9 Tips to make your computer function faster

May 7, 2010 Computer Tips And Tricks

Anybody who owns a computer, or simply operates one will be well familiar with the age-old: “my computer is slow!” gripe. There are a few steps and tips which one can adhere to in an attempt to maximize on your computer’s functionality and speed.

Follow these 9 tips to the tee, and you should have no more computer speed woes:

1. RAM Upgrade

RAM (random access memory) is quite affordable these days; in fact it is rather cheap. Check with your local computer stores and online forums for the best prices in RAM.

2. Delete all unnecessary software

The majority of PC’s come quip with unnecessary software. It is best to just uninstall all of them. There are usually better alternatives to the bulk of these already installed software, all you need do is uninstall the factory setting ones, and download your preferred application instead.

3. Stick to just one internet browser

This step still falls under deleting unnecessary applications, however is just as important, if not more so, therefore you should remove all other browsers, except for your preferred one. IT becomes tricky when you decide you would rather use any other browser, and not Internet Explorer. Now, you wonder – how will I update my Windows? To update from Firefox, all you need to do is download the IE Tab add-on. Using this particular plug-in, will allow you to access Internet Explorer only sites (like Windows Update).

4. Install an All-in-One Solution for Your IM Needs

Like most of us; I am sure you have 3 or even 4 different tools you use for your social media online. It would be best to use only one for all your IM needs, as the more applications you have on your system, the slower it will function. Simple as that!

5. Put a limit on the programs that start automatically
The programs that load automatically when you start your Windows has the ability to severely cripple your computer’s load time. To reduce the number of programs that auto-load, you should download the ‘Revo Uninstaller’. Be careful when you begin disabling the autoload of applications. If you are unsure of what an applications function is, don’t disable it.

6. Delay the startup of all autoloading applications

When your PC starts up, all the startup applications tend to attempt to run at the same time. This in turn creates a bottleneck effect, which will only take up precious time and system resources. To mitigate and minimalize this effect, you should delay the launch of each of your startup programs by a few minutes. Look out for Startup Delayer – an awesome application designed specifically to ensure this.

7. Adjust your Windows’s Display & Animation Settings
To ensure your minimizing and maximizing of active windows remains quick and fast, you should try adjust the settings. Here’s a quick way to do just that:

Right-click on “My Computer”
Go to the “Advanced” tab
Click on “Settings” under “Performance”.
Uncheck the checkbox next to “Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing”.

8. Disable your Desktop Shortcut

Believe it or not – shortcuts on your desktop are a complete waste of time and space. Not only do they increase your computer startup time, they are also an inefficient way to open up your various applications. There are more efficient ways to access applications, (for example through your Start Menu, the Quick Launch menu, or through software such as Launchy).

To hide desktop shortcuts:
Right-click on your desktop
Go to “Arrange Icons by”
Uncheck “Show Desktop Icons” by clicking on it.

9. Check for Malware, Spyware, and Viruses Regularly

The most important tip there is for you to ensure your system is virus and PC parasite free! There are a few things you should be sure to have at all times:

A firewall
an anti-spyware application (two is advisable but you should have at least one!)
An anti-virus application
Regularly scan for viruses, spyware etc.

If there’s a virus or some spyware slowing down your computer then none of the above tips will assist you in your quest for the fastest PC in the west!