Community Newsletter: Q&A: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer?
- 8/15/08 9:58 AM
google it!
by peterbrouwer - 8/4/08 5:20 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
ik found it helpfull to type in the dell pc name and keyword 'slow' pc in google. That delivers step nu step instructions. Especially dell can Be made much quicker that way. On the other hand, it you don't understand general pc advises, ask someone for help and stop trying yourself
Drivers?
by michael fawcett - 8/4/08 8:39 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The first thing you should do is to familiarize yourself with the Control Panel.Click on System>Device Manager,if you're comfortable so far,click on different items and you can view driver status,and if that item is functioning properly.You always have the option of updating drivers and viewing which drivers are already installed.Drivers are small files needed to operate and update different hardware.System requirements are very important,e.g. XP sp2 you need at least 512 mbs.RAM,hard drive size and speed,processor type and capacity.Most likely drivers are not going to affect the speed at which programs run.
too many process running!!
by arkarkwin - 8/4/08 8:41 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi there
I think your computer must running too many program in the background.
When you used your computer for some time, you must have install one too many program from internet or CD-ROM like itune, real player , winamp and a lot more other. These program were program run in your computer in the background and you will not see them running in your desktop monitor. So de-fragging won't help much to speed up your computer.So easiest and safest for you to do is go to start up and control panel and go check in program uninstalling to uninstall program that you don't you need to used it. But if there are many program you need to used but didn't need it every time you open the computer. you needs to disable the option that disable the programs that run when you starts your computer. These programs start when ever you starts your computer and run them in the background so they would be quicker if you open them. Like itunes, real player and many other programs.
So go to start and choose run command button and when a command box open,types msconfig and new window will open. There will be seven tab and chooses Start up next to services. You can uncheck all the of the program in there because there are the program that start along with your window and if you have too many it can slow down your computer. After you uncheck those box restart your computer.And if you have and if you don't used google desktop, uninstall it because google desktop can make your computer slow too.
That the quickest way, if you want other way around, you could open programs you know that running in your tastbar notification area (that the place show your time in lower right corner) and try to find option or properties in program feature and just disable the options that say "run this program when window start).
After you done all that and restart you window click ctrl+alt+del keys from all together form your keyboard. you will see window task manager show up and look in the processes tab.If you have 1 gb of memory ram and running 40 to 50 process then your computer should not be that slow.If it still slow end process by clicking at process and click "end process" buttons.End only program that is under user name your computer name not that written "local service" or "system".If your computer get faster, you know which programs is slowing down your computers.
If your computer is still slow after only very process is running in task manager then it's over heating problems. which mean your computer is getting too hot to run.If that is the case open the computer and clean the dusk in your computer box.
Hope this help.
A few simple things to do-----
by warpete - 8/4/08 9:27 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Gail, I understand your frustration completely. When I build a system for a client I tend to forget that they may know very little (or nothing) about their new system and how it functions. Keeping it up to date can be daunting, to say the least. This is why I try to automate as much as possible when I build a System for a client. You MUST use antiVirus software that updates its definitions and scans regularly (such as AVG, Avast or AntiVir--all FREE). A Firewall such as the free Comodo or OnlineArmor, which handles BOTH incoming and outgoing threats. A device driver is complicated code that instructs an operating system how to use your Hard Drives, Video, Audio, input devices such as a mouse, printer and other hardware devices installed on your system. This code can literally be thousands (to millions) of pages long. Keep in mind that just because a driver is "NEW"---that doesn't mean that it is BETTER than your old driver. As a general "rule of thumb", it's worth the gamble to keep all your programs up to date. How? I suggest an easy program to help you. It's called Secunia PSI. It's free and can be downloaded from www.secunia.com. You want the personal version which is free and gets installed on your system. This program will check your entire system for "Out of Date" programs--ones that need to be updated, "Insecure" programs--ones that could pose a security threat to your system and other info. You are also provided with a link to the direct Download so you have no hunting to do. Just download and install. Secunia is the BEST program, by far to help you in this area. Another is "File Hippo" which basically does the same thing. As far as Registry cleaners are concerned, even the "Experts" argue over whether they are needed or not. One thing is for sure--you need to be VERY, very carefull when deleting anything from your Registry. I always advice my clients not to touch it at all, and to call me if they think they have a Registry problem. Whoever said that Defragging will not speed up your system doesn't know what they are talking about. The biggest bottleneck in a modern computer is the Hard Drive. The HDD head has to seek for the information you requested. It is a mechanical device which moves as it seeks. When files on your HDD are used by a program, they are NOT always put back where they came from. They become scattered all over your drive which means your HDD has more work to do to find the files again. It makes perfect sense to have the files in order do your HDD finds them in one spot. I have used (and tried) about every defragmenting program there is, both free and paid and have settled with "UltimateDefrag". The program is entirely customizable and allows the user to place files where they want them on their HDD. If you only use 10% of your programs on a normal basis, then those programs can be placed on the fastest part of your HDD. The rarely used programs can be placed on the slowest part of your drive. Believe me, this creates a tremendous speed boost. The program also has a full "AUTO" feature for people that are unsure of what they are doing. You would use the "Auto" feature. A schedule can also be set up easily to defrag on certain days. It does it automatically. You MUST have Anti Spyware programs installed----use them---and keep them updated. Each program simply has an "update" button which automatically downloads and installs the latest Spyware definitions. Get into a habit of manually updating these programs once a week if you use the free versions. Paid versions of Spyware programs update automatically. Spyware, Malware etc., etc., etc. can slow you down drastically--and can be a real security issue. There is no one Spyware program that catches everything. "Threatfire" is a free program that also updates automatically for you. I also use A Squared free and paid Counterspy. Junk Files. You are probably full of Junk files and Temporary files that can be safely deleted. I would recommend a program (free) called CCleaner (originally called CRAP Cleaner). It will clean your Registry if you want it to, but it will clean out most of your unneeded junk files safely. Now, about Dell. They would suggest that you get your updates from them through their support service, but I would trust Secunia to do a better job. Microsoft updates---I would go ahead and allow MS to download and install their updates--even Service Pack 3 for Windows XP. Some people would disagree with me, but for you it's the easiest and best way to go. Sometimes MS updates can cause problems, but they always fix the problems quickly and without their security patches you could be in for even MORE problems if you don't install them. All of this is not terribly difficult and you will learn along the way, but, for the most part, what I have suggested is as simple as it can get without having computer knowledge. If everything is working and you just seem slow, then all you probably need to do is make sure you are not infested with Malware, run a Virus check, get rid of Junk and Temporary files (CCleaner) and then do a thorough defrag.
