15 Steps to Speed Up Your Computer
by Pinky McBanon

Your question, how do I speed up my computer? You get frustrated
when your computer is very slow. You can now save yourself from
aggravation especially when you are very busy working. I will show
you 15 steps to do to speed up your computer.

Let me enumerate them: As I have also mentioned on my previous
articles

1. Defrag your computer at least once every two weeks (I do it once
a week). Go to start>accessories>system tools>disk defragmenter. You
can click on "analyze" first before you choose defrag, it will tell
you if you need to defrag. Just defrag it even if it reports you
don't need to.
2. Do Disk Clean Up at least once every two weeks (again, I do this
once a week). Go to start>accessories>system tools>disk clean up. It
will analyze your disk and will generate reports. I suggest you
delete files from the recycle bin and the files located in the
temporary files folder. Note: I avoid compressing files. It's your
call.
3. Clean up your program files, delete and uninstall unwanted
programs on your computer. Go to control panel>add remove programs.
Make sure you restart your computer after uninstalling or removing
the program so that complete deletion will take place.
4. Delete all files (temporary files and cookies from the computer).
Here's how: open a browser. On top of the browser click on
tools>internet options>delete files and then delete cookies. Make
your history set to (0). Others wants it on at least 10. I always
set mine to (0).
5. You have to be very careful in installing or downloading
programs. Make sure you need it, if not please just avoid it.
Uninstalling them is really hard. Many vendors has all the power to
have their program stay in your computer!
6. Always turn on your firewall. I suggest you have only one
firewall and one anti virus. You get less safer if you have two anti
virus running (I know people who likes to have two anti virus
programs running on their computer, I don't know why.)
7. Run anti-spyware programs. I trust spybot, search and destroy and
the Adware from Lavasoft. I run SD every week, I do immunize them
before I do the the entire program to run. I run adware every week
too after I run spybot search and destroy.
8. Run complete scan using your antivirus software at least everyday
(some do it once a week). Mine is scheduled at 3:00am everyday.
9. Avoid multi-tasking too much! Meaning to say, avoid opening too
many programs all at the same time running at the task bar.
10. I also suggest you get a dual hard drive (which I know is now
common in the market), one for the operating system only and the
other for all the programs, database and files. This way, the
computer boots on one hard drive.
11. Also check the performance of your computer when connected on
the internet. Go to control panel >network and internet connections
 >network connections >right click the mouse on the connection
available (e.g. local area connection "connected", "firewalled")
 >click on "STATUS". Make sure on the status tab, you will see the
speed (mine is always 100 mbps). The packets sent and the packets
received must not have a very high difference. If it is sending too
much packets (as in ten times) than it receive (then try to do
number 7!).
12. Always make sure you install the latest updates on your
computer.
13. Always make sure all devices (drivers, etc) are properly
functioning. Go to control panel >performance and maintenance
 >system >hardware >click on DEVICE MANAGER. You will see all the
devices and adapters available on your computer. Make sure you don't
see a yellow question mark (?) or this means there is an error on
that device or adapter. If so, you need to update it or install the
right drivers. Updated firmware might also be needed.
14. Browsing the internet? well, I have my google toolbar installed
on my computer and is my default search engine. Their pop up blocker
is really great!
15. A memory of at least 512 RAM might be a good idea installed on
your computer
There you go, 15 steps! Good luck!
Ms. Mcbanon has a Bachelor degree in Computer Engineering and
Research in Systems Engineering major in Decision Analysis. She is a
Medical Practice Billing Consultant, Medical Biller/Coder and an IT
Consultant. Read more on her shared knowledge on her personal
website at justmypassion.com Pinky McBanon may be contacted at
http://www.justmypassion.com
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