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15 Steps to Speed Up Your
Computer

Your question, how do I speed up my computer? You get frustrated when your
computer is very slow. You can now save yourself from aggravation especially
when you are very busy working. I will show you 15 steps to do to speed up your
computer.

Let me enumerate them: As I have also mentioned on my previous articles

1. Defrag your computer at least once every two weeks (I do it once a week). Go
to start>accessories>system tools>disk defragmenter. You can click on "analyze"
first before you choose defrag, it will tell you if you need to defrag. Just defrag it
even if it reports you don't need to.

2. Do Disk Clean Up at least once every two weeks (again, I do this once a week).
Go to start>accessories>system tools>disk clean up. It will analyze your disk and
will generate reports. I suggest you delete files from the recycle bin and the files
located in the temporary files folder. Note: I avoid compressing files. It's your call.

3. Clean up your program files, delete and uninstall unwanted programs on your
computer. Go to control panel>add remove programs. Make sure you restart your
computer after uninstalling or removing the program so that complete deletion will
take place.

4. Delete all files (temporary files and cookies from the computer). Here's how:
open a browser. On top of the browser click on tools>internet options>delete files
and then delete cookies. Make your history set to (0). Others wants it on at least
10. I always set mine to (0).

5. You have to be very careful in installing or downloading programs. Make sure
you need it, if not please just avoid it. Uninstalling them is really hard. Many
vendors has all the power to have their program stay in your computer!

6. Always turn on your firewall. I suggest you have only one firewall and one anti
virus. You get less safer if you have two anti virus running (I know people who
likes to have two anti virus programs running on their computer, I don't know why.)

7. Run anti-spyware programs. I trust spybot, search and destroy and the Adware
from Lavasoft. I run SD every week, I do immunize them before I do the the entire
program to run. I run adware every week too after I run spybot search and
destroy.

8. Run complete scan using your antivirus software at least everyday (some do it
once a week). Mine is scheduled at 3:00am everyday.

9. Avoid multi-tasking too much! Meaning to say, avoid opening too many
programs all at the same time running at the task bar.

10. I also suggest you get a dual hard drive (which I know is now common in the
market), one for the operating system only and the other for all the programs,
database and files. This way, the computer boots on one hard drive.

11. Also check the performance of your computer when connected on the
internet. Go to control panel >network and internet connections >network
connections >right click the mouse on the connection available (e.g. local area
connection "connected", "firewalled")>click on "STATUS". Make sure on the status
tab, you will see the speed (mine is always 100 mbps). The packets sent and the
packets received must not have a very high difference. If it is sending too much
packets (as in ten times) than it receive (then try to do number 7!).

12. Always make sure you install the latest updates on your computer.

13. Always make sure all devices (drivers, etc) are properly functioning. Go to
control panel >performance and maintenance >system >hardware >click on
DEVICE MANAGER. You will see all the devices and adapters available on your
computer. Make sure you don't see a yellow question mark (?) or this means
there is an error on that device or adapter. If so, you need to update it or install
the right drivers. Updated firmware might also be needed.

14. Browsing the internet? well, I have my google toolbar installed on my
computer and is my default search engine. Their pop up blocker is really great!

15. A memory of at least 512 RAM might be a good idea installed on your
computer

There you go, 15 steps! Good luck!