Computers get slower as they get older. You can tune up your own computers, and regain some youthful speed, without spending any money. Here’s a do it yourself computer solution checklist to save your budget in tough economical times.
Computer tune up time. Tune ups can seem like a headache but do-it-yourself computer tune ups are not intimidating if you follow simple steps simple steps. There isn’t a magic button to make slow laptops and computers run as slickly as they once did, but these quick tips, used weekly, will speed up and tune up computers, either laptop or desktop. It works for most op systems on PCs, not MACs. I’ve tested the steps on Windows 7.
Computer Tune Up Instructions for Windows XP Home or Pro
Most of these can easily be adapted for Win 2000 or Windows Vista.
- Pare down the often bloated Start Up items list so it needn’t run unnecessary programs when it tries to boot up. MSconfig, a program which is already installed, allows user selections of which programs run when Windows opens. A excelelnt web site called, Netsquirrel.com offers a concise walk through of locating and using the MSCongif program in any windows system
- Safely cleanup the hard drive. Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup. Uncheck the last item on the checklist that pops up, Compress Files.and click ok.
- Configure Window Update to bring you patches and fixes automatically from Microsoft. this means the security updates will always be installed to protect from outside invasion. Go to Start, Run. Type the phrase sysdm.cpl and then hit Enter. Choose Automatic under the Automatic Updates tab.
- Download the instructions and maintenance programs from SaveMyButt . Follow their instructions like a religion – they check out the safety of every program. All the programs they recommend are free and each is worth its weight in stress free computing.
- Defragment the hard driveso files are optimized and Windows can find them faster. Follow the same path laid out above in Step 1. Choose to run Disk Defragmenter this time. Choose Defragment when the program opens. (The process may take up to an hour).
These simple and effective steps should go a long way to cutting out the computer bloat, sort of the way a tune-up makes an older car engine purr. Those who feel ambitious and really want to get into trimming down the system fat, can Google more ways to make XP run faster. there are many.
Users must be certain they know what they’re doing before attempting any advance tricks. It’s never a good idea to delete a file unless the user is 100% sure of. its reason for being.
Maryan Pelland is an experienced computer professional who teaches corporate and senior users how to keep up with technology. She writes for a number of technical publications and ghost writes tech books. These tips are part of her regular course material.
