How to Optimize a Computer

When you buy a brand new computer these days, you will instantly be able to enjoy quickly loading web pages, opening multiple programs at once, and the fact that you rarely need to reboot your system.  Yes, new computers are great.  However, no matter what features your computer has, the fast and efficient work your PC or laptop does will not last very long.

This is due to everyday tasks people carry out on their computer.  Every day tasks include examples such as these--installing essential programs, receiving and sending emails, cluttered spam inboxes, saving favorite websites, adding shortcuts to desktops, uploading and downloading pictures and files, sharing music, playing games, watching movies, and so much more.

Although you want to have a fast computer again, you certainly do not want to restore it to its factory settings.  However, it is possible to make more space and optimize your computer without resorting to extreme measures.  As long as you make optimizing your computer system a regular habit by carrying out the tasks listed below, your computer should stay in excellent operating shape.

Disk Cleanup

In order to run a disk cleanup on your computer, you must click the "Start" button on the lower left-hand corner of your screen.  There you will see "All Programs" and subsequently, "Accessories."  In the "Accessories" file, choose "System Tools" and finally, "Disk Cleanup."  You will then be shown files that can be removed as well as the option to compress old files, which will save hard drive space.  Once your hard drive has been cleaned, select the tab "More Options."  This tab allows you to removed unused programs, clean the components of Windows, and remove older restore points.

Disk Defragmenting

The disk defragmenting option can also be found in "System Tools."  This program will clean file fragments that are left from installing and uninstalling various computer programs as well as moving files.  Select the drive you want to defragment and click "Analyze" followed by "Defragment."

Needed Software

Every computer owner must absolutely install antivirus software.  There are many great options to choose from, so do your research and find the best one for your needs.  Although you can probably use the software for free to scan your computer, you will have to buy the it in order to protect your computer from threats.  After you install the antivirus software of your choice, make sure you set it up to automatically update itself; this will give you the most protection.

Registry Cleaning

Whenever files and programs are removed, installed, or moved, there are errors created in the registry and these errors are many times responsible for a computer's slow performance.  Cleaning the registry is also important to the overall functioning, performance, and stability of your computer.  However, a computer's registry is a complex area that no novice should tinker with.  This is why it is vital to buy a registry cleaning program to do the work for you.  All you need to do is a little comparison shopping first.

Photo Credits: sfllaw

Originally posted 2010-05-26 03:42:44.

This post involves:

computer programs, computer system, disk cleanup, disk defragmenting, factory settings, hard drive

... and focuses on:

Computer Performance and Tech Support, Computer Programs and Software, Computer Tips, hard drive, Registry

Posted by How To Computer on January 26, 2012 in Computer Performance and Tech Support, Computer Programs and Software, Computer Tips, hard drive, Registry. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.