Speeding up your PC - 10 Ways!

Posted by ttblogger on 03/06 at 12:46 PM Permalink
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Are you a victim of slow-PC syndrome? Do you wish your desktop computer booted up Windows in seconds instead of minutes? Well fear not, you’re not alone! Many people have this issue and it can be remedied by several simple and proactive steps. In this Tech Tip, we examine 10 simple ways to quickly speed up your computer regardless if it’s a laptop computer or desktop

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    Posted by David Gundling  on  03/06  at  12:41 PM

  1. I have a 2.4 and a 3.4 GHz computer both run WINXP home. They both take about 3.5 minutes to boot up. I have followed every suggestion you made and then some.  they didn’t help me much.  BTW, I define boot up as the time from power up until Internet Explorer opens.

    2. Posted by Wendy O'Hern  on  03/06  at  12:47 PM

  2. These tips were good as long as your running Vista or Windows 7, but what if you are still running Windows XP? Can you give tips for speeding up the computer running Windows XP?

    3. Posted by MrClarke  on  03/06  at  02:18 PM

  3. People should be required to go to a class and pass the course for ownership of a pc so they can effectively be Administrators of their own machines and keep them from becoming Compromised by malware that would use their PC’s as a component of a BOTNET.

    This article is a good start but it will blow by most of them like a missile that missed the target on a battle field.

    They just don’t get it.

    Using your check list is a good start but how about going to SANS Daily and seeing what the current dangers are on the web?

    How about going to sites where dedicated members post the latest updates for known Application updates like Calendarofupdatesdotcom?
    or how about a daily trip to filehippodotcom to check for latest updates?

    or how to effectively use CCleaner to run the Un-Installers of unwanted software to remove it from a bloated machine full of resource hogs that are stealing CPU time and Memory space?

    Or how about waking up to the facts of life that Windows XP is no longer defensible against attackers and malware anymore and BUY a copy of Windows 7 X64 and install it so you are able to keep the machine from being so easily compromised by malware?;
    That is of course if the current hardware can handle running W7X64.

    And then use all the best known FreeWare like SpyWareBlaster, MVPS HOSTS Files, and an AntiVirus, and an Anti_Trojan,and AntiSpyware tools like SAS PRO or the free version of SAS?

    And make their kids stay OFF Mom and DAD’s Administrator Account and don’t give the kids Admin accounts but limit them to Limited Accounts that do not have Administrative Rights;That way they will not be able to run an Executable and install malware on the machines.

    Rant over!
    MrClarke

    4. Posted by Jonathan  on  03/06  at  02:24 PM

  4. Interesting read. I personally think that the biggest bottleneck in most computers these days is the hard drive. We go to great lengths finding the fastest and best CPU and then throw in an old 5400 or 7200rpm hard drive… Your suggestion at installing anti-virus software certainly makes sense but it could be counter-intuitive as they can slow you down quite a bit(Kaspersky, for instance).

    5. Posted by Charlie  on  03/06  at  02:29 PM

  5. For a free program, CCleaner sure wants $24.95 to download it.

    6. Posted by Harold Lemnah  on  03/06  at  02:54 PM

  6. This was a great article. The only thing that you should have mention is when defraging you should have a power backup, for if the electricity goes off during this proceedure, you could loose everything.

    Love your articles (tips)

    7. Posted by Kevin e. Blanchard  on  03/06  at  02:58 PM

  7. how about sending some tips that are free?????????????????????????

    8. Posted by Ralph Cooper  on  03/06  at  03:26 PM

  8. Thanks,Geeks.com:  Good information,keep sending
    Tech tips,cause I need all the help I can get,I’m
    a self teacher,I don’t know a lot of things,I sho-
    uld know,but don’t. I enjoy or rather I like your
    tips very much, keep up the good work, you may
    teach this ole giser(ole F&%t) a thing or two.  Thanks, Untill next time, Thanks again Ralph
    Cooper

    9. Posted by Kevin Crane  on  03/06  at  03:26 PM

  9. You shouldn’t casually recommend that Win7 users “turn off UAC”.  In Win7, UAC isn’t annoying, and it really helps protect the OS from malware.  It certainly doesn’t make the PC run slower.  I thought it was ironic that you recommend to install Anti-virus software, which DOES slow down the PC’s speed considerably, but you told people to remove UAC which doesn’t.  Personally I don’t use anti-virus software, only UAC combined with weekly backups of the system drive and “smart PC usage”.  I’ve gotten a virus only once, and I saved off my new files, and restored a backup.  I’d never trust a virus program to restore my PC back to normal anyways.  Maybe you are confusing Vista UAC with Win7.