How to speed up a computer - tips for users to geeks
by Graupner - 8/4/08 10:03 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
First a personal caveat.
Stay with WInXP SP2. without work, it's faster that Vista.
Next, the (maybe not-so) obvious.
Make sure you have no: viruses, spyware, rotkits, etc. There are several sites that will do an online scan for free or contact your local geek for assistance.
Now here's how to speed up a computer
1. Increase RAM. Go with as much RAM as your system can take. Computers use RAM a lot. The #1 thing you can do to speed up a system is to add RAM. It's relatively easy and inexpensive. However, because it is hardware, you'll have to shur down and unplug your system before you open your computer to add anything. Before opening anything, you need to find out how much you have. Select (left-click) Start, Run, and type "winver". This will work no matter what keyboard you have. At the bottom of the window it will list how much physical memory you have. That's RAM. Win XP should have at least 1 G and preferable at least 2G to run smooth - especially if you're doing a lot of multi-tasking. (More on that later)
2. Make sure you have enough disc space free on your hard drive. This is where all your programs and data are stored, so you need to have plenty free to operate smoothly. To find out how much free space you have on your hard drive select Start, My Computer. In the window that opens, select View and then details. This will display how much space you have and how much is free. If you are a beginning to average user look to have at least 10GB free. Another reason to check this is because computers run out of memory all the time and use "virtual memory". This is a portion of the hard drive, that will be used just as if it was memory. If you are running low on free disc space, you're running low on available virtual memory.
Those are the easiest, now a little more advanced.
3. Looks what's running all the time. A computer can do many things at once (multi-task) and can slow when doing too much. Look in the lower right corner (the system tray). If you have 3-4 you're doing great, if you have more than 6-8 you may have extra stuff you don't use that are only slowing you down. Select, or right-click the items to see what you have and make your decision. The items may be able to be shut down and removed from the "startup" folder here or more advanced methods may be required.
4. See what's using your system's resources. This is more detailed than #3, because some things are not displayed in the system tray. To see what's going on, right-click the task bar and select Task Manager. Computer programs are run using one or more processes. If you select the Processes Tab you can see what processes are running and how much CPU power they are currently using and the virtual memory use for the system. If you see a big number next to a name you don't recognize, then write it down and do a google search no it. It may be something you need, it may be virus or spyware or it may even be "bloatware" which is a name for the "free" software that comes preloaded on new computers slowing them down.
5. Use the windows tools available to you. In the My computer window, right click a drive (e.g. C) and select Properties. On the general Tab you can clean up the disc, on the Tools tab you can check for errors or defrag the drive.
Drivers in plain English.
by pquinn34 - 8/4/08 12:31 PM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Explaining a "Driver" is not too simple but I will try. When you use your modem to log into the internet is the easiest I think. Picture the modem as a robot waiting to be asked to do something.The modem is the item in your computer that you plug your phone line into. The "Driver" is the instructor giving the modem an explanation and instruction as to just what you are asking the modem to do. Think of it as an electronic teacher. The same holds true of the Video card, the Router, the printer and many other pieces of hardware.Without the driver or instructor, it is just a piece of useless metal and plastic. Most all manufacturers will give you access to their websites to upgrade the item you're using . Just log onto a site such as in my case Lexmark.com and go to support where if you don't know where to look for the driver, they have a spot where they identify you printer and point out the drivers needed. Its not always as easy as that, sometimes you will have to search the site and find things for yourself.
