When it takes a computer a long time to respond to simple commands, open applications or load pages, it means it is using a substantial percentage of its memory. For someone who has just begun using a computer, this might not be a great concern as it may take a beginner a long time to respond to what appears on the screen or to type certain commands. However, an expert user will probably get frustrated with the amount of time it takes for the computer to respond to his or her commands. He or she will probably say, “I need to find out how to make my computer faster.”
There are numerous basic practices that can help a computer toward faster operation. In certain instances, improved speed is as simple as clearing the computer of unused files or applications, or cleaning up a desktop. Other times, one may have to perform simple maintenance tasks that are either free, or associated with a very nominal cost. The following are some tips on how to make a computer run faster:
* Turning the computer off completely and then restarting it can sometimes help. Many of today’s computer owners frequently opt to leave their computers running. This practice may have been started in an attempt to increase the monitor’s longevity. However, not ever rebooting the computer keeps the program settings in its memory. The computer’s memory will be freed up, and these programs released when it is shut down for at least 30 seconds at a time.
Image via Wikipedia* Empty your recycle bin. When files are deleted from your document folders or desktop they land in the Recycle Bin that is usually is seen with a wastebasket icon on your desktop. Items in bin are only temporarily deleted, since you can open the Recycle Bin and restore them. To permanently delete them, open the Recycle Bin and delete the files from the bin.
Image by _redheat via Flickr*It may also be necessary to change the computer’s energy settings. Laptops will usually run faster if the setting is changed from battery life to high performance. However, if the computer is being used in high performance mode, it is important to use its power cord rather than its battery to ensure top speed is acheived.
* Use anti-virus software to detect and remove spyware or malware from your computer. Spyware is ill-intentioned third-party software that can collect any personal information you may type while surfing the Internet (which sites your visit, your passwords, credit card and personal identification information). Spyware causes your accounts to get hacked and your privacy to be compromised. It is undetected, most of the time, and takes up a lot of memory on your PC. Your anti-virus software can usually remove spyware.
* Clean up your disk space. You can do this by performing several functions:
1) Remove temporary files. (Go to C\Documents and Settings\your username here\Local Settings\Temp to find the Temporary Folder and delete all the contents of this folder).
2. Remove any applications or programs that are not in use.
3. De-fragment the computer’s hard drive. (This should be done once each week.)
4) Remove items from the system tray that you are not using. Most of these programs are running in the background and taking up memory. You can access them by clicking the CONTROL, ALT and DELETE buttons all at the same time and bringing up the Task Manager. Click on the program that you wish to stop and then click “End Now.” Be careful not to click CONTROL+ALT=DELETE twice, since this will power off your computer.
* Get a new computer. This may seem extreme, but it is sometimes necessary. Computer users on a fixed budget tend to add newer softward to old computers. Eventually, the hardware gives out because newer software has different memory requirements. New operating systems in old computers move sluggishly. It is likely that if you can afford to install a new operating system (Windows XP or Vista, for example), then it is worth it to invest in an entirely new computer that is equipped to handle your new software.
These memory-saving techniques can help make your computer work faster. Search the site for more information about any of these processes that you need more details for in order to increase your speed.
