Ways to Speed up your Computer

Computers can slow down over time for many reasons. Here are a few ways you can speed up your computer for the least amount of cost:

  1. Remove Unnecessary Data – The more data you have on your computer, the longer it will take to find/access specific programs and files. If you have old programs or old files on your computer that you know you don’t need, remove them. Empty your recycle bin. Delete your temporary internet files.
  2. Defrag Your Hard Drive – Hard drives become fragmented over time, and this causes files and programs to open slower. Drive defragging will put your files back together within the file system so that your drive will not have to access several locations to open a single file or program.
  3. Remove Viruses/Spyware – Viruses and Spyware can slow your system down drastically. Make sure you have a good anti-virus/anti-spyware program on your computer, make sure it is the latest version, and let it run. There are plenty of free ones out there for home users – AVG, Avira, PC Tools Antivirus, etc.
  4. Upgrade Your Hardware – New components can provide the biggest speed boost, but it can also be the most expensive way to do it. A CPU upgrade can be the most notable upgrade if your mainboard will support it. Another option is to increase the amount of memory (RAM) that your computer has – it will aid in the speed of starting applications, web surfing, photo rendering, etc. If you have less than 1GB of memory in your current computer, think about adding memory first.
  5. Keep Your Computer Cool and Clean – Just like any electronic device, heat degrades internal components, and thereby decreases functionality and speed. For a few dollars, you can purchase internal fans for your desktop computer. You can also upgrade your stock CPU fan to keep it running cooler. Cleanliness is important as well. A computer clogged with dust, smoke residue and pet hair can inhibit air flow and create more heat than intended within your PC.

There are many other lesser ways to gain a few seconds during startup/shutdown and during normal usage, but these are a few of the more cost effective ones.