SJH Computing

Five ways to speed up your computer

If, like most people you don't like a slow computer then by following a few simple guidelines, you can maintain your computer and have it running smoothly and efficiently. In this guide we will use the tools available to you in Windows XP (SP3), Windows Vista and Windows 7 to help you maintain your computer. Used monthly these tools can help improve the performance and efficiency of your computer.

1. Free up disk space

Every time you use your computer, you are filling up your hard drive with files that you do not need. The Disk Cleanup tool helps you identify and free up space on your hard drive, so not only will this improve the performance of your computer, but it also allows you to store more files that you actually use like those important holiday photos.

Disk Cleanup does the following:
1. Remove temporary Internet files
2. Remove downloaded program files
3. Empty the Recycle Bin
4. Remove Windows temporary files such as setup files
5. Remove unused restore points and copies from System Restore

Windows Disk Cleanup dialog box

For more information on how to use Disk Cleanup, click on one of the relevant links below:
How to use Disk Cleanup in Windows 7
How to use Disk Cleanup in Windows Vista
How to use Disk Cleanup in Windows XP

2. Speed up access to your data

Every time you use your computer whether it's to browse the Internet or download music, files get stored on your hard drive and over time these files will get fragmented to different parts of your hard drive. When files are fragmented, your computer must search your hard drive for these files and then piece them back together for you to open, which can increase the response time significantly.

Luckily Microsoft have included a utility in their Windows operating system to consolidate fragmented files into a single space neatly on the hard drive allowing you to read and write data to/from the hard drive more quickly.

Along with running Disk Defragementer on the monthly basis, we also recommend that you run it when you add a large number of files, such as installing a new program or a new version of Windows, and also when your free disk space gets below 15%.

For more information on how to use Disk Defragmenter, click on one of the relevant links below:
How to use Disk Defragementer in Windows 7
How to use Disk Defragementer in Windows Vista
How to use Disk Defragementer in Windows XP

3. Repair hard drive errors

Every time you use your computer, your hard drive can develop bad sectors. Sectors are sections of your hard drive which are used to store data. When your hard drive develops a bad sector this can slow down the performance of your computer and make reading and writing data difficult or in the worst case scenario, impossible. The Error Checking utility built into Windows scans your hard drive for errors and attempts to fix them.

Common causes of bad sectors can be turning off your computer without shutting it down properly, or even general wear and tear. If you use your computer daily, we recommend that you run the Error Checking utility at least twice a month.

Windows XP Error-checking utility

To run the Error Checking utility:

1. Close all open files and programs
2. Click Start, and Computer (Windows XP users click My Computer)
3. When the Computer window opens, right-click on the hard drive you wish to search for error and then click Properties
4. In the Properties dialog box, click the Tools tab
5. Click the Check Now button
6. In the Check Disk dialog (Windows 7 users this is called Error-checking), select Scan for and attempt recovery on bad sectors check box and then click Start
7. If any bad sectors are found, choose to fix them

4. Spyware - one of the most common causes of slow computers

Spyware is one of the most common causes of a slow computer. Spyware collects personal information without informing you, which means that your personal information is at risk. Microsoft has included a program call Microsoft Windows Defender in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, and is also available in Windows XP SP2.

Although Microsoft has included Microsoft Windows Defender in their latest operating systems, we recommend you also use Super Anti-Spyware. Super Anti-Spyware is a free utility which scans your computer for spyware and another other harmful programs and safely removes them. There is also a Professional version of Super Anti-Spyware if you're looking for even more protection.

5. Windows ReadyBoost

A new feature that Microsoft introduced in Windows Vista is Windows ReadyBoost and is available in Windows Vista and Windows 7. It works by adding non-volatile flash memory, such as a USB flash drive or memory card, to your computer which will improve the performance.

Most new USB flash/pen drives are capable of using the Windows ReadyBoost feature. If you would like to purchase a USB flash/pen drive or even would like some advice on ReadyBoost, email us at info@sjhcomputing.co.uk.

For my information on using Windows ReadyBoost in Windows 7.

For my information on using Windows ReadyBoost in Windows Vista.