If you ever Google “how to speed up my computers start time” you will come across thousands of articles, all with different suggestions and ideas on what to do. Though I don’t agree with all of them, I went through and compiled a list of my top 7 suggestions that I find to be the most helpful.7) Disable Start-up Programs:
The first thing I do when I hop onto a user’s computer for the first time is check out what programs they have loading on startup. To check this out in Windows XP go into your start menu, click run and type in MSCONFIG. If you are running Windows Vista or Windows 7 open up your start menu and in the search box type MSCONFIG and enter. Now click on the STARTUP tab. This will tell you what each application is so that you can decide which you would like to turn off.
6) Uninstall Unused Applications:
Your system is greatly affected by the amount of hard drive space available to it when it starts up. If you notice your computer’s hard drive is getting full or is in the red, it is time to clear out some of those programs. Go into the Start Menu, and press Control Panel; for Windows XP - Add and Remove Programs, and for Windows Vista/7 - Programs and Features. Right click any applications you don’t use and click Uninstall.
5) Remove Unused Fonts:
This one I had never heard of before, but after looking at countless articles and blogs suggesting their removal I am a believer. When windows starts it loads EVERY font you have installed. Go to the Control Panel and find Fonts. For Windows XP if you find fonts you do not use delete them. With Windows 7 you can now hide fonts from start up. While holding down the CTRL key you can click on each font you don’t use. When done just click hide on the top of the window. Note that disabling a few fonts won’t make a difference but with Microsoft Office installed Windows will have over 300 fonts installed. Fonts to keep? Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma and any other fonts you like the previews of.
4) Installing New RAM:
As the saying goes after you buy a new PC it is out of date. But for most users, their computers can be between 3 – 5 years old and may have not been upgraded to meet the new requirements of applications and operating systems. RAM is a cheap and effective way to not only speed up the start up of your computer but the overall experience as well.
3) Scan For Viruses:
Many people are unaware that their computer has been infected with a virus. They take up computer resources to run and propagate. Running antivirus software and scanning software found online can remove the infection and bring your computer back up to speed.
Alright so you have tried all of these, but your computer is still running slow. There are two more suggestions to help make your computer run faster.
2) Reinstall the Operating System:
Yes it is what we like to call a wipe and reload. Erase the hard drive and start from scratch. Before you do this make sure you have backed up all your data to an external hard drive for safe keeping. This allows a baseline installation with no overheard to start over and only install the programs that you need.
If this is not doing do the trick then there is only one more thing you can possible do...
1) Buy a New Computer:
This day and age computers are mass produced and cheap. Often, for the price of a technician’s time to look and fix these issues, you can have yourself a nice new computer tower or laptop. If you purchase a system from Northern Computer, we can transfer over your data with your purchase. It may take some getting used to, but once you, do you will love it!
-Keenan F, Network Support Technician
Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca
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