There are many ways to optimize a computer and this article covers simple steps to make any computer faster quickly. Step 1 or Step 2 in this article can generally be implemented within 15 minutes with a PC or a Mac.

Step 1 -  Clean the computer registry

Slow computers often have errors in their registry. The main functions of a registry are about connecting hardware, software and computer files. In practice therefore, the computer registry acts as the computer’s nervous system. Over time the performance of any computer reduces as errors accumulate in the registry, which can also become corrupted. A straightforward step is to locate any errors in the registry then repair them. Despite the fact that it is possible to repair the registry manually in theory, this method is not recommended. The main reason for this, is that it requires strong knowledge of the structure of the registry as well as its functions. Registry repair software are usually fast and reliable and offer overall, a better alternative to correct errors, delete unused files, poor links and deal with ActiveX components. Click on fix computer registry for more information.

Step 2 – Delete and block adware and spyware

Another common reason leading to computers slowing-down, is the large number of spyware and adware, which are downloaded from the Internet, often without the users knowledge. Often, this takes place when peer to peer (P2P) networks are used to download videos and music for example. An easy solution to improve the response time of any computer is to run an anti spyware or adware program which will scan, remove then block adware and spyware. Most anti spyware or adware software have a free trial version and it is worth using this first to try out the program. Among the key features to consider are Ease of Download and Simplicity of Use, Automatic Backup, Quality of Customer Service, and of course the overall effectiveness of the software. The best software tend to be the simplest to use and rely on a research capability that constantly updates the software for new threats. Click on best adware spyware removal for more information.

Step 3 – Eliminate viruses

Unsurprisingly many computer viruses can slow down computers and drive down response times. The problem with many viruses is not only the damage they cause to computer files but also the amount of resources which they use and waste, for example RAM and disk space. In order to overcome these problems, as well as optimise performance, users should run the latest version of the best anti-virus programs. In the end, they will also be in a stronger position to improve their computer performance.

Step 4 – Simple housekeeping tasks

There are many simple housekeeping tasks which can be done to improve the speed of any computer, for example uninstalling any software that is not needed.  Another tip is to stop programs launching automatically, as this will also improve the speed of the computer. These simple steps usually produce small improvements.

Step 5 – Optimise the Hard disk

For hard disks which are smaller than 2GB then at least 200MB of disk should be kept free and at least 500MB for larger hard disks. This free space is an important contributor of your computer speed as it is used by temporary files placed there by computer programs. This is also used for swapping files when the operating system needs to use virtual memory as it runs out of RAM. In that event, users can experience a reduction in speed, if too little space is available on the hard disk. To check the hard disk itself it is recommended to use a disk scanning programs such as Scandisk for Windows. For example, whilst the hard drive may be large enough, the problem may be that it is too fragmented or that some of its sectors have been damaged. Running a defragmentation software is another useful step which will improve computer performance. 

Step 6 – Optimising the RAM

Some programs are poorly designed and do not release RAM resources after they are closed. This adversely impacts the RAM available for other programs. Computers frequently run out of RAM after a while. In order to overcome this, ugrading the RAM is probably necessary. Alternatively running certain programs simultaneously should also be avoided, this option is of course free.

Step 7 – Stop the computer from overheating

Faulty fans are a common cause leading to the computer overheating, slowing down then freezing as a result. Installing a new fan is the best solution to overcome this problem, as this increases the air flow through the computer thereby reducing the machine’s temperature and improving its performance.

For more information click on how to make my computer faster.

There are many ways to speed up computers and improve their performance, this article covers simple steps that anyone can follow. Implementing either of the first two steps in this article should take less than 15 minutes using a PC or Mac.

Step 1 -  Clean the computer registry

Slow computers often have errors in their registry. The main functions of a registry are about connecting hardware, software and computer files. In practice therefore, the computer registry acts as the computer’s nervous system. Over time, errors occur and this slows down computers, frequently their registry become corrupted. A straightforward step is to locate any errors in the registry then repair them. Users could in theory attempt to cleanup the registry manually, however this method is not recommended as it requires deep knowledge of both the structure of the registry and its functions. Registry fix software are a faster, more reliable alternative to correct errors, remove unused files, any incorrect links and deal with ActiveX components. Click on compare registry fix software for more information.

Step 2 – Delete and block adware and spyware

Another common reason leading to computers slowing-down, is the large number of spyware and adware, which are downloaded from the Internet, often without the users knowledge. This usually happens when peer to peer networks are involved, for example when downloading videos and music. One of the simplest solutions to improve any computer’s speed is to use an anti spyware or adware software to scan, remove and block these unwanted threats. Most anti spyware or adware software have a free trial version and it is worth using this first to try out the program. Among the key features to consider are Ease of Download and Simplicity of Use, Automatic Backup, Quality of Customer Service, and of course the overall effectiveness of the software. The best software tend to be the simplest to use and rely on a research capability that constantly updates the software for new threats. Click on best adware spyware removal for more information.

