Sluggish PCs

Speeding-Up a Slowing Personal Computer (PC)

1. Housekeep: Delete unused, old or duplicate files, emails, email addresses, bookmarks and favorites;
2. Organise: Make sure to use a logical file naming system and put them into folders that make sense and are easy to remember and access;
3. Defragment your hard drive: Defragmentation will speed up your access to your files; saving you valuable time;
4. Back up: Back up your files and programs at least every month. Imagine all the time wasted if your files are lost. Back up regularly to a separate device like a portable hard drive or set up an automatic online back-up service;
5. Uninstall: Uninstall programs you no longer need or use. Make sure they are completely uninstalled and do not leave any residual clutter. This will reduce the size of the Windows’ Registry; speeding-up bootup and using less memory in the process.
   • Registry size: Once you’ve uninstalled an unused program, make sure to clean out your registry as well. Invalid or out-of-date registry settings can slow down your computer’s boot time and use more memory than necessary;
6. Start-Up: Further improve your computer’s start-up time by removing unnecessary start-up items. Many programs lodge themselves in start-up without your knowledge. Remove them!
7. Shortcuts: Once you’ve organised all your files into folders, make sure all the shortcuts are still accurate;
8. Cleanliness: For a complete PC clean out on Clean Out Your Computer Day, don’t forget your PC’s outside. Clean the screen, dust the keyboard, clean the mouse.