When a friend or family member announces, "My computer is running slow!", you can assure them there are methods they could easily perform to allay their worries. Most instances of a computer running slow are easily solvable, it only takes a bit of time and patience while you go and sort everything out. What follows are some general user guidelines which will help you on your way towards getting your computer back to the speeds it previously had.
Note that this article pertains to the Windows operating system in general. For more specific versions, it would be best to consult with sources which specialize in your computer's operating system. So let's find out what to do if you find yourself stating, "My computer is running slow."
Empty your Recycle Bin
When was the last time you emptied your Recycle Bin? It's an easy fix towards eliminating files which you no longer need. If you don't empty your Recycle Bin, you've got extra files your hard disk drive has to contend with. Before you delete all files, make sure you do not need them anymore. You do have a chance to restore any file, and should do so whenever you are in doubt.
Update antivirus and antispyware software applications
This will ensure your computer has the latest definitions to guard against any possible future infections. There could also be software patches which may streamline the efficiency of these programs, like using less memory to operate in the background.
Remove all unwanted or unneeded applications
Uninstall any applications which you no longer use. This is similar to eliminating clutter on your desk. The less stuff you have on your desk, the faster you can find things when you need them. Same thing goes for unsused applications on your PC.
Uninstall any trial software you've tried in the past. They are simply taking up space you may otherwise allocate to other more useful programs you may need in the future.
Run CCleaner
CCleaner is a free program anyone may download from Piriform's website. After installing, all you need to do is run the software (set to its default settings) and it will perform such things as cleaning out your registry, eliminate your browser's temporary files, and getting rid of old cookies. One main benefit is CCleaner's capability to operate quickly, often taking only a few seconds to do its job.
Defragment Your Hard Drive
Defragmenting your PC's hard drive reduces the time it takes to find files you need throughout your computing sessions. It may take a few hours to do this, but the good thing is, you don't have to sit there and monitor what's going on. Once you start defragmenting, the time taken to finish will depend on how fragmented your drive is, or the amount of files it contains.
Upgrade Your RAM
Increasing RAM permits your computer to perform more tasks at once. And you'll decrease the chances of saying, "My computer is running slow." You'll be able to run additional programs in the background, should you require it, and your currently running applications will operate much more smoothly.
It is not necessary to yell out, "My computer is running slow!" With the guidelines previously pointed out, you'll easily have a computer operating at faster speeds in no time.
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