Posts Tagged ‘how to fix a slow pc’

Optimising the performance of any computer is easier than many users think. This article provides simple steps to speed up any computer quickly. Implementing either of the first two steps in this article should take less than 15 minutes using a PC or Mac.

Step 1 -  Clean the computer registry

Slow computers often have errors in their registry. The main functions of a registry are about connecting hardware, software and computer files. In practice therefore, the computer registry acts as the computer’s nervous system. Errors often lead to the corruption of the registry, and reduce the computer speed . A simple step is therefore to locate then fix registry errors. Users could in theory attempt to cleanup the registry manually, however this method is not recommended as it requires deep knowledge of both the structure of the registry and its functions. Registry repair software are usually fast and reliable and offer overall, a better alternative to correct errors, delete unused files, poor links and deal with ActiveX components. Click on compare registry fix software for more information.

Step 2 – Delete and block adware and spyware

Another common reason leading to computers slowing-down, is the large number of spyware and adware, which are downloaded from the Internet, often without the users knowledge. Typically this occurs when downloading videos, music or other files from peer to peer (P2P) networks. One of the simplest solutions to improve any computer’s speed is to use an anti spyware or adware software to scan, remove and block these unwanted threats. Before buying any anti spyware or adware software it is best to use the trial version which is often free. The overall effectiveness of the software is obviously the main feature to consider, however other features are also important such as Ease of Download and Simplicity of Use, Automatic Backup, Quality of Customer Service. The best software tend to be the simplest to use and rely on a research capability that constantly updates the software for new threats. Click on best adware spyware removal for more information.

Step 3 – Eliminate viruses

Unsurprisingly many computer viruses can slow down computers and drive down response times. Computer viruses often damage files, can consume excessive amount of memory and take a large amount of space on the hard disk. By running the latest version of the best anti-virus programs, users should overcome these problems and be in a better position to improve their computer performance.

Step 4 – Simple housekeeping tasks

There are many simple housekeeping tasks which can be done to improve the speed of any computer, for example uninstalling any software that is not needed.  Stopping programs launching automatically is also useful to speed up any computer and is usually very straightforward. These straightforward tasks generally deliver marginal improvements.

Step 5 – Optimise the Hard disk

For hard disks which are smaller than 2GB then at least 200MB of disk should be kept free and at least 500MB for larger hard disks. The amount of free space on the hard drive is a key factor of performance as it is used by temporary files needed by software to run. This also enables the operating system to swap files using the hard disk as it runs out of RAM. In that event, users can experience a reduction in speed, if too little space is available on the hard disk. To check the hard disk itself it is recommended to use a disk scanning programs such as Scandisk for Windows. For instance the hard disk may be too fragmented and some of its sectors may be damaged, and this can create problems even if the hard drive is large enough. Running a defragmentation software is another useful step which will improve computer performance.

Step 6 – Optimising the RAM

Some programs are poorly designed and do not release RAM resources after they are closed. Other programs have less memory to run as a result. Computers frequently run out of RAM after a while. In order to overcome this, ugrading the RAM is probably necessary. An alternative free option is simply to not run some computer programs at the same time as each other.

Step 7 – Stop the computer from overheating

Faulty fans are a common cause leading to the computer overheating, slowing down then freezing as a result. Installing a new fan is the best solution to overcome this problem, as this increases the air flow through the computer thereby reducing the machine’s temperature and improving its performance.

For more information click on how to make my computer faster.

The aim of this article is to equip the reader with practical advice on how to resolve the most common causes of errors in their computers. Each recommendation can usually be implemented in less than 15 minutes.

Most Common Computer Errors - Computers have brought dramatic changes in our day to day lives, yet like any machine, they need regular maintenance and upgrade. Many users do not yet realise that the solution required to fix and prevent most computer errors are in fact really simple.

In the majority of cases, errors exist in the EXE, DLL and driver files. This takes place often due to invalid or corrupt entries in the registry. These files are important as they create entries in the registry, which are in turn used to operate the computer. When the registry becomes unstable or damaged, it will significantly slow down the computer, and will create random responses.

Run Defragmenter - To begin with, run a disk defragmenter. This operation stores the many parts of the many files on the hard disk closer together and contiguously.Defragmenter also creates larger regions of free space using compaction and this enables your computer to find information on the hard drive faster as well as reduce many errors.

Registry Scan - In order to fix computer errors in the registry, it is also advisable to complete periodic registry scans, as this enables unwanted data to be detected and subsequently deleted. Registry repair software are ideal to complete this operation easily. Many software can clean registries and also undertake registry maintenance tasks, for example delete undesirable malware such as viruses and spyware, and also backup, scan, repair and the registry, in addition many can also defragment the hard disk. Click on fix computer errors for more information.

