In this time of high technology, a laptop or desktop computer is an essential device we cannot do without in our homes, offices or schools. Computers make our lives a lot easier and quicker. It is, therefore, inherent that we use computers whose specifications indicate that it is a fast computer. Nobody wants to deal with the hassles of working with an old computer. However, your fast computer can quickly become a slower computer due to the type of your usage. These are just a couple of of the couple of factors that can make your computer run slower: Too many files, particularly videos, have been stored in the computer, thus there is not enough hard disk space. There are left over programs installed and bad files stored. This can include very harmful viruses, spyware, and key loggers. There is corrupt data on your computer. You may have forgot about the current Windows updates and you may be using obsolete drivers. You commonly forget to shut down your computer, thus it is overheating. The Operating System (OS) you have installed is corrupt. Your computer has bad hardware. When your computer starts running slow, refer to the computers’ “help” section of your operations manual or try some of these troubleshooting solutions to make it a faster computer. These solutions are for users of Microsoft Windows. Please note that exact steps can vary depending on the version of Windows you are using: Reboot Your Computer Before troubleshooting , reboot your computer. Rebooting or restarting often fixes unusual issues of your computer. To reboot, simply click start, shutdown and choose the restart option.
There is not enough hard disk space. Your hard disk drive should at least have free space of between 200-500 MB for temporary. To check how much accessible hard disk space your computer has, click on the Computer icon. A bar graph will show the available space each drive in your computer has.
To recover hard disk drive space, likewise click on the Computer icon, right click on the specific hard disk drive you want to recover hard disk space and do a “Disk Cleanup.”
Your Hard Drive is corrupted or Fragmented To correct a corrupt and fragmented hard drive, run your “Disk Defragmenter”. This normally can take some time depending on the size of your hard disk drives and the number of errors found.
Your computer has TSRs and start-up programs that straight away start when the computer in turned on. Get rid of TSRs and start-up programs by opening the Task Manager (Press and Hold CTR+Alt+Del). In the Task Manager icon, you will also see applications that are running in the background. Programs such as an anti-virus scanner, spyware protection program and other security utilities are scanning in the background, you will have a slow computer. Be careful to make sure that you’re only closing programs or files that you truly don’t need to be using. Scan your computer for any spyware and malware Spyware and malware will definitely result to a slow computer. There are free programs that you can use to scan your computer, and delete harmful spyware or malware. Do a malware scan often even if your computer has a virus scanner.
Your computer might have hardware conflicts Hardware conflicts happen when a device you have in your computer encounters a problem with another device in the system which will make one of them or both bog down your computer, or possibly not work at all. You can check and correct such conflicts in the Device Manager icon of “My Computer.”
You must have missed out on current Windows updates and you may be using outdated drivers Be conscious of latest Windows updates and always have them installed in your computer. Also make sure that you have updated browser plugins. Outdated drivers slow down your computer. Make certain that you always have updated drivers, specifically, the latest video drivers.
You frequently forget to shut down your computer, thus it is overheating An overheated computer and processor will reduce your computer’s performance. A computer overheats not only because you don’t shut it down but also when it accumulates dust, dirt, and hair. These particles limit the computer’s right flow of air which will cause it to overheat. Therefore, clean your computer and ensure that the fans are clear of any obstruction.
Computer processors should be running at temperatures not exceeding 70oC – 95oC. When it gets too hot, the end result will be either a slow computer, constant restarting or random turn offs. A constantly overheating processor will also lessen the life of the processor.
Regularly cleaning your computer, its components and peripherals brings about an excellent working condition and contributes in making a fast computer.
Update your computer memory Your computer should be equipped with at least 1GB of memory, and even that is quite low these days. Lower memory will give you a slow computer. Don’t confuse your computer’s memory or RAM with its hard disk drive’s space. Your computer’s installed and available RAM can be seen in the System and Security section of your computer.
The Operating System (OS) you have installed is corrupt. Troubleshoot your OS by following steps in your OS operations manual. Uninstall and reinstall the Windows OS. If you have tried all the above troubleshooting solutions and you still don’t have a fast computer, try these: Run a Registry Cleaner This is to remove any references that are still in your computer due to wrongly uninstalled programs, poorly written uninstallers or system crashing. This option is not suggested as it can cause harm to your computer.
Delete everything in your computer Reinstall windows or erase all programs in your computer and reinstall again.
Old Computer When your computer is more than 3 years old, it very likely has already become a slow computer. In the course of your using you computer, you have installed new programs and updates. Minimum hardware requirements will increase and this will cause you to have a slow computed. In this case, you either replace your computer, upgrade the hardware in your computer or come to terms with having a slow computer.
Your Computer has bad hardware If you still have a slow computer after doing all the troubleshooting solutions, it is likely that you have bad hardware – hard drive, processor, RAM , motherboard or other components.
Computer stores are everywhere from small local stores to big box stores. It is fascinating to note that local computer stores offer higher and cheaper service than big box stores. How small local stores offer greater and cheaper service is worth looking into:
Local computer stores give a more personalized help. Local stores are able to fabricate customized systems similar to what can be purchased at big box stores but are much cheaper, and much better quality. Local stores can offer pre-configured systems that are cheaper than that of the retail brands in big box stores. Local stores are able to suggest a more superior performance upgrade than big box stores. Local stores carry with them such advantages as local repair services with on the spot testing of the computer. Some local stores can have much greater warranties, as well as greater guarantees that can save you a lot of money.
www.nwpcmobiletech.com is a local computer firm that for years has been helping individuals and business get the best out of their computers and use of them. give them a call today on either Tacoma, WA – 253-238-5259 or Olympia, WA – 360-486-4586. To find out more please visit their website www.nwpcmobiletech.com