How to speed up your PC
Simple ways of making your computer run faster
Windows computers are very high maintenance. A professional computer technician can charge an extortionate hourly rate and a new computer can be extremely expensive. It is vital therefore to keep your computer in good shape.
1) Find out what operating system you're using
Please note: Windows XP is being retired. If you are not using Windows 7 you should consider upgrading. Windows vista is supported, but is extremely unstable. Windows 8 is to be released in October 2012.
- What operating system does your computer have?
This website tells you what web browser and operating system you are running.
2. Minimise use of internet explorer
Internet explorer is still one of the world's most popular web browsers. At it's peak it had over 95% of website browsers. That number has been steadily declining. It is essential that this trend is accelerated.
A secure web browser is essential when surfing the internet. Using an insecure web browser on a computer is like driving a car without a seat belt on. The most insecure web browser by far is Internet Explorer. Unfortunately you cannot delete it (and trying to remove it can cause serious problems) but it's good to look for other options.
- Stark Warning
Recently the German Government warned the entire country against using Internet Explorer. - Why you should avoid IE
The perils of Internet Explorer. - Apple Safari
A web browser provided by apple. - Google Chrome
A web browser that looks set to become the most popular web browser in the world. - Mozilla Firefox
An open source web browser.
3) Use anti virus software
Research suggests that millions of computers are infected, often without the user realising it. Viruses are a very serious business. They can enable people to steal your credit card or personal data, completely disable your computer and destroy your files. Here are some of the most post popular anti virus programmes (they are free for personal computers, but have limited features):
- AVG anti virus
Offers limited support for computers that are for personal use. - Aviria
Offers limited support for computers that are for personal use.
4). Use spybot search and destory
Viruses are not the only problem your computer has to face; there is also adaware and spyware. Both can slow down your computer and access your personal data. Spybot is the simplest way of dealing with them; I personally run it once a week.
- spybot search and destroy
Spybot search and destroy is free for usage on a personal computer.
5). Use defraggler
Over time your computer becomes cluttered up with file fragments. Defragmenting rectifies this. The default windows tools are slow and not as effective as they good be. Defraggler however solves this problem.
- Defraggler
Completely free software that should help your computer alot. For best results, run it at least once a week.
6. Other useful programs
- Update checker
Scans your programs for you and lets you know when updates are available. - Spyware blaster
Runs silently in the background for you, to protect your computer. - Virus removal tool
Useful freeware to run in addition to your main anti virus software.