Is your computer running a little sluggish? Here’s what you can do right now to speed it up.
We rely on our computers every day! But, after months or years of use they seem to slow down.
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We talked to the experts at IOLO, they make a computer program called System Mechanic which maintains your system for you. But, there are a lot of things you can do on your own. Here are a few of them – including the one thing our expert says you can do TODAY to speed up your computer instantly.
Please note, these tips primarily apply to PC’s running Windows and not Mac based computers.
Tips for Cleaning Out Your Computer
source: IOLO
Get Rid of the CRUDD
Go through your applications folders. Chances are, there will be some programs listed you’ve barely even noticed before—some of them may have come pre-installed and others may have installed themselves without your knowledge. Regardless, if you don’t need them, you can delete them.
If you need help deciding what to get rid of, Rich recommends this free program.
Update Everything
Set aside some time to tackle updating all the software you’ve been putting off. Installing software updates will speed up your system and make sure your computer is protected against many of the latest security threats, which get patched regularly within programs but remain un-patched in older versions.
Hard Drive
Benefits of Backup
Back up your files onto an external hard drive or cloud storage service (Try Dropbox or Google Drive). Then go through your library and delete some of the stuff you don’t use very often anymore.
Get Rid of Fragmented Data <– This is the one thing our expert says can speed up your computer instantly.
Run a defragmenter to remove clutter from your hard drive. Like many of the processes on this list, you should do it more regularly than once a year.
Here’s how to do it:
Windows 8
Windows 7
Windows Vista
How NOT to Clean Your Hardware
Be sure to unplug your computer before you start. Second, never spray liquid cleaners directly into your system. If you use any liquid to get rid of dust, pour it lightly onto a cloth first. (Rich recommends Whoosh)
Fans and Vents
When it comes to the hardware portion of a routine PC cleanup, your best friend is a can of compressed air, which will allow you to blast every fan and vent on the outside of the tower.
Now, don’t you feel better?
PS – if you don’t want to do this stuff yourself, I talked to IOLO to get some promo codes that work through April 30, 2015.