Remove Spyware and Viruses - Spyware and virus programs create most of the computer errors. Computer viruses are malevolent software, which can also reduce computer response time. This contrasts with software programmed to copy malicious code onto the computer in order to steal confidential data (spyware). This code is frequently sent to third parties later for malicious use. Fixing computer errors requires a common sense approach, which entails updating any anti-spyware and antivirus tools. Click on adware and spyware removal for more information.

Fix Boot Sector - Faulty programs, in addition to virus infections can also damage computer boot sectors, and this can prevent the system from booting. Using the operating system booting CD provided with your computer is often the simplest and most effective solution to fix computer errors, which relate to booting. For example, the Windows XP boot CD is helpful to repair the Windows XP installation.

Upgrade Your RAM - Insufficient memory is another source of errors, which can lead to various computer problems. Usual symptoms of these problems include the system crashing, blue screen, system hanging, sudden reboot and programs crashing and becoming unstable. To fix computer errors which also relate to memory, users can download free programs which help solve RAM and issues related to memory. These sofware can greatly increase computer speed and response time and are also very easy to use. Completing a computer memory test is also highly advisable in that event.

Click on fix registry problems for more information.

There are many ways to optimize a computer and this article covers simple steps to make any computer faster quickly. Step 1 or Step 2 in this article can generally be implemented within 15 minutes with a PC or a Mac.

Step 1 -  Clean the computer registry

Slow computers often have errors in their registry. The registry is similar to the nervous system of the computer and its function is to connect software hardware and computer files. Typically the computer registry becomes more prone to errors over time, is frequently corrupted, and this slows down the computer. A simple step is to locate then repair the errors in the registry. Cleaning the registry manually is possible but not recommended, as this method requires specific knowledge of the registry structure and its functions. Registry cleaner software are a faster, more reliable alternative to remove errors, unused file, poor links and deal with ActiveX components. Click on compare registry fix software for more information.

Step 2 – Delete and block adware and spyware

Another common reason leading to computers slowing-down, is the large number of spyware and adware, which are downloaded from the Internet, often without the users knowledge. This happens particularly often, when peer to peer networks are being used to download music and videos for example. A simple solution to make any computer faster is to run an anti spyware or adware program to scan, remove then block these unwanted malware. It helps to test the relevant anti spyware or adware program by downloading a trial version as most of them are free. The overall effectiveness of the software is obviously the main feature to consider, however other features are also important such as Ease of Download and Simplicity of Use, Automatic Backup, Quality of Customer Service. The best software tend to be the simplest to use and rely on a research capability that constantly updates the software for new threats. Click on best adware spyware removal for more information.

Step 3 – Eliminate viruses

Unsurprisingly many computer viruses can slow down computers and drive down response times. Computer viruses must be deleted for two reasons, firstly they often damage files, secondly they tend to waste memory and disk space. Running the latest version of some of the leading anti-virus software should overcome these problems and users who do so will be in a stronger position to improve the performance of their computer.

Step 4 – Simple housekeeping tasks

There are many simple housekeeping tasks which can be done to improve the speed of any computer, for example uninstalling any software that is not needed.  Stopping programs launching automatically is also useful to speed up any computer and is usually very straightforward. These simple tasks generally produce marginal improvements.

Step 5 – Optimise the Hard disk

For hard disks which are smaller than 2GB then at least 200MB of disk should be kept free and at least 500MB for larger hard disks. This freed up space is an important factor of computer speed as it is used by temporary files which software require to work effectively. This frees up space for the computer to swap files, which is used particularly when the operating system starts using virtual memory once it has run out of RAM. In that event, users can experience a reduction in speed, if too little space is available on the hard disk. Disk scanning programs such as Scandisk for Windows , can also help check for errors on the hard disk itself. For example, whilst the hard drive may be large enough, the problem may be that it is too fragmented or that some of its sectors have been damaged. Running a defragmentation software is another useful step which will improve computer performance. 

Step 6 – Optimising the RAM

Some programs are poorly designed and do not release RAM resources after they are closed. This means that other programs have less memory to run. Running out of RAM too fast is not uncommon and users who have this problem should consider upgrading the memory on their computer. An alternative free option is simply to not run some computer programs at the same time as each other.

Step 7 – Stop the computer from overheating

Faulty fans are a common cause leading to the computer overheating, slowing down then freezing as a result. To overcome this problem, replacing the fan is the most pragmatic solution. The effect should be immediate as this will increase the flow of air through the computer, thereby reducing the computer’s temperature and increasing its speed as a result.

For more information click on how make my computer faster.