    10. Posted by Ari  on  03/06  at  06:43 PM

  10. It was very informative article. I think if we disable Thumbnail in windows that will also speed up computer.

    11. Posted by Ajay Ramachandran  on  03/06  at  07:58 PM

  11. Hello - Turning of UAC will have a serious impact on the security of the system. It only comes into play when privilege operations happen, such as installation of software. I would urge you to reconsider that and just leave the themes part in the article,

    Ajay

    12. Posted by Bob Crispen  on  03/06  at  08:27 PM

  12. Somebody has to say it. Install Ubuntu Linux, free, and kiss Windows goodbye.  If you use your computer as an appliance like I do, all Ubuntu’s default programs for mail, web surfng, torrents, office, photos, playing music and videos are faster, better, easier to use, and safer! Linux used to be for uberhackers who enjoyed wrestling with their computers. Now Ubuntu Linux and some others are cute little packages for happy appliance users. It just works!

    13. Posted by Henry  on  03/06  at  10:29 PM

  13. One quick way to boost performance in any Windows OS is to go to ‘System Properties’ under the ‘Advanced Tab’ you can tweak it for performance. This comes in especially handy when putting Windows 7 on an older machine.

    Control Panel >>> System >>> Advanced System Settings >>> Then click ‘Settings’ under ‘Performance’. Choose ‘Custom’ and untick everything but the last two items. This will leave your desktop pretty much looking the way it was before, but you’ve now just tweaked it for performance. It’s a quick way to give your system more speed.

    14. Posted by James R Cuppy  on  03/07  at  06:58 AM

  14. Why You Should NOT Turn Off UAC in Windows 7/Vista A pretty old but great article about UAC (User Account Control). It explains how this feature of Windows 7 & Windows Vista really works, its benefits and why you should never turn it off.
    Want to Build Your Own Wireless Home Network?There’s a book on the market about building small wireless networks for your own home. Check out the review on it by 7 Tutorials( FROM Hot To Geeks)

    15. Posted by Alberto Gonzalez  on  03/07  at  07:32 AM

  15. If you are not a computer savvy like me I think step # 5 should be taken more into consideration, before you start deleting anything in your computer.

    16. Posted by kc  on  03/07  at  09:22 AM

  16. Sometimes it can be the anti-virus. I had used Kaspersky AV for several years. I upgraded to KAV-2010 on my XP desktop. Within 2 weeks the boot time had gone from 90 seconds to 5 minutes, then 8 minutes. I worked for hours trying to find the culprit. Days later I finally found a complaint about the new KAV, removed it and my system went back to 90 second boot time.

    17. Posted by Mark Tiongco  on  03/07  at  12:30 PM

  17. Thanks for the tips and suggestions everyone!

    Charlie - that $24.95 is only if you want to donate to C Cleaner. You can download it where it says “Download from FileHippo.com - Download from Piriform.com” for free.

    Kc, Kevin, Ajay & James - You guys do bring up good points.  However, if your PC is infected with botnets, malware and trojans, it will no doubt cripple your computer’s performance (and most likely compromise your security).  Yes, anti-virus software does eat up resources but it’s a necessary evil if you want to minimize infections.  Regarding UAC security and malware, if you need Windows to tell you the sites you’re visiting are malicious, that’s obviously a PC user issue (PEBKAC) that should be rectified promptly. 

    David G - That’s strange.  Have you tried hardware upgrades like a faster/bigger hard drive and installing 3-4 GB RAM?

    Wendy - Most of these tips support Win XP - Only tips # 7 and 8 apply to Win Vista and 7.  smile

    18. Posted by GaryB  on  03/07  at  02:50 PM

  18. I see many articles regarding CCleaner which used to be free. I see they now want $25 for it. Too bad.
    I’ve been using 2 “freebies” called Glary Utilities (see link below) and Cleanup! (also link below).  Using these 2 as a “one-two-punch” cleans up tons of temp files, temp internet files (the ones you can’t get to), old backup files, registry loose ends, etc. Cleanup! even gets rid of temp files in memory.  Give them a shot (no, I’m not a rep, just a big fan).
    Cleanup! from Steven Gould:
    http://www.stevengould.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=223

    Glary Utilities:
    http://download.cnet.com/Glary-Utilities/3000-2094_4-10508531.html?part=dl-6280556&subj=dl&tag=button

    Both of them are “freeware”.

    19. Posted by Rick  on  03/07  at  10:58 PM

  19. I tried the “ReadyBoost” on my flash drive.  It appears to made its recognition slower at plug-in, its directory is listed slower also.  A right click on the drive letter to “eject” now does not work.
    I’ll try it a while longer, but this “ReadyBoost” seems to slow down rather than speed up.

