| Over the years that computers have been around, | | | | They recommend running it anyway. It's in the same |
| speed has been a crucial factor. Not even always | | | | place as DiskCleanUp - Start > All programs > |
| online - you need speed to copy a huge file from one | | | | Accessories > System Tools. |
| folder to another. | | | | By now you're probably getting the jist that Microsoft |
| Online gaming, file downloading, playing videos - all of | | | | already adds programs to your computer to help you |
| these are affected by the speed of your computer. | | | | increase it's speed. The Error Checking utility checks |
| You need to efficiently maintain your computer. | | | | disks for file errors. It is will scan your hard disk for bad |
| Firstly, the most obvious one. Free up disk space. I | | | | parts, and find file system errors to see whether |
| mean, that's one of the easiest things you can do. | | | | certain components are misplaced or missing. You can |
| Don't get wreckless and delete everything, but If you | | | | access this by going to what you want to search > |
| have work that used to be important but now isn't | | | | Properties > Tools > Check now. |
| relevant, get rid of it. Using some sort of program like | | | | Delete shortcuts on your start menu. These can take |
| DiskCleanUp can help - it can: | | | | ages to load and slow everything down. Don't go |
| - Delete temporary Internet Files | | | | mental with files on your desktop either. I have none, |
| - Delete Cookies | | | | there's just no need. How many internet browsers do |
| - Remove windows temp. files. | | | | you have? Too many programs can slow you down, |
| - Clean the recycle bin. | | | | and what's the point in having Opera, Internet Explorer |
| - Delete Downloaded Program files. | | | | Firefox and Safari? Just get one and stick to it. I have |
| Be careful though - Disk Clean Up may try and delete | | | | 2 - I use Firefox generally but sometimes Internet |
| programs that you haven't used in a while. But if you | | | | Explorer need to be use - on the Microsoft Updates |
| paid for photoshop 2 years ago and haven't used it, | | | | site for example. |
| that doesn't mean you should delete it. If you run | | | | Finally, the big bang. Reformatting. If you computer is |
| windows then DickCleanUp should be in Start > All | | | | slow, programs don't work, you're missing vital |
| programs > Accessories > System Tools. Using it is | | | | components and you feel like it's time you bought a |
| pretty simple, it's all about telling it what to delete and | | | | new computer, just reformat. As long as computer is |
| checking boxes. | | | | fast when maintained, reformatting is a great way to |
| Secondly, use something like Disk Defragmenter to | | | | get everything back to a high speed. But you'll have to |
| speed up access to files. If files ARE fragmented, then | | | | re-install all programs and you would've had to back up |
| your computer has to search the hard drive once | | | | important files. But hey, in desperate times, what else |
| you've opened the file to put it all back together. This | | | | can you do. |
| obviosuly will make the access time a significant | | | | Get an operating system on CD, boot your computer |
| amount of time longer. Microsoft recommends using | | | | from CD and delete the old partition. Install the new |
| Disk Defragmenter once every month - but if you : | | | | one, and you're away! |
| - Are very low on memory | | | | Keeping a fast computer is all about maintenance and |
| - Install a lot of new programs | | | | keep places clean. Organise your computer like a neat |
| - Or download a lot of items, | | | | bookshelf, and you should be ok. |