Does your computer chug along at the pace of a snail? Does it suffer from old-age? These helpful tips can help you keep your computer running at optimal performance. Of course, it won’t run faster than what it did when you bought it without some hardware upgrades.
After years of listening to customers complaints about their computer and their general idea of why their computers aren’t functioning properly, I’ve concocted some simple guidelines that can keep your PC running fresh so you can keep your sanity. Continue reading after the break.
There is no such thing as an “All-in-one” program that will speed up your PC
Yes, despite all of the pretty advertisements that claim to be so, there is nothing out there that can fix all of your computer needs efficiently. Each computer is different, each owner is different; therefore the combination of hazards on computer will be different.
The first thing that must be done, ignore all if not most ads, pop-ups, or free offers given to you online, email, or by other means. Any program that offers to give you increased performance is likely telling a bag of lies. Think about it, how can a program that runs at start-up, uses up resources and space possibly speed up your PC? To put it simply, it can’t.
There are, of course, several companies that do offer very good all-in-one protection. A good example of this would be Norton. Now, I’m sure many of you are rolling your eye’s or at least know what I’m talking about. You know why many don’t suggest it? Norton is usually sold in the all-in-one form or what’s commonly known as “Norton 360”. Programs like that usually include far more security features than what you could ever use or care about. Stick with something more basic, just get the basic antivirus.
Anything that runs at start-up, will run the entire time your computer is on
Just because you don’t see a window, doesn’t mean something’s not running. In that handy place at the bottom right of your screen, there are probably several icons just sitting there. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t need to be there. There’s also a good chance you don’t even need them. Even if the application is related to some product that you bought such as a camera or scanner, there is a good chance that you don’t use it all the time and that you might not even use it at all.
This isn’t to say you should get trigger-happy and prevent everything from running at start-up. I’m sure there are many applications out there that has some sort of use.
No Toolbars, No Additional Apps, No Problems
Toolbars are notorious for slowing down either your computer or the internet. Toolbars are one of the last things loaded into a web browser, so if your browser is taking its time to start, get rid of those pesky toolbars. Most modern browsers have a search built in to the right of address bar, with options to change the search provider. Meaning you don’t really need all the other toolbars.
Many programs that are offered to you for free have a page of the setup dedicated to a sponsor, and many times will automatically install either a toolbar or program that will always runs on your computer unless you uncheck it. This means no more skipping through pressing buttons unless you look at what your clicking on. Many large companies do this with their products, such as Microsoft and Yahoo.
Regular Maintenance & TLC
Just like a car, computers also need regular maintenance if you expect it to last. Defragmenting your hard drive every month or so can extend the life of your hard drive by making it work more efficiently. The harder it works, the shorter its lifespan. It may also reduce the amount of ambient noise it produces.
Have a laptop? They’re handy, portable and you can take it with you almost anywhere. Here are some things you shouldn’t do to your laptop.
1. Don’t set it on a soft, fabric surface such as a couch, bed, or carpet. This highly restricts air flow to your computer, and causes the fan in your laptop to work even harder. Which, of course, will decrease it’s lifespan and if you do it too much, can cause it to go out completely—leaving you when you need it the most. If you must use it on any soft surface, get a good quality laptop cooler. One that is both passive and active. Two little holes and a tiny fan can’t do much if it’s not in the right place. Be sure to get the right size, your laptop will thank you.
2. When your traveling or moving your laptop around, don’t leave your power adapter plugged in. Leaving it plugged in greatly increases your chances of hitting it on something whilst moving around, turning the plug into a lever and your laptops motherboard on the receiving end. Hit is just right, and you’ll be looking at an expensive repair. Mostly because you, or your hired technician, have to take almost every piece of the laptop apart to replace the DC jack. It’s not worth the trouble.
3. Don’t pick up your laptop by the LCD/bezel. It doesn’t take much to crack an LCD, even in-direct pressure can cause it to crack. Usually costs well over $100 to replace at a repair shop, if your lucky.
Around 70% of all of the computers I’ve seen in the past year are suffering because of these common habits. Follow these tips and there will be less time in-between tune-ups and costly repairs.
Source:http://www.geeksmack.net/general/tips-that-will-keep-your-computer-running-smoothly
