Simple Ways To Increase Your Computer’s Speed

Contributed by Trey Sloan

Remember when you just got your computer and you couldn’t believe how fast it was? You can have that speed again by acquiring computer maintenance habits. There’s no need to do anything complicated or expensive. A little basic computer education and a few easy steps is all it takes to make sure your computer is operating to its full capabilities.

You can divide the reasons your computer slows down over time into two categories. The first category is normal usage. Just like any machine, the more you use your computer the more it requires periodic maintenance to keep it running smoothly. The second category includes harmful outside influences that are trying to give your computer problems.

Let’s talk about what you need to do to offset the regular “wear and tear” that you cause your computer. First, make sure all of your software is up to date. Software companies are constantly improving their programs. It is even possible that the program you just bought an hour ago may already be out of date. Program updates can greatly improve your computer’s operation as they eliminate the program’s defects (known as “bugs”) and become more efficient. Most computer software help systems provide easy-to-use version checks for you.

This is especially critical for operating systems such as Microsoft® Windows®. Making sure your version of Windows (or other operating system) is up to date is the best thing you can do for your computer’s health. It doesn’t just make your computer work faster, but it makes it harder for hackers to gain access to your computer and really start causing problems. It’s a good idea to turn on the Windows automatic update feature. Open Windows Help and Support from the Start menu to find out how you can enable the Windows auto-update tool.

Once you’ve verified that your software is current, run the hard drive defragmentation or “Defrag” process. When your computer writes data to your hard drive, the computer spreads the data all over the drive. The Defrag process consolidates the data into logically related groups. This makes it easier for your computer to retrieve the data when it is needed and speeds up your computer. The first time you run the Defrag application may take a long time, so you may want to start it and let it run overnight. The more often you run the Defrag tool, the less time it will take to complete. Most computers come with an adequate Defrag tool that are ready for you to use. If you do not have one, there are many inexpensive Defrag tools available on the Internet.

Now that you know how to repair the damage that you inflict on your own computer, it's time to learn how to keep other people from harming your computer. This not only helps your computer run smoothly but it will secure your computer from hackers and other threats. As you use the Internet, you are probably unaware of the threats you are unleashing to your computer. Spyware and virus programs are an unfortunate part of modern technology and will hurt your computer’s performance and can cause much worse damage.

Spyware and “Adware” are generic terms for computer programs that send data from your computer to outside users. As you use the Internet, your computer acquires Spyware without your knowledge. It has probably already found its way on your computer. Some Spyware (if not most) is relatively harmless but it can be extremely damaging. A really bad Spyware program can even steal your identity. Luckily, there are many inexpensive programs that clean the Spyware off your computer and keep your data safe. Find a good Spyware cleaner and run it regularly. Some Spyware cleaners even have a free version that you can use. However, you should be cautious about the free programs. Some Spyware pretends to be a free Spyware cleaner to trick you into downloading it. To be safe, it’s a good idea to use more than one Spyware cleaner.

Computer viruses, unlike Spyware, are always dangerous. Severe viruses can delete your data and render your computer completely useless. If you are not running a virus protection software program now, stop everything and do so immediately. Update your virus software frequently. There are new viruses being created daily, so an out-of-date virus program is nearly worthless. The $20.00 a year you spend on virus protection is money well spent.

None of the steps discussed here are complicated or expensive. Getting in the habit of taking these steps will keep your computer running smoothly and safely. Keeping your computer free of malicious programs and viruses, taking advantage of free software updates, and defragging your hard drive will let you get the most out of your computer.

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S, and/or other countries.

About the Author:
Trey Sloan is a writer that has worked in the computer software and telecommunications industries for 12 years.

 

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