    20. Posted by Ralph Cooper  on  03/07  at  11:49 PM

  20. Hummmmm, guess I’ll keep my mouth shut from now on
    Did’nt mean to upset anyone, but their’s all ways
    some wise ass that has to get their two cents in.
    I’am back quite.

    21. Posted by someguy  on  03/08  at  03:06 PM

  21. Turn off UAC?  Really?  That’s how we got into the botnet mess we’re in now with XP and the complete and total lack of proper user administration.  Why not just tell everyone to just do everything as administrator?

    22. Posted by MrClarke  on  03/09  at  07:23 AM

  22. You all need a forum for discussion of these tech tips.
    But then you would have to hold hands with a site and keep the spammers away.

    As for upthread where someone said CCleaner costs money??
    No, it is Free, you must have clicked on the wrong link.
    Go to piriform dot com; The home for CCleaner.
    There are four useful applications there for free.
    Look for the builds page and select the lite versions with no toolbars and English only.

    MrClarke

    23. Posted by FreeSoftz  on  03/11  at  05:25 AM

  23. Nice Information sharing....Speeding up PC but can u tell me tenth point.

    It was very informative article. I think if we disable Thumbnail in windows that will also speed up computer.

    where we disable the thumbnail in windows?

    24. Posted by Alfred Sims  on  03/11  at  10:23 AM

  24. On your Issue To,"Turn Off Unnecessary Program During Start-Up”. You did not tell every One about that you have too, I SAID YOU HAVE TOO ONLY GO INTO “Safe Mode Only” too do this Fix It Your Self. You or someone can “Destroy your Computer” If you do not go into F8 and too Safe Mode First and Only, “WOW THANKS FOR YOUR HELP” ????

    25. Posted by Alfred Sims  on  03/11  at  10:29 AM

  25. O’Yes, Free Stuff ONLY That Works, Thank You Please ????

    26. Posted by speed up ur pc  on  03/12  at  12:13 AM

  26. plzz check dis 1 it may b useful to u

    27. Posted by computer  on  03/12  at  01:19 AM

  27. nice info abt computer

    28. Posted by Jesse  on  03/12  at  09:26 AM

  28. I used to have the same problem, I tryed everything.. all the online reg’s fix and drive finders but nothing worked, I was at walmart when I ran across System Mechanic pro, and It has improved dramaticly. Its only $50 and has it all, But dont take my word for it look it up and I hope it helps you as it has for me. Thank You

    29. Posted by muggsy  on  03/13  at  03:29 PM

  29. thanks you for your tips but I have a mac and would like mac tips if you have them

    30. Posted by Bryan Lambert  on  03/17  at  12:17 PM

  30. CCleaner can also be downloaded from CNets Download.com website.  It is indeed nad has been for a long time.
    http://download.cnet.com/ccleaner/?tag=mncol;1

    Muggsy, Some of the tips can also be applied to MACs, particularly upgrading your computers memory and running an anti-malware scan (free anti-malware programs are available for MAC) as more and more are getting infected these days (mostly with redirectors on their web browser).
    http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/free-mac-anti-virus/

    One extra, free program I’d recommend that would help make sure much of your software is up to date is PSI from Secunia
    http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/

    31. Posted by Nisan  on  03/20  at  08:19 PM

  31. You can use CCleaner, Malwarebytes, Avast Antivirus, Deflagler.. to clean your pc.. and make it a bit faster. free way for tune up.

    32. Posted by custom notebook  on  03/22  at  11:46 PM

  32. his was a great article. The only thing that you should have mention is when defraging you should have a power backup, for if the electricity goes off during this proceedure, you could loose everything.

    33. Posted by Virtual Data Room  on  03/26  at  11:46 AM

  33. These tips are outstanding. Thanx for this. Have you written any post about dealing with lap top heating up..?

    34. Posted by joel  on  04/03  at  06:53 PM

  34. Other good ways to speed up your pc experience:
    - If it possible, add a graphics card or upgrade your present one
    - Use a faster web browser (Chrome, Firefox...just about anything other than Internet Explorer)
    - Use faster email (especially Gmail)
    - If you like to leave your computer on, restart it regularly
    - Consider doing an occasional Windows System Restore

    35. Posted by John  on  04/26  at  07:08 AM

  35. Thanks for posting these helpful tips. However, if you purchase a powerful PC from the start you won’t need to worry about remedying it. I recently bought one of Dell’s PCs and I’m more than satisfied with its speed. If you go to their website (http://www.dell.co.uk), you’ll find that they also do free PC health checks.

    36. Posted by Alexander  on  09/15  at  11:36 PM

  36. another great article, one thing I want to ask is How can we choose the antivirus that process not too heavy, so my computer can run smoothly ^^

    37. Page 1 of 1 pages

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