editor.
Step 1:
Start>Run>type “regedit.exe”>HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Control Panel>Desktop.
Step 2:
Look for Menu Show Delay. Double click on it. Edit the Value data. The lower the number specified, the faster the menu take to load.
c.Curing the Slowness of ‘Right Click Context Menu’:
This can happen if excess entries have been added here by unwanted programs. This can be cured by installing the program “Mmm” and removing the unwanted items from the right click context menu.
d.Curing the slowness of ‘Send to’ menu:
Step 1:
Start>Run>type “sendto”>press .
Step 2:
The Explorer window will be opened. Remove the unwanted entries from it.
e.Curing the slow loading of My Computers window:
Step 1:
Go to Explorer window.
Step 2:
Tools tab…>Folder Options>View tab…
Step 3:
Uncheck the option “Automatically search for network folders and printers”.
f.Treating Unresponsive programs:
An unresponsive program does not stop instantly even if End Task is clicked. This extra time-taking can be changed for the better.
Step 1:
Start>Run>type “regedit.exe”>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > System > Current Control Set > Control.
Step 2:
Set the Value data to 1000.
g.Change Windows Defragmenter:
Even to its popular use, the Windows Defragmenter can be tiring as it is very slow. You can replace it with other better defragmentation tools available for free over the Internet. Some of them are: the Defraggler, the DefragMentor Lite CL and Auslogics Disc defragmenter. Contig is another defragment tool which can be used if you are trying to defrag one particular file in the disk. Its developed version Wincontig can defrag many files without defragging the whole disk.
h.Disabling the Appearance Settings and Animations:
The performance of the computer is sometimes compromised due to the user friendly and fashionable graphical interface of the computers. If the performance of the computer is of the prime importance to you, then you can disable these fancy animation features.
Step 1:
Start>Control Panel>Performance and Maintenance>Adjust visual effects.
Step 2:
In the Performance Options dialogue box, under the Visual Effects tab, choose the option “Adjust for best performance”.
i.Disabling the Disk Indexing Service:
Each Hard Drive Disk of the computer can be separately indexed for faster file searches inside it. But how often do you search your drives separately for a file, when there is a dedicated search option to do it? Never, may be. So why would you do want to keep an unnecessary setting which is bogging the computer speed? Just turn it off, simply!
Step 1:
Start>Computer (My Computer for Windows XP)>right click on each drive>Properties.
Step 2:
Uncheck the option saying: “Allow Indexing Service to index this disk for fast file searching” under the General tab.
j.Clearing the Prefetch folder:
The Prefetch folder contains a copy of a program which has been stored to start it up even faster. When these extra files start to pile up over the years, it creates a mess and slows the computer function in whole. To get rid of these irrelevant programs:
Step 1:
Start>Run>type “notepad”>OK.
Step 2:
Type in the notepad:
del C:WindowsPrefetch*.*/Q”
Rundll32.exe advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks
Step 3:
Save this file with the name: faster.bat (the extension .bat is for running the file as a batch file)
Step 4:
Double-click on the file to run the program.
That’s it! Your Prefetch folder is clear of all the unimportant files.
k.Replacing the Windows Defender:
The need for an anti-virus is to provide your computer with a quick solution to the protection from malwares. Microsoft Windows Defender, very frankly, does not do that. Especially, when there is so much security software available over the internet and that also for free, it is not practical to enable your computer with just the internal Windows defender.
Firstly, disable the Microsoft Windows defender from your Control Panel.
There are hosts of faster third-party security application software to replace it with. I will mention a few:
1.Avira Antivir Personal: The simplest user interface antivirus and best for finding viruses through its thorough scanning.
2.Panda Cloud antivirus: The most consistent anti-virus with an amazingly sleek interface.
3.Avast Free Antivirus: Among all the Avast anti-viruses, the free version is the most useful.
4.Norton 360 Anti-Virus (Free Edition): The ultimate in virus security; only that it comes with a 30 days free trial edition. But, if your computer is in real bad shape and needs an overhaul immediately, the 30 day shot should be worthwhile.
5.AVG Free Antivirus: With really easily downloadable updates, an easy user interface and very thorough security features makes this free edition anti-virus become the best bet in the anti-virus freeware market.
Other than the methods mentioned above, there is a problem regarding laptops that need to be discussed exclusively.
Laptop Heating:
One of the most commonly found problems found while using laptops. So, what to do about it?
Solutions:
1.An extra CPU fan: Use an extra CPU-fan for better wind circulation across the CPU. It is easily available in stores near you.
2.N2 Cooling System: You may prefer a better N2 cooling system. Though it is advisable to find out more about such new products before buying one.
3.Cleaning of Heat Vents: Check the heat vents of your laptop. If it is old, then it must be clogged with dust and crud. Blow the vents with a can of air or just brush it a little and see the difference!
4.Proper Alignment: Improper positioning of the laptop is one major reason for getting it heated. Keep it on an even and hard surface, such that of a table. If you are even keeping it on your lap, then use a hard object, like a board, to keep under the laptop. Do not keep your laptop in a slanted position as it may harm the alignment of the delicate circuitry.
5.Lesser Multitasking: Too many running programs are bad for the laptop. Keep only a few of them active at a time for heat-less and better activity.
6.Proper Memory Utilization: Do not use much of the memory. If you are using too much of the memory space, then buy an e
xternal hard disk drive to transfer all your data. This will still keep your data portable, while decreasing the load on your laptop.
Tips for Windows 7 users:
Windows 7, though comparatively new in the Operating System market, it still has captured most of the world by its user-friendly and easy to use features. Though in spite of its striking features, it has some minor problems which I would be most ready to help with.
The things which should be done to make a Windows 7 computer fast are:
1.Its user-friendly features are its vice. Disable the Aero theme features. Simply,
Right click on the desktop screen.
Select Personalize.
Find under “Basic and High Contrast Themes” the “Windows 7 Basic” option.
2.Disable the Sidebar and other gadgets from the Desktop Context Menu.
Open Control Panel.
Type “features” in the Search-box overhead.
Select the option “Turn Windows features on or off”.
When you see the option Windows Gadget Platform, uncheck the box beside it.
Confirm your choice by clicking on OK.
Restart the computer.
The gadgets have stopped working. You can check it from the Desktop Context Menu when you do not find the Gadgets option from it.
3.Disable the Search indexing feature in the Windows 7.
4.A weekly defragmentation of the drives is necessary, as more codes are fragmented in the complex algorithm of the Windows 7 platform.
5.Let the Aero Snap Feature be turned off.
6.Activate the Ready Boost service for Windows 7.
7.Disable the Windows 7’s User account control Feature.
8.The Password Protection Feature of Windows 7 can be disabled.
9.Let the write caching for different devices be enabled.
10.The Thumbnail Preview Feature for Windows 7 should be disabled.
11.The IPv6 should be removed from the network adaptation settings.
12.The ReadyBoost should be activated to enhance Windows 7 performance.
13.The minimizing and maximizing animation should be disabled.
14.Let RDC be removed for increased data transfer over the network
15.Finally, the flashy visual effects should be made ineffective, to speed up the functioning of Windows 7.
CONCLUSION
If I was writing this article a decade back even, I would have had an option of imagining my grandmother, who would have had to stay in a remote village, of course, and then I could make her my potential audience, and could dream of wealthy appreciations. Even then too, she might have had a problem with my ultramodern dialect, and my purpose of making her understand the importance of modern technology, would have been defeated anyways.