I encounter occasional computer slowdowns. I’m quite fortunate that I get one problem after the next, but I still have great hope that there will come a period when I am left with no problems to solve – for a break.

Of course, troubleshooting computer problems is a task that I should do. I’m a technical person, being previously in the field of maintenance engineering and IT software development. I work around with computers and I do not mind getting my hands dirty on fiddling with the insides of my own computer.

Part of the maintaining my computer is making sure that it runs well. I do a lot of tweaking and optimizing just to squeeze out more power from it. I’ve seen so many notebook computers whose desktops run using the default driver and do not perform up to the expected functions that are provided with the drivers. Technicians at computer repair shops always say that the default settings are fine for them. I do not agree with this. Technicians are more concerned in building up a PC and keep it functioning – they think that this is enough to make computer users happy.


photo credit: sue_r_b (SXC)

I’ve got something to say for PC users who prefer to get more power from their PC without getting through the hassle of an upgrade:

  1. Install the latest drivers provided by each hardware manufacturer. I would recommend this highly if you got a fast internet connection. Even if Windows (or other OS) installs a default driver for your motherboard and other add-in cards, most special functions and optimized settings are not available. If you do not have a fast internet connection, the drivers provided in the CDs will do.
  2. Turn off unnecessary services. In Windows XP, I often turn off several services that I do need like System Restore, Help and Support, Fast User Switching, Remote Registry and IIS. There are many guides in the Internet that leads to which services are safe to turn off – just do a Google search for it. Enabling unnecessary services not only slows down the PC but exposes it to virus attacks.
  3. Kill all viruses and malware. The present-day viruses often slows down the PC and are often difficult to remove once that these offending software had settled-in. Consider investing into leading antivirus software with built-in internet security settings (not the plain ones). BitDefender, Kaspersky and ESET are leading antivirus software that are worth having. Online virus scanners are also available and are good for getting “second opinion”.
  4. Disable unnecessary programs that load at startup. Slow startup time is often the result of too many programs that load up at startup. Get into these programs one-by-one and try to disable loading up at startup through its settings.
  5. Turn off eye candy. The default settings of Windows always enable the effects, which slows down the response time of the PC. Turning it off can help reduce the load in loading windows of software. Or better yet, turn off the Themes services in the Administrative Tools.
  6. Uninstall unnecessary browser toolbars. Not all toolbars are worth running at the same time in Firefox and IE. Turning off some of the toolbars will do wonders on loading up the browser the next time around.

These are simple tips that I can share which, I believe, can do significant changes to the speed of the PC.

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe by email and get loads more!

Have you ever checked out these pages?
Ways to Make Money Online
All about oDesk, Payoneer, Paypal, SmartMoney, Unionbank EON