As far as speeding up your computer,there are many ways to do that. Get and use a "Defragmentation" program such as the one that came with your operating system. Or you can download a Free one such as "Auslogics". Use it once a week. Add more memory to you "Motherboard". This is probably beyond your capabilites at the moment judging by your initial comments, so let a pro do that. Give you computer a electronic cleaning once a week with a free program such as "CCleaner". This is another free download. Maybe more important than all else is to use both your anti-virus and spyware programs as often as you can. Once a week would not be too much.
Always remember computing takes as much TLC as you can give it, you cannot just use it and forget it. A good running computer takes a lot of time and care.
A couple of first things first
by lkyguy1 - 8/4/08 3:08 PM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
1. Go to FileHippo.com and download CCleaner.com and run it. That removes a bunch of trash that's probably been collecting for quite a while, and it will keep you going.
2. Download AVG Free personal edition, and Advanced V2 Windows Care personal edition. These are all FREEBIES that can be a big help now, and even when you begin again to cramp your computers style with a bunch of crapola, these little programs will do a really nice job for you in cleaning up things. Thus making it run smoother and faster.
3. Now that we've started some of the nicer programs that have helped out a lot, we can download AVAST personal, and COMODO Firewall personal edition. Sound like we are really adding to the space, but we more than make up for it. Adaware is the next freebie to download as is SPYBOT. Man if it wasn't for these free programs, where would we all be ?? Anyway, I've probably rambled a bit, but these have been a terrific lifesaver for me and my computer too.
Sure hope this helps ya. Wayne
Q&A: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer?
by apttir - 8/25/08 2:33 PM In reply to: A couple of first things first by lkyguy1Jv16 Powertools (macecraft.com) is one of the best and the simplist utilities I've ever used. It was very easy to load-not a big program to install. I bought it to clean the registry (getting too many registry errors) it cleared it all out. I highly recommend this program instead!
Answer for Gail 'RegCure' & 'TuneUp Utilities 2008'
by tassimuncher - 8/4/08 9:18 PM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I use 'RegCure' to clean up my pc's registry which makes my computer run as good as new, you shold use it daily though.
I also use 'TuneUp Utilities 2008' wich when used in conjuction with 'RegCure' (meaning using both) makes you pc perform better & faster than new, both these programs can be purchased over the net and well worth it.
Don't play with the computer!
by hignett4854 - 8/4/08 10:33 PM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Unless you have a lot of knowledge on computers I would recommend using a computer specialist. I have been having the same problem, and wasted many hours installing various programs that were supposed to fix it but found the programs took up more space and made the machine slower. Pay a specialist to do the job, its worth the money, he'll fix it very quickly and you won't have wasted hours trying to do it yourself, not to mention the risk of having to re-format the hard drive because you played round with the registries.
Drivers, Registry, Defragment.. and so on!
by Aurica7866 - 8/5/08 1:28 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My simple advise will be don't mess with the poor Dell computer!
It seem so obvious, that you are not the man for the job, just let
someone else to help you and update your Dell.
There is so much to learn, that for sure as a novice, more likely
you will crash your own system rather sooner then later!
Lovely friend!
speed up your computer
by sebymon sebastian - 8/5/08 1:35 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
hai,
these are the few steps that you follow. since you didnt specify anything about your system configuration, i have to assume that you got a good configuration say 512mb ram.
1. open the task manager (press crl+alt+del). click the performnace tab to know how much resources your system is using. if there are lot of unwanted processes running you can disable it.
2. the steps for disabling the processes. click start -> run -> type msconfig .this will give you a new window .select start up tab. uncheck the proceses which consumes more resources or unwanted. restart your computer
3.if you have less RAM then disable the visual effects. this can be done by
right-click mycomputer icon select properties ->advanced tab ->select adjust for best performance.
this will change your appearance to classic style and only the basic processes will be loaded at the time of starting
4.check your operating system drive(in most computers its C:\ drive)
if it got less space try to free some space. this can be done by moving your files from c: deive to some other drive
5.And MOST IMPORTANT use an updated Anti Virus ....scan your drives
try this out. For any further clarification mailto alex4sebastian@gmail.com
Hi also I run Vista on my computer
by jcj322 - 8/18/08 9:31 PM In reply to: speed up your computer by sebymon sebastianHi I also running Windows Vista on my Computer and I am try to make my computer go fast again but right now it is slow now.
Jcj322
SLOW MO
by Randy Walter - 8/18/08 11:01 PM In reply to: Hi also I run Vista on my computer by jcj322Jcj322, I have seen others complain about *slow* computer speed. What are you trying to do that is like molasses on a cold day? Crunch numbers, upload~download files, play games?
i did the following setps and it worked
by mohamed_e56 - 8/5/08 4:30 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
hi i am also running windows xp sp2 and it became so slow i had did many things first i used disk clean up and i had removed some file but unluckly it didn't remove many files then i used a registry cleaner but registry cleaner don't speed up the computer that much plus i didn't have any registry problems so i started to clean up some files from disk C: (or the disk that the windows is insalled on) and the last thing i did is using Disk Defragmenter and i analyzed C: and it give me the report and it saied "you should Defrementer this disk " and i defragmented it and it alomst took more than hour to finsh but after that my computer was running very fast and if it was your first time to the disk defragmenter it will realy amaze you and thank you for reading
Mohamed Dergham
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