By Sonny Oboson | Tech Editor, Africa –
The No. 1 reason consumers replace their computers – short of a complete system failure – is that their current computer is too slow or suffers from poor performance, according to a recent Harris Interactive poll. The purpose of this article is to save you money you would have spent on another system, since the one you are using can still serve you very well, unless you want an upgrade. Especially during these days of economic downturns, when resources are scarce.
If you’ve noticed a decline in your PC’s performance and you are using your computer for about the same amount of time and for the same tasks as when you purchased it, there are simple, free steps to try before you head out to get a replacement.
Here is a five-step process that can be done right from the desktop, no tools required. After the initial tune-up, plan to follow this maintenance routine about every 3 months if you are an average home computer user, more frequently if your computer is used all day throughout the week, and less frequently if it is used only once or twice a week.
Step 1: Uninstall Programs You Don’t Use
Over time, unused software collects in our computers like old keys in a drawer: They were useful for a time, but chances are you can’t remember what they are for now. So, if you haven’t used a program in the last six months, uninstall it to free up space and allow your computer to run the important stuff more efficiently.
To do this, go to the Windows Start button, choose “Control Panel,” select “Programs and Features” or “Install/Uninstall Programs,” depending on the Windows version. Scan the list. If you see a program you recognize but don’t use, right-click its name and then click uninstall. If you are unsure about the program, leave it alone.
Step 2: Delete Temporary and Unnecessary Files
Each time you visit a site online, your computer stores information so that the next time you visit, the page loads faster. This is good in principle, but temporary files add up over time and may ultimately slow application load times. If you haven’t deleted temporary files in a year or longer, you may be able to free up 10 percent or more of the computer’s memory.
To do this, go back to the Start button, select “Computer” or “My Computer,” right-click the “C” drive, select “Properties,” click “Disk Cleanup,” and select “All Users” if you see a pop-up window with that option. Once you give it the go-ahead, Disk Cleanup will calculate how much space you can free up. Click to check the boxes in this window. If you disagree with Disk Cleanup’s recommendations, simply make sure that box is unchecked. And then stop – don’t click “Okay” yet. Rather, select the “More Options” tab and proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Delete All but the Most Recent System Restore
Free up more disk space by removing all but the most recent restore point. As a standard feature, Windows takes a snapshot of your computer’s contents at regular intervals. This procedure will keep only the most recent one.
Click “Clean up.” This takes a fraction of a second, but as you proceed with the Disk Cleanup, be patient. This process may take up to half an hour or longer if it’s been some time since the last cleanup.
Step 4: Defrag
Data is written and stored in disk blocks. Over time, files are deleted, and new files are added. If a file cannot be stored in adjacent blocks, they become fragmented. One 5-megabyte JPG. A photo file, for example, could be scattered across 5,000 disk blocks. Instead of pulling the pieces of a file from adjacent blocks, the computer has to gather them up, which, of course, takes longer. Defragging is simply a way to eliminate empty blocks and put files back together.
Your properties window should still be open. Select Tools. Click on “Defragment Now.” This process may be scheduled as an automatic task about once a week.
Step 5: Scan for Viruses, Spyware, and Other Threats
Now that your computer is clean, use your security software to scan for viruses, worms, and spyware that can damage your computer and compromise your privacy. This step should be faster now because you’ve already deleted unnecessary programs and files, which can save scan time.
Before you spend money on a new computer, try these simple tips if your computer or laptop is running slowly.
Sonny Oboson is the man behind the brand MRWEBBS ONLINE, a dynamic IT professional. Having a degree in Business Management from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and certifications as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer from the National Institute for Information Technology, NIIT, Nigeria. He has an advanced Diploma in Systems/Network Engineering and an international certification, MCITP. He is the CEO of Sonnywebs International, with a head office in Nigeria and a collaboration office in New York. Contact him @ mrwebbs2@gmail.com or www.sonnywebs.com.