Quick Tips and Tricks to Speed up Your PC: Part I

In today’s fast-paced world, we don’t have the time or patience to work with a slow PC. But before heading out to buy a new computer, try these tips and tricks to speed up your PC.

Uninstall unused programs

New PCs come with a whole load of programs you will never use, and you likely don’t even know they exist.

Some programs even run background processes when you load your computer, even though you are not using them.

To remove all the programs you don’t use:

Control Panel > Programs and Features > Check through the list of installed software> Uninstall what you do not need,

Caution: be careful to leave programs your computer’s hardware needs (usually their publisher will be listed as the PC maker’s name or as Microsoft).

Keep large files off the desktop

Saving all your files and programs on the desktop might seem like a handy habit, but it can really slow down your computer. All the files and programs saved on the desktop take up memory. The more you have, the slower it can make your computer. If you have many files, you can put them in separate folders and simply create shortcuts on your Desktop for the folders or files you frequently use. By doing this, you will free up operating memory, reduce the time and frequency the hard drive is used and improve the response of your computer to programs you open and things you do.

Install a solid state drive

Hard drives are the biggest cause of slow speeds and especially slow startup speeds on your PC.

Solid state drives have extremely fast read times so installing one can speed up your startup considerably. They can be costly, but not as much as a new computer.

Remove unneeded or unused fonts

Windows 7 loads more than 200 fonts on startup which can slow down how fast your computer starts up. Go to the Start Menu’s search box, search for the Fonts folder and check off the fonts you don’t need or use, and click the “Hide” button in the toolbar.

The 85% Rule – Watch Your hard drive space

Even if you make sure to regularly clean out all your temporarily files, if your hard drive is up to 85% full, it will affect your computer’s speed.

If you use a lot of space with videos, photos or programs, you can install a new hard drive with more space.

Now it’s time to put these into practice and speed up your PC. Check back later for More Quick Tips and Tricks to Speed up Your PC: Part 2