10 ways to make your computer faster

There are few things more frustrating than a slow PC, and waiting an eternity for program to load. There are a variety of reasons for a computer to slow down. It could be anything from a lack of memory or to a virus infection, to a problem with your Windows registry.

Here are the top 10 ways to get your PC back up to speed:

1. Try to cut back on multi-tasking. Windows is great for doing various things all at once. But if you are running iTunes, looking at four different websites and working in Photoshop, you can expect your PC to slow down. By managing your Windows you can ensure that all of your programs will work at their best.


2. Create more disk space. All of us have computer clutter, but by removing unneeded files you can help your computer’s performance. You can trash temporary Internet files, delete program files (such as Microsoft ActiveX controls or Java applets), empty the recycle bin and uninstall programs that you do not use regularly.


3. Clean the registry. The Windows registry stores a ton of information on the relationships between your operating system, hardware and programs. When you alter your settings or make changes in the Control Panel, that information is stored in the registry. Over time your registry can get too big and can become corrupted. Registry cleaners can fix these errors that slow down your PC.


4. Keep your drivers up-to-date. Drivers are the key to communication between your software, hardware and operating system. Old and corrupted drivers can cause slowdowns. Companies often update their drivers, which bring increased stability and often improved performance to your computer.


5. Scan for viruses and spyware. As well as trying to trying to steal your personal information, spyware can have a negative effect on your PC’s performance. The code in viruses, spyware and adware can interfere with your computer’s operation as well as taking up valuable memory. Scan regularly with a security solution to make sure your machine is protected. A program with real-time blocking can protect your system actively, stopping malware from ever installing on your system.


6. Consider partitioning your drive. This will allow you to allocate memory to help you. Using one of the number of software products available to partition your drive, you can set up your computer with the large programs in the second partition. If your RAM is used up, your operating system is able to use the space on the C drive as virtual memory.


7. Defragment your drive. Fragmented files cause increased response time as your PC has to search for the pieces. It is suggested you use the Disk Defragmenter once a month. You can find it by going to “Start,” “All Programs,” “Accessories,” “System Tools” and the choosing “Disk Defragmenter.”


8. Upgrade your RAM. Increased memory will help your computer perform better.


9. If on Windows Vista, consider trying ReadyBoost. This is a relatively new concept where you can use flash memory devices, such as USB drives or memory cards, to help your PC perform better. Once connected, Windows Vista will ask if you want to allocate part of the device’s memory so that it can speed up your system.


10. Cut down on the number of programs launching at startup. To many startup applications can slow down your PC. You can make this change via your Start menu, or through the special features of some registry cleaners.

Don’t let yourself be hindered by a slow computer.
By being vigilant with maintenance, you can ensure your computer runs at its best!