Is Your Computer SLowing Down?

So you think that your laptop/computer is slowing down? Well, if it takes forever to start up/load the operating system (I assume Windows), I am afraid the answer is YES. If it freezes constantly when doing multiple tasks, if it takes couple minutes to open an application or website, then yes is the answer.

Despite of the spec of your computer/laptop, whether it is an Intel Core 2 Duo or Pentium III, CEleron, or AMD based processor, you would need to do these steps when your laptop is slowing down.

1. Disable the startup programs

Startup program is the applications which automatically started when Windows start up/load at first time you turn your computer on. Look at the icons on the right corner of your task bar, if you have tons of icon, then you need to disable it. Most of the time, those applications are not necessary upon the start up. On the other hand, it eats your RAM so computer will take longer time to start up such as instant messaging, quicktime, iTunes etc. I think only the AntiVirus need to put at the start up program.

Click Start - Run, then type 'msconfig'
Click the Start Up Tab and then uncheck any application that you won't need. Then restart.But be careful, there are some application which absolutely needed by the system. Always check using google, if you uncheck wrong, your laptop wont start.

I personally have only these icons in my task bar; the battery/power icon, the antivirus icon, the graphic/VGA card icon and the LAN/wireless icon. Thats it.

2. Use Windows Classic Theme
Having fancy desktop themes maybe make your laptop look nicer but it will reduce its performance. Believe it or not, windows classic is the most effective and friendly theme for the computer.
Right click on your desktop, click properties. On the Display properties, click Themes and choose Windows Classic. Then you can also disable the screen saver, and disable the background picture.

3. Clean up your disk from junk
You can use a third party software program to do this job. But you can also use System Tools from WIndows. Start-Program-Accessories-System Tools - Disk Clean Up

4. DEfragment your hard disk
Same steps as no.3

5. Remove the adware/spyware program from your computer. A good program to do this is Search and Destroy which you can download freely.

6. Clean up your Registry Files. I usually use a program called TuneUp Utilities 2007. Its a very good program, shareware though. If you need the serial number, just drop me email.

7. Uninstall the unnecessary add-on such yahoo toolbar, google toolbar or msn toolbar, also remove programs you dont need.

Happy Computing Days!!!