While an old computer will never operate at the same speed as a newer (faster) computer, you can help your computer stay as "young & healthy" as possible by performing the following three methods.
1) Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup is a Windows utility that helps keep unused and unwanted files from taking up extra storage space on your computer. You can think of it as "spring cleaning" for your computer. If you've never done a disk cleanup on your computer, now is a good time to get started. Then, depending on how much you use your computer, you can perform a disk cleanup every few weeks to keep your computer running smoothly!
-------------HOW???
- Click the Start button
- All Programs
- Accessories
- System Tools
- Disk Cleanup
.
After a minute or so a window will open asking you to flag the files you want to remove,....(I usually flag all these files however it is up to you what files you want to delete)
Click OK...
2) Defragmenting Your Computer
Another way to improve the performance of your computer is to defragment your hard drive. What is defragmenting, and why do you need to do it? Here's a simple explanation:
Basically, defragmenting is putting files back where they belong. With the files in the proper order, your computer will run more efficiently.
Not sure how to defragment your computer??? Just like performing the Disk Cleanup Application:
click on:
click on:
- Start button > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > then look for Defragment (for most computers)
Keep in mind that the actual wording is slightly different depending on the operating system you use (Windows XP,Vista or 7) so you might need to refer to your computer's help file. Periodically defragmenting your computer will keep it running smoothly!
3) Clean up your Desktop
Each time Windows starts, operating memory is used for all files on the Desktop. If those files are Shortcuts, the total amount of memory used will be small. If however, there are several or dozens of files on the Desktop, those will use lots of operating memory, essentially for no purpose or gain. With less memory available, the computer runs slower because it has to swap out information from operating memory to the hard drive. It does this process (called memory paging) to keep everything the user wants to do, running at the same time.
Clean Your Desktop?
Put your files in the “My Documents” folder. If you have a lot of files, you can put them in separate folders. Create shortcuts on your Desktop for the folders or files you frequently use. In doing this, you will free up operating memory, reduce the time and frequency the hard drive is used and improve the response of your computer to programs you open and things you do. The simple action of cleaning the Desktop will make your computer run faster.
Please keep coming back for more computer tips posted soon!!!
