How To Keep Your Computer Running Fast

David ShinkfieldEwing Seniornet

March 2009

The ProblemWhen we buy our

computer, it runs fine, but may get

progressively slower.

What is going on?

We therefore have to clean out our computers regularly to keep up its

performance

What we will cover Remove and keep out software that slows our computer Upgrade our hardware Clean out the computer Tidy up our storage space (Hard disks) Speed up the “boot” process Simplify the ultimate speed booster

But first, lets build a safety net

Creating a Safety Net

Whenever you make a change in your system there is always a possibility that something could go wrong. Therefore, you'll want to have a way to return your system to its previous state whenever necessary.

The way to do this is with "System Restore".

System Restore Windows XP

periodically records a snapshot of your computer called restore points.

Click "Start" then "Help and Support“

Under "Pick a Task," click "Undo changes to your computer with System Restore."

System Restore The System Restore dialog box opens

System Restore

System Restore


Remove and keep out software that slows our computer

Remove and keep out software that slows our computer If you have a broadband internet connection, you need to

protect your computer from viruses, spyware etc. Good protection

Norton Internet Security 2009 ($55) AVG Antivirus (Free) Windows Firewall (OK but not great)(Free) Comodo Firewall and Antivirus(Free) Adaware Spyware Removal (Free) Spybot Spyware Removal (Free)


Upgrade our hardware One major way to speed up your computer is to increase

the Computer Memory Recommendations

Windows XP 1 GB

Windows Vista 2 GB

Check your Computer Memory Check your current

computer memory Click Start, right click

on My Computer and select Properties

Computer Memory To determine your memory upgrades

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/

A 1 GB kit will cost approximately $40


Clean out the computer Heat is the enemy of your computer Your computer has several (two or more) fans that keep it

cool Dust will accumulate in your computer

Cleaning the inside of your computer is highly, desirable but it does mean “opening the case”

Clean out the computer

Clean out the computer

Both upgrading your memory and removing the dust from your computer, you have to open the computer case!!

Come to a Seniornet class and practice on our computers


Delete Unneeded Files

Downloaded Program Files Temporary Internet Files Back-up Log Files Other Temporary Files in the Recycle Bin

Delete Unneeded Files Windows has tools to do this but I recommend a free

program – Ccleaner (http://www.ccleaner.com/)

Ccleaner


Tidy up our storage space (Hard disks) Computers do not manage their filing very well – but

they make up for it with speed and power Typically, file fragments are spread across the disk To reload the file, the computer must retrieve all the

fragments and reassemble them. We can speed up the computer by reorganizing the

files so they are grouped together

Tidy up our storage space (Hard disks)



Tidy up our storage space An alternative approach is to use a free program. I use

Defraggler ( :// . . /)http www defraggler com

What we will cover Upgrade our hardware Remove and keep out software that slows our computer Clean out the computer Tidy up our storage space (Hard disks) Speed up the “boot” process Simplify the ultimate speed booster

Speed up the “boot” process Whenever you start your computer, the core operating system

for Windows (Windows XP or Windows Vista) will load into your computer,

However, there is also a host of programs and services that also start. Many of these are necessary for your computer to operate correctly. However, many of them are for features that you may not use at all.

You can reduce the number of programs and services that start on boot-up.

The fewer programs and services that run, the more quickly Windows will boot and the more smoothly and faster your computer can process information.

Speed up the “boot” processTo see the programs that are running:Click Start and select Run

• In the window that opens, enter msconfig

• A new window opens

• Select Start Up

• A list of Start Up programs appears

Speed up the “boot” process

Using WinPatrol To simplify this process, WinPatrol can help Download at http://www.winpatrol.com/download.html Two versions – free and Plus at $29.95 one time fee

Using WinPatrol

Using WinPatrol

Using WinPatrol

Using WinPatrol

What we will cover Upgrade our hardware Remove and keep out software that slows our computer Clean out the computer Tidy up our storage space (Hard disks) Speed up the “boot” process Simplify the ultimate speed booster

Simplify the ultimate speed boosterWhen we buy our new computer, it works marvelously.

Wouldn’ t it be great if we could make it work as well after one or two years.

, Well we can

Simplify the ultimate speed booster When you buy your new computer, it comes with either”

A CD or DVD called a Restore Disk Or instructions on how to Restore your computer from the

hard disk.

Running either of these will return your computer to exactly the way it was on the day you first turned it on.

However, there is a catch

Simplify the ultimate speed boosterThe catch is that All you personal information – your photos, perhaps your

email, your favorites or bookmarks and any letters will disappear

Also, any programs that you added will also vanish.

So, we need to•Back up all our personal information before we Restore, and then reinstall afterwards•Make sure we have all the CDs for new programs we have installed, and then reinstall them again.

The best, but more complicated approach1. Divide the hard disk in your computer into two

“partitions”. This is like having two file cabinets – one for Windows and programs and the second for your data

Windows and Programs Data

C: Drive D: Drive

• Setting up the disk can be done when new or with programs such as Acronis® Disk Director ($50) or Partition Logic (free)

The best, but more complicated approach

Windows and Programs Data

C: Drive D: Drive

• When the computer is new, and your programs are installed, take a snapshot or Image of drive C. (Acronis True Image or Norton Ghost)• Any time later, you can reinstall the Image and your

computer will work as well as it did when new.• Your data – photos, emails, favorites etc. will not be

affected as they are in a separate partition

We have discussed Upgrading our hardware Removing and keeping out software that slows our

computer Cleaning out the computer Tidying up our storage space (Hard disks) Speeding up the “boot” process Simplifying the ultimate speed booster

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Technology

How To Keep Your Computer Running Fast