sorgepublishers.com


 
 

< HOMEPAGE

10 Easy Steps to Speed Up Your Computer - Without Upgrading

10 Easy Steps to Speed Up Your Computer - Without Upgrading

By Jim Shutes
Lapeer Tech Group

It seems that the longer you own your computer, the slower it gets! A lot of people will keep their computer until it gets so slow that they feel they need a newer, faster model. Some feel like the reason it is getting slower is because it is getting older, when that is just not the case. Your computer should run just as fast as the day you brought it home – if you follow these 10 Easy Steps to Speed Up Your Computer.

1. Empty the Temp directory regularly. After a short while, the temp directory fills up with hundreds of temp files that always get scanned over when Windows starts up and when programs launch. This slows everything down immensely.

Rule of thumb for Temp Files: If you don’t have any programs open (and nothing minimized in the bar below), then you shouldn’t have ANY temp files in your temp directory. If you do, delete them.

To delete Temp files, make sure NO programs are open, and…

a. In Windows 95, 98 or Me, go to C:WindowsTemp and delete everything inside the Temp folder.

b. In Windows 2000 or XP, it is a little trickier. First, make sure that you can see hidden folders. Double-click My Computer. Click on the Tools pull-down menu, and then on Folder Options. Click on the View tab. Scroll down and click on Show Hidden Files and Folders. Click Ok. Now you can go to the C:Documents and SettingsAdministratorLocal SettingsTemp folder. Delete everything here.

2. Empty the Temporary Internet Files regularly. To empty Temporary Internet Files, go to your Control Panel and double-click the Internet Options icon. Choose to Delete Cookies, and to Delete Files. This will clear all of your Temporary Internet Files.

3. Check your hard disks for problems.

a. For Windows 95, 98, or Me, double-click My Computer. Right-click the C-drive and click on Properties. Click on the Tools tab and choose to check the computer for problems. If you choose to do a Thorough Scan, this will do the hardware check for physical disk damage or sector damage. Choose to fix any errors it finds.

b. For Windows 2000 and XP, double-click My Computer. Right-click the C-drive and click Properties. Click on the Tools tab and choose to check the computer for problems. Click on Check Now. You will then have two check boxes. The top option is for the file check, and the second option is for the hardware (physical disk) check. Check either one, or both. At least check the top one. Hit ok, and reboot. This may take some time, but let it run.

4. An even more thorough disk check, would be to use a 3rd party utility. One of my favorites is TuneUp Utilities 2004. It does cost $39.99, but they do offer a FREE download trial of 15 days. This program does a really good job of fixing software and physical hard drive problems. It also tunes up your system for increased speed, and streamlines your operating system for peak performance. Download it HERE... http://www.lapeertechgroup.com/downloads.asp

5. Or, you can do a few of the performance tweaks yourself, if you have Windows XP. By default, EVERYTHING is turned on in Windows XP. It isn’t very streamlined for performance, but rather for appearance. You can turn off a few of the unnecessary features, and Windows will still work just fine, and maybe a little faster.

To do this, right-click on My Computer and click on Properties. Click on the Advanced tab. Under the Performance section, click on the Settings button. On the Visual Effects tab, you will see a list of check boxes. By default, these are all on. You really don’t need any of them for Windows to run. Go through the check boxes one by one, and determine which ones you can and can’t live without.

6. Turn off Active Desktop. Active Desktop turns your desktop into a web page, and allows you to have things like a real-time calendar, and up-to-the-minute weather or stocks. These are nice, but really slow down your computer. And even if you don’t use Active Desktop for anything, just having it active can cause a performance decrease. Turn it off.

a. In Windows 95, 98 and Me, right-click on the desktop and in the pop-up menu, choose Active Desktop. Inside that option, uncheck Active Desktop. If there is no check next to it, then it isn’t on. Don’t choose it. Instead, just click the desktop again to get out of the menu.

b. In Windows 2000, right-click on the desktop and in the pop-up menu, choose Active Desktop. Inside that option, uncheck Show Web Content. Again, if there is no check next to it, then it is not on. Do not check it.

c. In Windows XP, right-click on the desktop and in the pop-up menu, choose Properties. On the Desktop tab, choose Customize Desktop. Now, on the Web tab, make sure that there are no websites chosen here. If there aren’t any, then Active Desktop is not on. Cancel and go back to the desktop.

