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5 May 2011 By ABradney-George

Common Factors Of PC Speed

5 May

Not Really Sure What Affect Your Daily Tasks Have On PC Speed? Here We Look At Some Of The Most Common Factors That Slow Things Down.

Dealing with a slow PC is something which can happen to anyone, regardless of how much maintenance is done. But when looking at different options to increase or maintain PC speed, it helps to look at the common elements that come into play. The following factors all have a significant impact on computer performance, and understanding them will help increase the chances of keeping your PC at the right speed.

Startup Programs

When you turn on your computer and log in, there are a number of programs and tasks that will start automatically. Some of these, such as an internet connection or Windows Updates, are important for the running of the computer and daily tasks. But many programs, including Skype, Windows Media Player and Adobe Updater, will default to opening on startup when you download them.

This will slow down a PC by clogging up the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and monopolizing the RAM (Random Access Memory), so that other programs and tasks take longer to function. Fortunately the Control Panel has options to maintain the startup program list, and any unwanted programs can be removed from opening at startup.

Disk Space

The amount of memory on a computer will affect how fast it can run. In general, the more gigabytes used, the slower the computer will run as it needs to dedicate more time to what is already on the hard drive. Manually managing the amount of space used by investing in some remote data storage options is one way to keep things in control, but most versions of Windows also include a helpful tool called Disk Cleanup.

This feature, also accessed through the Control Panel, will help free up disk space by performing one or more of the following actions:

Removing temporary Internet files
Deleting downloaded program files, such as Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets
Emptying the Recycle Bin
Removing Windows temporary files, such as error reports
Deleting optional Windows components that you don't use
Deleting installed programs that you no longer use
Removing unused restore points and shadow copies from System Restore

Once these tasks are done, some changes in speed may be noticed, however it will work better followed by a disk defragmentation. There are a range of different software options that include these tasks as part of PC speed maintenance without the hassle of switching between Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter, however these two tools are free with versions of Windows XP, Vista and 7.

Unwanted Programs and Spyware

If you have had your PC for a while, the chances are there is some unwanted programs on there. These could be anything from media players to old versions of software for work, but they do clog up the system. Regularly managing the programs through Add Or Remove Programs will help keep things in check, or using software like NovaTuneUp to identify and remove unused programs for you.

With access to the internet come risks to accidentally harboring spyware. Not only does spyware open you up to other threats and problems, but it can also wreak havoc with startup programs and other system functions, sending PC speed packing in the process. Using an antivirus or antispyware program such as Norton 360, Panda Global Protection or Webroot Spy Sweeper will help keep spyware out and remove any that is already on a PC.

These three factors all have a huge impact on PC speed. Regularly considering PC performance and maintaining these elements, whether manually or with a software option, will help keep things running swiftly and smoothly.