As they age, computers get slower. No matter how fast they start out, and they always seem blazing fast, they can’t keep the pace. It doesn’t help when your kids download every game under the sun, but there are things you can do to make it run faster again.
Start – Accessories – System Tools – Disk Defragmenter
Running the defragmenter cleans up the disk and puts your files back into contiguous blocks. On older machines with large hard drives it can take a while to run, and you need to stay off of the system while it runs. Make sure you turn off the screen saver and any automatic updates for firewalls, anti-virus, etc. and start it up before you go to bed.
More Memory
My Dell started with a 2.2 GHz processor and 512 Mb of RAM. The processor is adequate, but the memory is a little light, especially if you get into something that is graphics intensive. The first hard drive I ever owned was smaller than 512 MB, but… I need to let go of the past. I’ve found Dells really easy to work on for things like additional memory or drives. There is a lever on the back that you move and the case comes off very easily. Pop the lever on the old memory chip socket to get it out and slide in the new chip(s). In my case, I removed a pair of 256 Mb chips and replaced them with a pair of 1 Gb chips. I was able to get my new memory for free from Best Buy by using my Reward Zone points. NOTE: If you’ve never done this before, be very careful or get an experienced friend to help. You don’t want to zap the insides of your computer with a static shock or break the chips or sockets.
Reload the OS
I’ve done this numerous times because 1 – I’m kind of a geek like that and 2 – sometimes it’s just easier to start over, but this is the last resort. Back up anything you want to keep to CD or flash drive before you start. Dig through all the books and CD’s that originally came with the computer and find the boot disk. Use that to boot up, and then format the hard drive. Reload all your backed up pictures, files, games, etc., being careful NOT to load anything you don’t need.