7. Install and run a good AntiVirus program to keep out viruses that can take over your system. One of my favorites is AVG. It is not only a really good AntiVirus program, but it is also FREE! If you don’t have any AntiVirus software on your computer, get AVG AntiVirus NOW by downloading HERE... http://www.lapeertechgroup.com/downloads.asp

8. Get rid of Spyware. A lot of computer users have Spyware and don’t even know they have it, much less how to get rid of it. If your computer has been taking you to websites that you don’t want to go to, or if you get pop-ups when you aren’t even on the Internet, or if your computer has been running extremely slowly lately, for no reason, you probably have Spyware.

On all of the computers that I setup, I install two different AntiSpyware programs: AdAware SE and SpyBot. These two programs are highly recommended by TechTV (G4) and other computer authorities (including my own research on Spyware) and work very well together. They compliment each other and catch Spyware that the other misses, but together, do a very good job.

Get SpyBot HERE... http://www.lapeertechgroup.com/downloads.asp. Download all updates and run the Immunize option a couple of times.

AdAware SE does a good job when you keep up on the updates and manually scan your system with AdAware. Get it HERE... http://www.lapeertechgroup.com/downloads.asp

In some cases, when the Spyware has become too entwined into your system, even a computer repair technician can’t get rid of the Spyware. At this point, it is better to just backup only what you need and have the operating system reinstalled. Believe me, when your computer gets to this point, you don’t want to just put a “band-aid” on it. Just start from scratch with a clean system. It’s the best way to go.

9. Streamline MSCONFIG. One thing that really causes a HUGE performance decrease is to have unnecessary programs running in the background. Some of these programs can be seen in your System Tray (located next to the clock). These are tiny programs that are robbing you of memory and processing power. Some of them you need, while most you don’t. Some of the programs you DON’T need are printer icons, CD burning icons, shortcuts to programs (such as video settings), AOL, any Instant Messaging Programs, etc. Just because these programs aren’t always running, doesn’t mean that you still can’t print, burn CDs or Instant Message. They can all be run from a shortcut.

You can use a utility, called MSCONFIG, to turn OFF unnecessary Start Up items.

a. In Windows 98, Me, and XP, click on StartRun and type msconfig. Click on the Startup tab. This is a list of everything that is running in the background, some of which show up in the System Tray. Now, be careful, some of these you do need. Some items to keep are Ctfmon.exe (XP), Scan Registry (Win98, Me), Task Monitor (Win98, Me), System Tray (Win98, Me), LoadPowerProfile (Win98, Me), Rundll.32, any AntiVirus programs (such as McAfee, Norton, or AVG). Others, you can uncheck, such as NeroCheck, ypager, qttask, AOL, and any other Instant Messaging programs, or printing programs. Remember, if something doesn’t work, because you turned it off, it can always be turned back on. You just have to reboot every time you make a change here. But, as you uncheck the unnecessary programs that run in the background, you will see that Windows loads much faster, that there are less icons in the System Tray, and that your system is much more “snappy” and quick to respond.

b. In Windows 2000, MSCONFIG wasn’t supplied. You actually have to download and run an MSCONFIG utility. Download the MSCONFIG utility HERE... http://www.perfectdrivers.com/howto/msconfig.html.

After you reboot, you will have a window that says that the configuration utility was edited. Just check not to show that in the future, a check box at the bottom. This just means that there was a change made to the MSCONFIG.

10. Defragment your hard drives. NOTE: to efficiently defragment a hard drive, it likes to have 25% free space. It can still do the defragmentation with only 15% free space, but it takes quite a bit longer. If you can, delete any unnecessary files before deframenting your drives.

a. To defragment your hard drives (in any Windows operating system), double-click on My Computer. Right-click on the c-drive and click on Properties. Click on the Tools tab and choose the bottom button, to Defragment Now…

Good luck. I hope this article has helped you. If you live in the Lapeer County, MI area, and would like a Professional professionally TuneUp your computer(s) in your home or business, please contact Lapeer Tech Group at (810) 793-1093, or visit our website at www.LapeerTechGroup.com

About the Author

I have worked in the IT field since 1989 and hold several Microsoft certifications. I am a network administrator and owner and operator of Lapeer Tech Group, located in Columbiaville, Michigan (just outside of Lapeer). During these years, I have supported both Macs and PCs, am an accomplished graphic and web designer, and have had the opportunity to support 2nd and 3rd level enterprise networks for GM, EDS, Delphi and Delco.