Step 3 – Eliminate viruses

Unsurprisingly many computer viruses can slow down computers and drive down response times. Computer viruses must be deleted for two reasons, firstly they often damage files, secondly they tend to waste memory and disk space. By running the latest version of the best anti-virus programs, users should overcome these problems and be in a better position to improve their computer performance.

Step 4 – Simple housekeeping tasks

There are many simple housekeeping tasks which can be done to improve the speed of any computer, for example uninstalling any software that is not needed.  Alternatively, stopping programs to launch automatically can also improve the performance of any computer. Marginal improvements usually result from these simple tasks.

Step 5 – Optimise the Hard disk

For hard disks which are smaller than 2GB then at least 200MB of disk should be kept free and at least 500MB for larger hard disks. The amount of free space on the hard drive is a key factor of performance as it is used by temporary files needed by software to run. This free space also enables your computer to swap files as the computers starts using virtual memory (when it runs out of RAM). Unless sufficient space on the hard disk is availble, the system slows down significantly in that event. To check the hard disk itself it is recommended to use a disk scanning programs such as Scandisk for Windows. For instance, your hard disk may be large enough but too fragmented and some disk sectors may have been damaged. Running a defragmentation program is another step that can be completed to improve  the speed of any computer. 

Step 6 – Optimising the RAM

Some programs are poorly designed and do not release RAM resources after they are closed. This reduces the RAM which is available for other programs. Running out of RAM too fast is not uncommon and users who have this problem should consider upgrading the memory on their computer. Another free option is to avoid using some computer programs simultaneously.

Step 7 – Stop the computer from overheating

Faulty fans are a common cause leading to the computer overheating, slowing down then freezing as a result. Installing a new fan is the best solution to overcome this problem, as this increases the air flow through the computer thereby reducing the machine’s temperature and improving its performance.

For more information click on how make my computer faster.

There is much confusion about the need to clean Windows XP registry, this article provides an overview of the reasons and remedial actions

Reminder about Windows XP registry -Windows XP registry is a core component of you PC’s operating system. PC user should clean Windows XP registry regularly. IT experts often refer to the registry as the brain, heart soul and mind of Windows. The registry is used by Windows XP to store the devices and file associations of the computer. Registry is also used to store critical information on directories, drivers, Windows applications and much more. Unless you are very familiar with Windows XP operating system, you should use a registry cleaner software instead of cleaning the registry manually.

Click on clean windows xp registry for more information 

Are you sufficiently knowledgeable about Windows XP registry? – If so, read the following paragraphs
 
Backing up your files should be the first step – When cleaning out Windows XP, it is possible to do something wrong and as a result make the system inoperable. Hence, taking a backup of your file is necessary. Fortunately, there are many registry tools available. These tools can find the potentially questionable or unused references, and they prompt the user to review any entry that may cause a problem once removed.
 
Start menu - To begin cleaning Windows XP Registry manually, go to the start menu, and click on run. Type “regedit” in the text field, and press enter.
 
HKEY sections - Windows XP registry has many different entries separated in sections namely HKEY_CURRENT_USER, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, HKEY_USERS, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, and HKEY_CURRENT CONFIG. There are different entries in each section, which are related to various aspects of Windows XP operation. Expand the section marked with a plus sign to clean Windows XP Registry. You should notice a + symbol next to the root directory. This will open the more detailed list, more directories to choose from in this section will then be available and will make it easier to find the entries needed to clean up the registry.
 
Entries causing conflicts - Next step to clean Windows XP registry is to erase the entries which are causing conflicts or are no longer required, such as redundant ActiveX components for example (click on repair activex for more information)
 
Clean boot records - It is also advisable to clean the boot records. This can be done easily by changing the list of programs that load when the system starts up. Look into the CURRENT_USER and LOCAL_MACHINE directories until you find the “Run|” and “Run Once” option. This makes is possible to remove redundant registry entries which can cause certain programes to run at start up.
 
Bi-annual clean – It is highly recommended to clean Windows XP registry at least twice a year to drive high computer performance. This cleans redundant items. Machines which are extremely slow usually have a large number of software, or those where drivers are constantly being installed and uninstalled, require more frequent cleanups (click on computer extremely slow for more information).
 
However tempting a manual clean or repair may be, remember that, using the appropriate registry cleaner to repair windows XP registry is usually a superior solution than attempting this manually . Many registry repair software (i.e. the best ones) also offer both backup functionality to protect your data and will also improve computer performance.