Oftentimes, people find that after a year or two of regular use, their computer (desktop or laptop) seems to slow down. The computer takes longer to boot (start- up) and each and Every program loads and operates more slowly than it used to. There are two types of easy fixes; One is free and the other is inexpensive.
The Free Option
Each time you install or uninstall a program, little pieces of data get dropped into places where they do not belong. This is a consequence of the imperfect nature of the technology. Cleaning up the hard drive will, in most instances, speed up the computer and improve overall performance and responsiveness. “Schmootz” gums things up and slows you down. The schmootz needs to be swept out.
Under the list of Programs in the Start Menu (Lower left of your screen on Windows operating systems), find and open “Administrative Tools” in most versions of Windows. If it is not evident, simply typing “defrag” into the search area in the bottom lower left off the Start Screen will find the utility. Set it on Automatic and never be concerned about it again.
Several other free tool are available that help keep unwanted stuff from clogging things up and slowing a computer down. Two of the most reliable free tools are the CCleaner from Piriform and the Free Windows Registry Repair from Regsofts.com. Regular defragmentation and the use of these two tools will yield quicker and smoother computer operation much of the time.
It is also a good idea to delete any programs that have been installed that are not being used. Always use the “Programs and Features” list under “My Computer” to see what is installed and to uninstall anything no longer wanted or needed. Each program that loads takes up space and slows things down.
The Inexpensive Option
Over time, many computer users get into the routine of adding more programs and of using more than one at a time. Doing this as well as gaming or watching video uses a lot of Random Access Memory (RAM.) The quickest and most reliable way to boost the speed and performance of any computer with modest cost is by adding more RAM.
A computer that is running on 2GB of RAM will run a lot quicker with twice as much! Each computer has a maximum amount of RAM it will support. Determine the maximum amount of RAM the computer will support. Then, buy and install as much as can be afforded. The going rate for Ram is in the range of $5 – $9 per Gigabyte. A bargain!
Once the average computer user gets over the fear of opening the box, changing out ram sticks is a piece of cake and takes only a few minutes.
If the above two suggestions do not appreciably increase the speed of the computer, the user may already be trying to use it for things that are beyond its structural limitations. In that case, it may be time to consider buying a new one or having the system looked at by a professional technician. More often than not, speeding the computer up is something a user can take care of themselves.