Written by: Jim Shutes

NAVIGATION

10 Power Tips for Presentations with Computer Projection

10 PROVEN TIPS TO SURVIVE A COMPUTER CRASH

10 Secrets To A Healthy Computer And A Happier You

10 Tips on Computer Clutter Clean Up

14 Household Ways To Protect Your Computer From Viruses

3 Simple Ways To Save A Bunch Of Money When Buying A New Computer

3 Summer Computer Tips

30 Secrets Of A Good Computer Lesson

4 Computer Money saving Tips

5 Critical Steps to Protecting Your Computer on the Internet

5 Simple Ways To Increase Your Computer Speed

5 Stress Reducing Computer Tips

5 Sure Fire Tips for Buying a New Computer

5 Tips For Buying The Right Laptop Computer

5 Tips to Color Code Your Way from Computer Chaos to Coherence

5 Ways To Make Night And Weekend Computer Life Rich

5th generation Computers Corporate infrastructure

6 Essential Steps to Protect Your Computer On the Internet For Free

6 tips for Keeping Aurora Away from your computer and 1 tip to Fix it if Aurora has Gotten You

7 Barebones Computer Buying Tips

A Guide to Computer Desks

A Hacker Inside Your Computer

A Look at Computer Desks for Children

Advancement in Computer Technology

Adware Are Your Business s Computers Secure

All About Computer Viruses

An eBay Computer Purchase

Are cyber criminals phishing your identity from your computer

Are You At The Mercy Of Computer Geeks

Are You Being Mislead By Your Current Computer Dealer

Are You Making Any Money With Your Computer Yet

Are You Saving Money With a Computer Support Plan

Avoiding Spam Scams and Computer Viruses

Back that Thang UP Insure the Data on Your Computer

Basic Computer Thermodynamics

Be Prepared in the Event Computer Disaster Strikes

Beat The Bugs Helpful Links That May Help You Combat Annoying Computer Viruses

Becoming a Computer Trainer

Beeps Your computer is telling you something

Broadcasting Mp3 Audio Via Computer The Looney Tune World Of Podcasting

Build your first computer from hardware scratches

Build Your Own Computer

Build Your Own Computer or Buy

Build Your Own Computer What to Look for in a Case

Buy a home through your home computer

Buying a computer Ask these 3 questions

Buying a Used Laptop Computer

Buying computers at a discount with peace of mind

Buying DDR memory for your computer

Buying Guide for Laptops Personal Computers Notebooks

Buying the Perfect Computer The FIRST Time

Career Track Computer Programmer

Career Track Computer Software Engineers

Choosing a Laptop Computer Based on Hardware and Software Needs

Classification of Computers

Combat Computer Spyware An AntiSpyware Program Isn t Enough

Computer Aided Design Contracting Tax Concerns In The UK

COMPUTER BACKUPS

Computer Business Opportunity Provide Huge Profit Potential

Computer Buying Advice For Novices

Computer Career

Computer Case Modding

Computer Cases The Basics

Computer Certification Anticipation vs Nervousness

Computer Certification Become A Utility Player

Computer Cleaning

Computer Cleaning May Be The Best Home Based Part time or Full time Business

Computer Components for Idiots

Computer Consulting 101 Hiring Tips Part 1 of 2

Computer Consulting Profit Secrets

Computer Controlled LED Signs

COMPUTER COURTESY

Computer Data Backup Data Backup Solution Will Give You A Peace Of Mind

Computer Data Backups Test Now or Cry Later

Computer Data Recovery Options

Computer Disposal Throwing Away Your Computer Money and Idenity

Computer Do s and Don ts

Computer Equipment Disposals and Recycling

Computer Geeks and Garden Gnomes

Computer Graphics They re Not All The Same

Computer Hacks Quacks Looking for Cracks

Computer Hardware Preventive Maintenance Software

Computer Help Desk Stupid Questions brought to you by Computer Service Now CSN

Computer Homeschooling the added advantage in african american children s education Part 1

