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Basically, it removes files that may have once been useful or used but
now are just taking up extra room that could be used for more useful
programs and files.
To perform a disc cleanup, click on the Start button on the bottom left
of your computer screen, then Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disc
Cleanup. A small box will pop up, allowing you to select the files to
delete (most files are OK to delete, but if you are unsure, it is best
to not select the file). Then click OK, and the unused files will be
removed.
If you've never done a disk cleanup on your computer, now is a good time
to get started. Then, depending on how much you use your computer, you
can perform a disk cleanup every few weeks to keep your computer running
smoothly!
2) Defragmenting Your Computer
Another way to improve the performance of your computer is to defragment
your hard drive. What is defragmenting, and why do you need to do it?
Here's a simple explanation:
Basically, defragmenting is putting files back where they belong. With
the files in the proper order, your computer will run more efficiently.
You don't need to hire a computer expert to defragment your computer.
It's simple to do. You just need to plan ahead, because if you have a
lot of "stuff" on your computer, it could take a while.
And it's best not to use your computer while defragmenting.
Not sure how to defragment your computer? You can either click on your
computer's help file (Click the "Start" button on the bottom left of
your computer screen, then Help), or click on Start, Programs,
Accessories, System Tools, Defragment - for most computers) .
Keep in mind that the actual wording is slightly different depending on
the operating system you use (Windows 95, 98, XP, etc) so you might need
to refer to your computer's help file.
Periodically defragmenting your computer will keep it running smoothly!
3) Removing Spyware & Adware
If you've ever had spyware or adware on your computer, you know how
frustrating it can be - strange things happening, your homepage
changing, inappropriate popups, unfamiliar icons...
What exactly is spyware or adware?
Simply, files that are often downloaded onto your computer without your
knowledge (or at least without you knowing what they really are).
Unfortunately, many of these programs "sneak" their way onto your
computer, so avoiding them entirely is difficult, especially if you
spend a lot of time on your computer, surfing the Internet and
downloading new programs and files.
Fortunately, there are ways to remove these unwanted files from your
computer.
Here are 2 adware/spyware removal programs that are simple to use (and
both are free):
Ad-Aware http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/
Spybot http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
Why does adware/spyware continue to be such a problem? Because most of
these programs make money for the people creating and spreading them,
unfortunately. So, all we can do is try to avoid them as much as
possible, and to remove them when they do find their way onto our
computers.
If you do find spyware on your computer, don't panic. In many cases, you
just have some extra "junk" on your computer. But keeping spywaer and
adware off of your computer will help it run more quickly and
efficiently.
4) Uninstalling Old & Unused Programs
While uninstalling old, unused programs will help speed up your
computer, removing the wrong files can cause you some big problems. So,
please proceed carefully. And if you are not comfortable, please ask for
help from someone you know who is more knowledgeable.
Most programs that you download simply have an "uninstall" feature that
comes with them. If you're like me and you download a lot of free
programs or free trials, after a while your computer begins to slow
down. That means it's time for me to remove some of the old programs I
don't use any more (and most I only used once just to see how they
work).
To uninstall unused programs from your computer, first click on the
Start button on the bottom left, then Programs, then click on the name
of the program and Uninstall. If there is no uninstall option, then
click on the Start button on the bottom left, then Control Panel,
Add/Remove Programs.
Again, if you are unsure whether or not to remove a program, it is best
to leave it.
If you follow these instructions, you should find your computer working
faster right away.
5) Get A High Speed Internet Connection
If you spend a lot of time on the internet, a high speed internet
connection is a must. It is more expensive, but for most people the
savings in time and effort is worth the added expense.
There are several advantages of having a high speed internet connection
- faster surfing, web pages open more quickly, files download faster,
and if you send or receive large files, like pictures or video, trying
to open these files with a slower dialup connection is extremely
frustrating!
If you're already spending $20 a month or more for your dialup
connection (through your phone line) then you'll find DSL to be
comparable in price, and a lot faster.
A cable internet connection might cost a little more, but it is usually
the fastest type of internet connection you can get from home.
High speed wireless connections are available for those who travel a
lot. And high speed satellite internet is available in areas where other
options are not (check your options first, as this is the most expensive
high speed connection).
That's all the tips for increasing your computer speed and helping your
computer run more efficiently. We hope you found these tips helpful!
© 2005 Hi-Speed-Internet.com. Kris Bickell is the owner of Hi-Speed-Internet.com,
a helpful site for consumers comparing high speed internet services. For
information on high speed DSL, Cable, and Wireless Internet, visit:
http://www.Hi-Speed-Internet.com, and sign up for the free email course
“5 Simple Ways To Increase Your Computer Speed”.
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