Speed, speed, speed. We’re all searching for it – from Internet connections to fast cars and productivity tools. Therefore, when our computer that we so rely on to get things done, slows to a glacial pace, we need a solution. My husband, with the benefit of a first-rate IT department and backup system, has his laptop completely wiped about every six months, and then the software reinstalled. For those of us who aren’t so lucky, you need solutions. First, realize that there are a variety of reasons that your computer may be slow. And there are a variety of fixes.
- Problem 1: Your hard drive is too full to run smoothly. It needs about 300 – 500 MBs or more of free space to speed up your computer.
Solution: Go to the start menu and select “My Computer” or “Computer” option. Check how much free space you have available on your C drive. If you don’t have enough free space, try to delete some old files you don’t need. Either move them to a backup device or delete them completely. Photos and videos are big memory hogs. Consider being a good photo editor and delete any and all photos that you wouldn’t put into an album. - Problem 2: You may have unwanted or redundant items in your Windows registry.
Solution: Use a good registry cleaner to remove configuration data that is no longer wanted or in use on your PC. Click here to see my reviews of the best cleaners. - Problem 3:You have a defragmented hard drive that is causing your computer to be running slow.
Solution:Run the defragmenting program on your computer. First, close all programs. Then open the defragmenting program. Look for it in Programs/Accessories/System Tools/ Disk Defragmenting. - Problem 4:Your computer is running too many programs at once. You may not realize how many programs you have open. Those running in the background may be slowing down the program you would like to use. Programs like Photoshop are notorious for slowing down your computer.
Solution: Hit the Ctrl, Alt and Delete keys at the same time. This will bring up your Task Manager and Show you all programs that are currently running. End any programs you aren’t using. You can also close all programs, shut down your PC, and then restart. - Problem 5: Your computer could be full of adware, spyware, viruses or Trojans. Any and all of these malicious programs could affect your computer speed.
Solution: Be certain to have updated firewall, antivirus, and spyware removal programs. These are three separate programs, and all are necessary to keep your computer running at top speed.
Following these steps, you can once again have lightning quick speed, at least in one area of your life.