Computer Hygiene Take Out The Trash

Computer In The Shop What Do You Do Now

Computer Insurance

Computer Loans An opportunity to have a computer of your own

Computer Loans Become Techno Savvy the Easier Way

Computer Maintenance and Improving PC Performance

Computer Monitor Buying Guide

Computer Network Designing

Computer Network Installation

Computer Profits From Home What s Right for You

Computer Rental Worth Your Money

Computer Rentals The Best Classroom Computer Training Solution

Computer Running Slow Here s One Reason

Computer Security What Exactly Is It

Computer software Excellent prices

Computer Software Genres That Help Students Think

Computer SOS Inc Release of Upgraded League Management Software Package

Computer Support London Network Support London Network Installation London

Computer Tips that Help Small Businesses Operate Profitably

Computer Traumas

COMPUTER VIRUS THREATENS MY HOME BUSINESS

Computer Virus Writer s A Few Bats In The Belfry

Computer Viruses are Bad Luck

Computer Viruses Worms and Hoaxes

Computers and Internet Inspiring Us to Create

Computers and Web Cams are Taking Communication to Levels Only Imagined in Sci Fi Novels

Computers Are Not Scary

Computers are Running My Life

Computers Freedom and Privacy

Computers Introverts and the Information Age

Computers You CAN Master Any Program

Coping with a Serious Data Loss from your Computer Hard Drive

Corporate infrastructure for Fifth generation Computers

Corporate Promotional Gifts The Fridge Magnet Is Dead Long Live the Computer Desktop

Countering the Spread of Spyware on your Computer

D BUST Your Computer Part 1 Instructions for Microsoft Users

D BUST Your Computer Part 2 for Microsoft users

D BUST Your Computer Part 3 for Microsoft users

D BUST Your Computer Part 4 a for Microsoft users

D BUST Your Computer Part 4 b

D BUST Your Computer Part 4 c

D BUST Your Computer Part 4 d

D BUST Your Computer Part 5

Definitions for Computer Modding and Form Factor

Dell Computer Corporation Recall of Latitude Inspiron Laptop AC Adapters

Detecting and Eliminating Computer Viruses at the Gateway

Did You Ever Want to Completely Erase Everything on Your Computer

Different Categories of Computer Games

Dirty Little Computer Viruses and How To Protect Yourself

Distance Learning and Elearning for Computer Techs

Do The Media Spread Computer Viruses

Do You Feel Used by Computers

Do You Know How To Remove Spyware From Your Computer

Do you know who is snooping around your computer right now

Do you need computer training

Dual core computer processors luxury or necessity

Dusting Your Computer Keeping it Cool

Expansion Slots Cards and Bays Choosing the right computer case

Extending the Life of Your Business or Personal Computer Printer

Finally An Understandable Introduction To Computers

Five Simple Steps to Speed up Your Computer

Focus On White Collar Crime Accounting Fraud and Computer Crimes Creates Need For Qualified Investigators

Gaming Computers and Computer Modding

Get Ahead When You Build Your Own Computer

Get Started in Computer Game Creation

Get Valuable Computer Based Training Online FREE

Getting Started In Information Technology Computer Consulting

Good News Bad News of Computer Security from a Keen Non Techie

Guide on How to Land Computer Jobs

Hackers Given Access to IRS Computers

Hardware for Computer Desks

Have You Invited A Spy Into Your Computer

Healthy Webmasters Choose Ergonomic Computer Products

Heliodisplay Computer Video With No Screen

Help Keep the Computers on Earth Clean and Healthy

Help Keep The Computers On Earth Clean And Healthy Protect Your Techno Friends From Viruses And Sickness

Help My Computer s Being Invaded

Help There s an Intruder in my Computer

Hidden information is stored on your computer about every url you ever visit

Home Computer Desks A Variety of Options

Home Office Tip 2 Computer Health Hazards

How a Computer Consulting Business Can Help Your Company

How Much Money would it cost you to regain the use of your computer after a serious virus infection

