Community Newsletter: Q&A: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer?
- 8/15/08 9:58 AM
re: can't have too much ram
by Bobby Corn - 8/11/08 3:30 PM In reply to: Speeding up a computer by cbgloverI have a HP Media Center m7360n PC. It came with one tuner and I had another tuner installed. I finally got around to adding more RAM because it could get a little slow when two TV programs were recording. It came with two one gig sticks. It had four slots with the current ram in the blue slots. I was told this is dual channel. I researched and learned my PC could handle two more one gig sticks for a total of four gig. It will run with one more but locks up during boot with both. The RAM is PC2-4200, 533mhz, DDR2.
Bobby
Sure you can have too much RAM!
by BigGuns149 - 8/11/08 3:39 PM In reply to: Speeding up a computer by cbgloverFor a 32 bit OS anything beyond 4GB is a waste because the applications can't use the additional memory.
Furthermore, some operating systems have issues with too much RAM. Virtually all software has some limits upon the amount of memory that it is capable of allocating. Anything beyond that at best case scenario is either not used or worse yet causes the machine to crash.
Anyone who has used computers long enough knows that depending upon the software you CAN have too much RAM and furthermore, buying more RAM isn't always the best way to improve system performance depending upon the programs you are running.
Too much RAM
by delacombo - 1/20/09 9:37 AM In reply to: Speeding up a computer by cbgloverActually, you can have too much RAM... systems do have a stale point with RAM.
More words of caution
by gtmark1 - 8/10/08 8:04 PM In reply to: Here is as easy as it gets. by dukethepcdrhiya gail:
i agree with ecobiotic and have more to add.
if you have the xp install disk, there comes along an option somewhere to repair the installation, keeping current files, etc. i just don't remember where as i haven't done this in about four years. don't take the wrong path, just keep trying the different pathways before you commit until you are "signing up" for the correct option.
i hope you havn't used the "disk-cleanup" option yet until you have read this. if you see an entry refering to "setup files" check to make sure you have an install disk or you can replace the mentioned program from the internet. this is especially true for purchased windows programs. i went ahead and checked the box for "office 2003" setup files and, thereafter, i had problems getting office updates.
good luck.
gtmark1
How to get rid of getting d slow performance of ur Computer.
by beehu - 8/2/08 1:38 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
As far as moe technique is concerned neither Registry cleaner nor De-Fragmentation help to sort out d problem.
and the only way is u just go n upload a fresh copy of ur Window XP....
then only u can improve d speed ......
RAM
by rubini92 - 8/2/08 2:31 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
we need increses the computer RAM.
Speeding up your PC (basic)
by choppers4ever - 8/2/08 2:59 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I use CCleaner (a free download)to rid myself of unnecessary files and cookies, and to clean the registry (relatively safe because it WILL save the changes for you should you need to undo). PC Driver Detective (another freebie), will tell you which drivers need updating: the paid version will update them for you. I use Belarc Advisor (freebie) to tell me exactly what's inside my PC. If you have 1G of RAM (memory), or less, adding 1 to 3G of memory is a basic solution to increasing speed, and it's relatively simple; ordering the correct memory sticks is the most difficult part (ergo, Belarc Advisor) and many of the online suppliers can either scan your PC or otherwise help you buy the correct memory. Installation is simple, just avoid static electricity so as to not damage components ( a cheap wired wristband grounded to the base of your PC should suffice). I hope this helps from someone way less than an expert. I'm just a do-it-yourselfer and this is what works for me.
Speeding up PC( basics)
by rosiemyrosie - 8/9/08 12:26 PM In reply to: Speeding up your PC (basic) by choppers4everReading many of the post sounds fine, but there are simple free tools out here better than the Microsoft built in tool, example
(defrag disc Microsoft built in tool) can take forever, as noted by one poster. AusLogics Disk is a free download from CNet and is FAST and through, get it.
Sean, mentioned CCleaner (another free download from CNet) get it and run it at the end of each session (takes seconds) cleans up all the trash, crud, cookies, etc. you pick up that you do not need or want. You can customize it to leave things you do want. This is the best tool out there, and free for the download. Amazed that more people don't know or use it.
Another free goodie is Advanced Windows Care V2 Personal, takes seconds to do a quick check and sweep at the end of a session. I run this and the CCleaner every day, take me less than two minutes.
Personally, CNet download weekly e-mails should be on everyone's weekly read. These guys are the best, and have the best advice and solutions available with links. If you do nothing else for you computer read this weekly from CNet. Easy to subscribe, they have tons of weekly newsletters, but to keep life simple select the Weekly Downloads for those who simply want to keep their machine running well without getting the horn rimmed glasses and pocket protector mentality, or guess today it would be the faded tee shirt and mouse spiked hair-do.......go figure ?
If you want to keep your machine clean and running well, like the poster said computers are complicated, many parts and more sophisticated than your car, take a little time to learn about it, otherwise pay the guys who make it their job to know.
I am 68 years in this world, many great experiences, travels, adventures, and loves..............but gotta say my love of the computer is unexplainable, and only came into my life long after I was considered a "senior citizen." What a totally wonderful experience to behold every day.....simply amazing.
Happy times to all those seeking knowledge.
