Prevention

Restore Your PC's Performance

By Jennifer Martinez

Most PCs run considerably slower than when they were new. Here’s why, and what you can do to restore fresh-from-the-box performance.

Causes of system slowdowns

Your PC may have come with one or two applications. Now, it may have dozens, and a hard drive full of files. Every added application and file can increase start-up and shut-down times and slow overall performance.

• Many applications that communicate over the Internet, such as security programs and email programs, automatically launch upon start-up. The more applications you have, the longer it takes.

• Many applications run in the background while you work, and often need to communicate with the hard drive. They may create a bottleneck at your PCs input/output (I/O) controller, or take time searching for free space on a large, crowded hard drive.

More memory -- the miracle cure

The single most effective -- and cost-effective -- way to restore your PC’s performance is to add system memory. Increased system memory will make system crashes less likely, and will noticeably speed up:

• Startup

• Application launch, performance and exit

• Internet downloads

• Document saving

• System shut down

Buying and installing memory

Although memory prices fluctuate, you can probably double your system’s memory for under $50 if you install it yourself. A computer retailer or service center can do it for you, but the simple installation may cost more than the actual memory.

To install PC memory:

• Choose the right memory type and size for your system. Memory retailers, whether online or in-store, can tell you which kind is right for you.

• Use an anti-static wrist cuff, available for about $15 from memory dealers or electronics stores.

• Follow the instructions that come with your memory and with your PC, or use a good online tutorial.

Additional performance enhancers

There are several other steps you can take to speed up your PC:

• If an application icon appears in the lower right corner of your screen, right-click it and see if it allows you to exit the application or set it not to launch at startup.

• Set virus scans, backups, Windows updates, and other automated processes to run at times when you’re not using your PC.

• Upgrade to a hard drive with a faster RPM speed.

• Keeping your system tuned. Regularly perform Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragment (Start Menu/Programs/Accessories/System Tools) and remove unused files and applications from your hard drive.

Conclusion

All PCs slow down with age. By adding system memory and keeping your system tuned, you can restore like-new performance.