How To Speed Up Your Computer

Are you frustrated with your slow computer? Have you ever wondered why your computer became slower with each use? Here are some basic solutions to this problem:-

1. Check for viruses in your computer

Viruses and hidden malicious programs or annoying Trojans often load at system start-up and they slow down our computer. Get rid of these by scanning them with antivirus and spyware utilities regularly.

Some common Free Antivirus, online virus check and anti spyware can be found here:
http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner
http://www.nanoscan.com/
http://www.free-av.com/
http://www.grisoft.com/
http://www.my-etrust.com/microsoft/
http://www.avast.com/i_kat_207.php?lang=ENG
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
http://www.incodesolutions.com/removeit.php
http://free.aol.com/antivirus/freeav/
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html
http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan

2. Uncheck unneeded start-up programs

When we download programs and applications, they will automatically start-up each time our computer runs. However, many a time we don't need to use the programs. So we need to stop the start-up inorder to speed up our computer.

For Windows 98, Me, and XP:
Goto
Start --> Run --> type msconfig --> OK --> Startup tab
A list of programs that launch at start-up will appear.
Read the name and location of each file to help you figure out each function then UNCHECK the boxes (those not needed) on the left-hand side of the Msconfig window.

In Windows XP, there is a Services tab at Msconfig. If you can understand the use of each application at the Services tab then you can uncheck them too. But remember, some are essential in the running of the Windows.

3. Scan Your Disks

ScanDisk analyzes your hard drives for errors and problems. It will fix the problem automatically.

Goto
Start --> Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools --> ScanDisk --> select a drive --> OK
You should TICK to select these --> Temporary Internet files, Recycle Bin and Temporary files.

Use check Automatically to fix errors --> click Start.

Repeat for each drive.

4. Defrag your hard drive:

A file can be saved in different location in a hard disk. A huge file can has many parts of the file placed in wherever there's free space. Disk Defragmenter arranges your files in a systematic order for easy access and thus improves start-up and speedier Windows performance. Use Disk Defragmenter on all your drives. You should have at least 15% disk space before you can do a complete defragment.

Goto:
Start --> Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools --> Disk Defragmenter --> click on a drive --> Defragment

Hope you will have speedier start-up after following the steps above.