How Protected are You Safeguard Your Small Business from Computer Viruses

How Safe is Your Critical Business Data on Your Computer System

How Spyware Blaster Can Protect Your Computer From Harm

How to backup your computer data

How to Backup Your Computer Files

How to Become a Computer Consultant

How To Buy The Right Computer

How to choose a new hard drive for your computer

How to choose your computer

How To Deal With Computer Problems

How to Get a FREE Computer Scale Printer from DHL

HOW TO GET THE COMPUTER YOU WANT WITHOUT SPENDING A FORTUNE

How to Have Your Computer Cake and Keep Your Family Too

How To Keep Your Computer Virus Free

How To Optimize Your Online Time Through Efficient Computer Use

How to Prevent Computer Security Risk and How to Keep Your Small Business Safe

How To Prevent Spyware Attacking Your Computer

How To Recognize If Your Computer Has A Virus Or Trojan On It

How to reduce Computer problems

How to safeguard your computer

How To Save Big Bucks On A Laptop Computer

How To Stop The 1 Cause Of Computer Slow Downs And Crashes

How To Take Care Of Your Laptop Computer

How To Take Good Care Of Your Computer Even If You Are A Clueless Newbie

How To Work At Home Using Your Computer Even If You Can t Type

How Viruses and Spyware Get In to your computer

HR MANAGERS USE COMPUTER FORENSICS TO INVESTIGATE EMPLOYEE ALLEGATIONS

Hurricanes Wilma Katrina And Rita Force Businesses To Rethink Computer

I Spy Something Terribly Wrong In Your Computer

If You Had Problems in the Past with a Computer Virus Then You ll Want to Know How Easy it is to Setup Firewall Protection

Image conversion In Computers

Important Steps to Protect your Computer from Hurricanes

In Computer Memory what is CAS Latency

Is DVD Storage An Attractive Alternative For Your Computer Backup

Is Spyware Slowing Your Computer Down To A Crawl

Is your Computer a friend or a Dirty Name

Is your Computer Infected with Spyware

Is Your Computer Sick

Is Your Computer Slow and Sluggish Take These Steps To Speed It Up

Is Your Computer Strong Enough For A work From Home Internet Business

Jobs Online How To Get Your Computer to Work For YOU

Keep A Diary Of Your Computer

Keep Computer Training Simple Please

Keeping your Computer Spyware Free for Free

Laptop Computer Extras for the Mobile Traveler

Laptop Computers and the PVP Effect

LCD Touch Screen Computer Monitor

Learn How To Hide Files and Folders On Your Computer

Learning Math and Dosage Calculations Using a Computer Program

Local Company gains Four Nominations in Computer Trade Oscars

Make a place for computers in children s world

make alot of mney using ur computer

Make your computer read selected text from any application with a single keystroke

