6 Tips to a faster computer!

1. Remove Spyware and protect your system against viruses -

You can get a free scan and cleaning tool from: Malwarebytes, and Anti-virus at: Avast!. Now this is not a fix all, install it once and you're good, solution. You have to continue to use it. We have countless customers that call in with viruses AFTER we install these, or other anti-virus, and get them running. They wonder how they could have gotten a virus with the software installed. Well you have to continue to USE it. Activate the program, run scans, and clean up infected files at LEAST monthly.

2. Free up disk space -

Use disc cleanup to:

Remove temporary internet files.
Delete downloaded program files, such as ActiveX controls and Java applets.
Empty the recycling bin.
Remove Windows temp files.
Delete optional components.
Delete programs you don't use.

Here is a great resource to walk you through a disk cleanup for Windows Operating systems: Windows Disk Cleanup

3. Speed up access to data -

Run the disk defragmenter.  This is fairly easy but can take some time. Go to Start Menu > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter. In the dialogue box that pops up select the drives you wanted to run this on. general your C: drive, and any other drive you use frequently.  Select "Analyze Disk". After the analysis is complete select defrag. It can take several minutes to complete so do this when you aren't in need of your computer.

4. Detect and repair disk errors -

hard drives can develop bad sectors and this can slow down the processing speed. If you use your computer daily, do this once a week.

Start > Computer > right click on drive (C: for instance) > Properties > Tools > Check now. In the Check disk dialog box select "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad errors and sectors. After it's complete select to "fix".

5. Learn about Ready Boost -

This is a work around instead of adding more memory. you can use non volatile flash memory to improve performance.  For Windows 7 go here: ReadyBoost.

6. Upgrade to Windows 7

Because it's great.

And remember, we'll help you with any and all of this! Treasure Valley IT