Steps to Clean up your slow Computer

Has your computer become inefficient and takes a long time to run, then maybe its time you consider a
routine maintenance check. Here’s how.

Step 1 Update

Popular operating systems, such as Windows 7, Windows Vista, Apple, and even Windows XP require basic maintenance at least every month. Click on the start menu, then select All Programs, and run windows Updates regularly to keep the system up to par.

Step 2 Perform a disk cleaning

To clear disk space on the operating system and to compress unused files, you will need to perform a disk cleanup. Click on the Start Menu again, then All Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools, and then Disk Cleanup. At the Disk Cleanup tab, you will have the choice of whether you wish to remove old files, empty your recycle bin, and remove programs that re seldom used. If you choose to remove old programs, click on the Add/Remove tab to remove these old programs correctly. If this is not selected, then parts of the program will still occupy some of your hard drive, while you would believe that the program is fully gone.

Step 3 Defragment

This utility, found in the Windows operating systems, assembles fragmented folders and files on the hard drive. To defragment, select Start Menu, then All Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools, and then Disk Defragmenter. The utility will tell you if the defragmenting process is needed and how many minutes it will take to defragment.

Step 4 Organize the Start up list

If you are familiar with the windows operating system, then you probably already know that certain programs are necessary to be run when the StartUp Menu is selected. Unless the programs are absolutely necessary, you can remove unnecessary files by clicking on the Start Menu, then Run, then MSCONFIG, and then OK.

Step 5 Keep the drivers updated

Visit Windows.com to find any new driver downloads for your particular operating system and machine model for all hardware pieces, including the CPU, video and sound cards, and memory.

Remember, maintenance is free, but a new system costs hundreds of dollars.