Make Your Fortune in Computer Services

Make your own Computer Software without Programming

MCSE CCNA How To Choose A Computer Certification

More Computer Consulting 101 Hiring Tips Part 2 of 2

My Computer is Making a Strange Noise

My dad listens to music all day on his computer

Newbie Of course you can make money working from home on your computer

No Computer Sound

Notebook or Desktop Computer Which Should You Choose

One Way to Solve Memory Problems with your Computer

Optimize Your Computer For Peak Performance

Organization Tips How to Organise Your Computer Files

Organizing Your Desktop Computer Desktop That Is

Paranoia or Are Public Internet Computers Dangerous

Performance Computer Chips For Cars And Trucks

physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables computers

Preventing Malicious Spyware or Adware from Hijacking Your Computer

Protect and Secure Your Computer Life

Protect Your Computer

Protect your Computer and Internet Privacy

Protect Your Computer and Your Business

Protect Your Computer And Your Personal Information From Spyware

Protect Your Computer System With A Comprehensive Security Policy

Protecting Your Computer from Adware and Spyware

Quick Guide to Computer Training

Rackmount Computer Keyboards

Rackmount Computer Monitors Provide Dependability

Read Chinese Online How To Configure Your Computer To Display Chinese Characters

Real Estate Records In The Computer Age

Refurbished Computers on the Internet

Reinstall Windows XP On Your Computer

Removing Bargain Buddy Adware from your Computer

Reviving Old Computer Games

Secrets to SpyProofing Your Computer In Four Easy Steps

Secure Your Data Windows Data Backup Computer Software

Securing your Computer to Keep Up with Internet Threats

Security necessities to prevent your computer from Spyware

See How To Revive A Dead Computer

Setting up Your New Computer How To Move Your Old Files to Your New Computer

Should You Buy A Cheap Computer Desk

Some Computer Forensics Basics

Speed Up Your Computer Inner cleansing tips for your pc

Spyware Protection A Must for Any Home Computer

Starting A Home Computer Business Is Still Smart

Success at Work Techniques Computer Literacy

Survival Without Computers

Ten Great Careers For Computer Geeks

The ABCs Of Computer Memory

The Benifits of Assembling Your Own Computer

The Charm of an Oak Computer Desk

The Complete Guide To Spotting Computer Spies Recording Devices

The Computer Friendly Resume

The computer virus that could take advantage of you

The Cost of Spyware on your Computer

The Evolution of Technology The History of Computers

The Flexibility of Roll Top Computer Desks

The Future Of Computer Certification Exams

The Great Underutilized Computer

The Hidden Benefit Of Computer Certifications

The History Of Laptop Computers

The Need for Rackmount Computer Cases

The Newbie s Guide to Personal Computer Maintenance

The Secret Computer Virus That is Virtually Undetectable

The Single Least Expensive Yet Most Valuable Way to Upgrade Your Computer s Performance

The Top Twelve Threats No Computer User Should Ignore by Kai Chandler

The Trials and Tribulations of A Confused Computer

The Trials and Tribulations Of Learning A New Computer Skill

Thinking about earning your computer degree online

Three Things You Can Do to Keep Your Computer Running at Maximum Performance

Tips for Buying a First Computer

Tips For Finding Great Deals On Computer Accessories Supplies

Tips For the Late Blooming Computer User

Top 10 things everyone must know about computer viruses

Top 10 Ways to Protect Yourself from Computer Viruses

Transfer The Digital Camera Images To Your Computer

Twelve Things You Should Know to Save on Computer Software

Twelve Threats No Computer User Should Ignore

Types of computer infections

Ultimate Checklist On How To Revive A Dead Computer

Understanding Computer Memory

Understanding the Software Layers of a Computer

Unleash The Dragon Inside Your Computer

Update your computer system with bad credit computer financing

Use Internet Resources To Get Rid Of Computer Viruses

Use Your Computer For Your Entertainment Needs

User Friendliness Do Computers Have to be Clinical and Boring

WARNING Do not buy a computer until you read this

Watch Out For eBay Automobile And Computer Scams

Watch out for spyware programs that slow down your computer system

Watch Out For Spyware Programs That Slows Down Your Computer System

What are Rackmount Computers

What is a Protocol the communications between computers on a network

What Is Computer Programming Anyway

WHAT IS SPYWARE AND HOW DO I REMOVE IT FROM MY COMPUTER

What Paper or Computer Files Should You Keep

What s in a Computer Name

What to look for in a Computer Classroom Rental

When to rent a laptop computer

Which Notebook Computer Has Your Name On It

Who s Peering Into Your Computer

Why Build Your Own Gaming Computer

WHY CONSULTANTS DON T TELL ABOUT COMPUTER SECURITY

Why Do I Need Anti Virus Software For My Computer

Why More Women Should Consider a Career in Computer Programming

Wireless The new trend in Computer Rentals and Projector Rentals

Work A Home Computer Jobs Are Plentiful

Work At Home Computer Jobs Can Give You Freedom

Work From Home Using Computer

You Can Stop Computer Viruses

You Voice On Your Own Computer

Your Affiliate Business Peripherals Software Computers

Your Computer Can t Keep Time

Your Computer May Be Infected Here s how to check

Your Computer May Be Infected Here s How To Check NOT about virus

YOUR PRIVACY EXPOSED Computer Forensics International uncovers secrets about recycled hard drives

Zen and the Art of Buying Computer Parts

© sorgepublishers.com - All Rights Reserved