|
If your
computer is running slow, there are a few simple steps you can take to make it
run as quick as new. In this article I'll discuss several reasons why your
computer might be running slow, but it's certainly not all of them.
A first step is to
check the startup program group.
When new programs & applications are installed many times they will be
configured to start automatically when your computer starts. These
applications are not always needed, and will take up a portion of your
computer's memory (RAM) which in turn will slow yoru computer down. To
check what applications start automatically, click on the start button,
then click on run, then type 'msconfig' and click on OK.
Once the Systems Configuration Utility is open, click on the Startup
tab. On the startup tab you can select the programs that you want to
start. Unselecting any of the programs in the startup tab will not remove
them from your computer, it will merely keep them from running. I
recommend unselecting all the applications that you don't need, and if you
unselect the wrong one, you can always re-select it later on. If you see
software that you don't recognize it is indicative of a virus of spyware.
Next step is
to defragment your hard drive.
To start the defragmentation utility click on Start then click on run
type: dfrg.msc, once the disc defragmenter utility opens,
select the drive letter that you would to like to defragment, then click on the
defragment button. Depending on your computer configuration, you might see
multiple hard drives listed, usually the drive will be the drive c:\. The
defragmentation process can take anywhere from about 5 minutes up to a couple of
hours, and sometimes needs to be repeated. I recommend to defragment the
computer hard drive about once a month.
Check for
Viruses and Spyware.
If your
computer is running slow and you're getting a lot of pop-up windows, even when
you're not using the computer, your computer is most likely infected with a
virus and/or spyware. Everybody should have an antivirus software
installed and updated. There are many antivirus software packages, the
best one on my opinion is Nod32 from
ESET.
Regardless of antivirus software that you use, you should always keep it
updated, and regularly scan your system for viruses. Most antivirus
software don't check for spyware, so if your computer is infected by spyware,
you should donwload a specialized spyware removal software. There are 2
programs that I use myself all the time,
Spybot and
Adaware they are
absolutely free to use download and use. Once you download and install
these programs, make sure to run the updates and scan your entire computer.
If you still experience computer slowness give us a call at
714-936-6419.
|
