|
Is
Your Computer Feeling Slow Lately?
|
If
you are an average user, you either do not bother to
optimize your machine, or you just don't know how it
is done. I can not over-stress the importance of optimizing.
Just as a car needs an oil change, a computer needs
to be optimized, or it is sure to become slow and many
problems can arise. Let's start with some basics that
many people neglect:
1. The
Temporary Internet Folder or Cache Folder. This
is where all your Internet clutter gets stored until
your computer either reaches its maximum mega bytes
of storage, or the user deletes it. It is really simple
to delete these files yourself . If you use Internet
Explorer 6, click "Tools"
on the header bar, then click "Internet
Options". Next, click on "delete
cookies", and finally click on "delete
files". Also click on "settings",
and change the slider bar to a smaller scale . Now,
you will have a lower maximum mb amount, thus, less
clutter
2. Optimize the hard drive...
by using disk defragmenter. All versions
of windows are shipped with this utility. It can found
by default here: click on "Start",
then scroll to "Programs".
Next, scroll to "Accessories"
and look for folder called "System
Tools". If you own Norton System Works,
you will see "Speed Disk"
in the "Utilities" section. This is a very
good program for the task. Be advised that, when defraging
the hard drive, the process can take many minutes to
hours depending on the size of your hard drive. Also,
you can not do anything on the computer while this process
is going on, so do it when you have a plenty of time.
3. Adding More RAM.
Increasing your RAM ( Random Access Memory ) will help
your computer more as most computer functions are handled
by the RAM first. Then, processing is then sent everywhere
else. So, adding more is always better (as far as RAM
goes).
Stay away from programs that "compress RAM"
and so-called "Internet Boosters". These will
only compress graphics and increase your clutter.
With these tips, your computer should run more efficiently.
Have a great New Year, everyone!
Jay Pillay
Computer Technician
530-755-1084
jay_pillay@hotmail.com
