Friends, many of us may not be aware why our computer or laptop get slower with passage of time. Why the machines do not run as fast as they did when initially bought? The reasons for slow running of the computer can be many. Common causes could be inadequate memory, malwares/virus infection, too many programmes running in the background, inadequacy of hard-drive space, corrupted or fragmented hard drive, etc.
- There are several options to make your PC or laptop faster and more efficient. An attempt has been made in the lines below to provide some easy to handle guidelines for remedying the problem, which we trust, will be helpful in most of the cases.
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- Defragment Hard Disc – In many instances, defragmenting the hard-drive can help turn your PC run faster and more efficiently.
- Keep Start-up Programmes to the minimum – Start-up programmes eat up your space quite fast, thereby reducing the speed and efficiency of your machine. Keep them to the minimum. Remove or disable all those items, which are not necessary enough.
- Update Hardware and Software – Regular updating of the hardware and software keeps your PC in better health. It is therefore advisable to regularly check that software installed in the machine are the latest. This will ensure better efficiency.
- Avoid Unnecessary Toolbars – Toolbars too take a lot of space, consequently slowing down the computer. There are quite some programmes that offer toolbars too. Decline such offers for better computer efficiency.
- Keep only few User Accounts – There is a need to review if you need all the Users Accounts now. In case, it is not so, remove and delete all those Accounts which are not being used, or likely to be used in near future.
- Keep Desktop Clean – Putting lot many items on the Desktop makes your machine slower. In fact, there is a tendency with many of us to keep many unnecessary items also on the Desktop. Keep the Desktop as clean as possible, and remove other items to ‘My Document’ or some other place.
- Clean up Cookies and Temporary Files – Regular cleaning up of cookies and temporary files from your browsr help in keeping the computer in better condition. There are several software for doing the job. We would however recommend CCleaner as one of the most popular applications for the clean-up of unwanted data, cookies and temporary files.
- Clean Hard Disc – The hard-disc should not be crowded with all sorts of junk files. Get rid of unnecessary files to free space in the hard-disc. It is therefore advisable to run Disc Clean up to ensure that it stays comparatively clean and the machine stays efficient.
- Remove Unwanted Programmes – All the programmes that you have on your computer may not be equally useful – some of them may as well be unwanted. Make a scrutiny of all the programmes that you have on your machine and uninstall applications or programmes that you do not use or are not likely to use in near future. Here, a word of caution. While installing a programme or accepting software, be careful that this is indeed needed by you. There are several software, which contain virus and malwares, and as such you have to be absolutely confident of the application you are accepting.
- Avoid Suspicious Website – Malwares and virus, apart from slowing down your computer, can harm your computer and its operating system. It is therefore advisable to be careful while viewing suspicious sites and opening doubtful folders. Regular scanning of your computer – at-least once a week – helps you keep your machine in good running condition. This also is a step recommended against slowing down of the PC.
- Reinstall OS - Last but not the least is to uninstall and then reinstall your Operating System for restoring it to its original form. This has to be attempted only as a last resort, and only under the supervision and guidance of a professional. It is time-consuming and a little complex.
Author : Syed Zafar Ahmad
Designation: Executive Director
Bio: A freelancer with a flair for experimenting with innovative technology and electronic gadgets that could enrich the life of a modern common man, and a consultant in issues touching every-day life of a computer suave professional.
Bio: A freelancer with a flair for experimenting with innovative technology and electronic gadgets that could enrich the life of a modern common man, and a consultant in issues touching every-day life of a computer suave professional.
