Top Tips For Computer Speed

Most of us get annoyed with our computers for being slow. Fortunately, it is possible to revert these problems into opportunities to make it better than it even was when you bought the computer. And I'm sorry Norton, but I have a friend who's dad worked for you, and he said that none of your programs actually worked at all like should be expected. How's that for an inside job?

• Laggy passive programs are a nono. The main suspects are expensive antivirus programs that are self-reputedly 'the best'. Norton is a commonly upheld example of a terrible antivirus, due to it's ghastly detection rate (when it detects even, most of the time it's a false alarm) and it's massive resource usage. Other ones to look out for include Panda and McAfee, not far behind.
• A good antispyware app is a must. Spyware can and will accumulate in your system over time and slow it down. I am insanely careful with regards to my internet usage but I still find that I can have lots if I do not scan regularly. I use AVG, as it is quite clearly the best. Spybot used to be good, but times are changing, and it just can't keep up with all the new malware coming in these days.
• Don't let unnecessary apps run at startup. Get CCleaner, go on to the 'Tools' tab, then 'Startup', and delete any applications you don't need to be running when you start your PC.
• Get all the latest updates for your OS and hardware. If you use Windows, it is usually configured to do it by default. Otherwise, just go here with IE (doesn't work in other browsers). For your hardware, just search it's name and 'drivers' on Google.
• Run chkdsk. This should be run around once every two months, or as regularly as you can.
• Defragment about once every month. The standard Windows one is terrible, so use PageDefrag.
• Clear your computer's temporary files. This can be done with CCleaner too!
• Don't power off the PC by holding the power switch, or if you do, only do it at the boot screen. Tapping the button is fine, as that just initiates a normal shutdown, but holding it forces a shutdown that can over time cause you hardware problems, and your system too.