Oberfeldwebel
Actually
by Frost7331 - 8/2/08 3:04 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
No,there are several ways to run msconfig(in XP SP2) that can remove any noticeable/non-noticeable programs on startup,and any "services",however,there are several guides to optomize your system via running the regedit config,but it would take forever to find and list all the improvements/edits for your system,and I can not currently find a site on the majority of them.
Also,I recommend getting Windows XP SP3.
Speeding Up a Slow Computer
by ProToolsGeek - 8/2/08 3:15 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Drivers are those little mini programs that usually end in .dll and they tell your computer what to do. Sometimes they need to be changed because they interfere with something, or they get damaged (info missing from the program.)
Almost always, a slower than normal computer means there's too much crap going on at the same time. Dell is notorious for loading all kinds of programs on start-up that you don't always need running. The more programs running, the slower everything else gets. Click Start--->Run--->type MSCONFIG--->>> then click the startup tab. You'll probably see all kinds of familiar things like AOL, Realplay, ADOBE, etc that you may not need running all the time. DO NOT UNCLICK ANYTHING YOU'RE NOT SURE OF. By unclicking these start up programs, they won't load when you power up your computer but they're still available to use when you really *need* them. For instance, why have Adobe running when you're not going to be reading any .pdf files, or why have AOL running?
Also, re-boot often. A friend of mine was complaining about his system being slow, and he hadn't rebooted for months! The fact is, many programs start accumulating *stuff* in your computer's memory, even when the programs are ended, in particular if you have older programs. Re-booting clears all this stuff out of your memory.
Reinstall Operating System
by yacahuma - 8/2/08 4:11 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If your computer was ok when you first bought it , and now you can not live with it. Is time to reinstall the OS. Windows is a self destructive OS. The more you use it(install,un-install applications), the more garbage is left, and the slower it gets. Believe me, Just re-install your OS, and then install Revo unistaller. You can get it at downloads.com Revo is one of those applications that MS forgot to include. It remove all the junk that applications leave in your computer, that make it slow.
Computer speed
by yeochief - 8/2/08 4:56 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You haven't indicated what you mean by a slow computer. Does your startup take forever? Does everything take forever to download? That is a function of your online connection, time of day and other variables. What is forever? How many programs do you run at once? Do you play music while you are doing other things? How much RAM do you have? Are you trying to play one of the new role playing games like Grand Theft Auto IV? The latest games require super fast Central Processing Units (CPUs) massive amounts of Random Access Memory (RAM) and dedicated high end video cards.
If you want to be able to tweak your computer for maximum performance, you will have to learn some of the technical stuff, otherwise, there are a limited number of things that you can do. First close all running programs.
Then, click in order: Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup. Select your “C” drive and click “OK” When it is done click “OK” and then “Yes”.
Next, click in order: Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter. Highlight your “C” drive by clicking on it and and select “Defragment”. When the program finishes, select “Close”, and then close the Disk Defragmenter.
Next, click in order: Start, Windows Update. That will take you to the Microsoft Update site, assuming you are on line. If you've never been there before, you will have to allow the site to install certain software. Once that is done, click “Express” and allow the program to do its magic. After a period of time, it will tell you that there are some number of updates available. Generally, it is best to accept the defaults. There is now a Service Pack 3 for XP.
After you have done those three things, you could download a program like Spybot Search & Destroy and install it, the program will remove junk you collect as you browse the web and may help speed up your computing.
How many icons are in the lower right corner of your home screen? If there are a lot, you have a lot of programs running in the background. You may not need all of them.
If you have a number of programs open at the same time, the computer will be slower because it is doing housekeeping on all the open programs even when you aren't actively using them. If you are in the habit of opening everything you might use when you begin, stop that, and only open programs when you actually use them, Save and close when you are done, and keep a minimum number of programs running.
Some Tips to speed up your computer
by niks17287 - 8/2/08 5:25 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
First Of all check for viruses, worms or trojan that may slow down your processing speed of the computer.
In case of any infection use some effective measures to clean up those by either quarantine or clean or delete the infected files option provided in the antivirus menus.
Now check the processes running on the computer by pressing alt+ctrl+delete keys from the keyboard, then select the processes Tab and end the unnecessary processes that are running under your computer's name do not stop any system process.
If your computer is completely free from any kind of infections try to find the services provided the various applications that are installed on your pc.
Stop the unnecessary services by the following steps:
1.Right click on My Computer Icon on your desktop
2.chose the manage option.
3.In computer management option select services and applications by double clicking on it
4.Select services again by double clicking.
5.click on every service listed and you will be able to view the operation performed by that particular service.
6.Stop or Pause the un neccesary services.
If any of the above tips do not work try to format your hard disk
If any of these do not work to upgrade your PC config
Computer Speed Up
by kyrhett - 8/2/08 6:02 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Your first step should be to upgrade your XP SP2 to SP3.
All Answers for All Questions
by ranman54 - 8/2/08 6:23 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
That's a tall(big)order to ask of someone when all your answers are available on Google. Don't be so damn lazy. Ask your questions in Plain English and you'll be surprised at many easy to read answers. Ask one question at a time and you will get each one taken care of in a precise, easy to follow format. Break down your question(s) that you submitted and go to "work". A four letter word people seem to be afraid of these days.
Randy
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