The list below describes the top ten ways you can speed up your computer through either general maintenance or hardware upgrades. I tried to list some things other than just the obvious ones most places always list. Now there are of course many more.

10. Check your initial hardware for possible memory, CPU, or hard drive upgrades.

9. Insure your paging files is set to one and a half times the size of the amount of ram installed. If you are using 2 gig or more of ram memory simply turn off the paging file. (To review your paging file right click my computer and choose properties -then choose the advanced tab - Then select the performance settings-slect the advanced tab and modify the virtual memory file size)

8. Run monthly system maintenance such as disk cleanup, disk check, or disk defrag.

7. Clean out your temporary internet files and cookies. (To do this open Internet Explorer and choose the tools menu- Select options- on the main page you can emty the temp files and delete the cookies.)

6. Empty the c:\windows\prefetch folder.

5. Scan your system weekly for spyware.

4. Delete any unused programs by using the add/remove programs utility.

3. Groom your Windows start up file by using the msconfig utility. (This can be done by going to start\Run and typing msconfig then select ok and choose the start up tab)

2. Update your device drivers. If you are using an OEM computer simply visit the manufacturers website for updated software and drivers. If using a custom built computer you will need to visit the hardware manufacturers support site one device at a time to obtain the latest software.

1. Turn off unnecessary services in the services manager.(To access this control panel go to control panel\administrative tools\services)

This little tid bit should allow you to boost your PC performance somewhat. The major improvements will come with hardware upgrades especially increases in system memory (RAM).

We have an entire free video set dedicated to speeding up your computer. You can watch these absolutely free right here.

Feel free to leave me some of your ideas below in the comments section.

Patrick
PC911

Ever experience start up errors when Windows is
loading up?This can be very annoying. The most
common cause is due to entries in the start up
list that is due to improper un-installation of
programs.

Spyware and virus software as well can cause
similar issues that make you want to pull your
hair out. When spyware or viruses are removed the
harmful aspects of these types of software are
most commonly the only entries these removal
utilities address. Commonly the remaining registry
entries in the start up file often remain.

When addressing a start up issue it is best to note
the error or errors by logging the information. Once
you have logged the errors you are now ready to start
researching the error.

A common way of diagnosing start up errors is to use
the Google search engine by visiting www.google.com.
Input the error exactly as it appears. This will
result in a more efficient search query. By
referencing the offending module you can obtain
information on the module as to its manufacturer and
function.

You will find many different ways of addressing any
particular issue when you use a search engine. If the
entry pertains to a particular software title it is best
to contact their support to address the issue with proper
procedures for removal or re-installation.

You can download the Bug Doctor to
fix startup issues.

Another way to address start up errors is by using the
Microsoft msconfig utility. This utility can be invoked
by going to your start menu and selecting run. In the run
box input the utility name by typing msconfig and selecting
ok. Once the msconfig utility has loaded select the start
up tab. Review your entries noting if there are entries
that reference the particular module or software that has
been noted in the error. You can deselect these entries
which disables the call from the start up file.

If you cannot identify the entry in your start up folder
try disabling half of the entries then select the ok button
and perform a restart. If the condition of your computer
does not change repeat the process and re-enable the removed
entries. Attempt disabling the remaining entries and perform
another restart. If the issue at any point is alleviated
re-enable the items one at a time while performing a restart
after each until the offending entry is identified.

In most cases this will help you identify and remove the
issue. In cases the issue still exists and you have identified
a particular software title that is the cause you should
contact the software manufacturer for assistance.

Always remember most of these entries only serve to use up
memory resources and most arent needed, but if you have virus
or firewall software installed leave those entries enabled
unless they are the problem entries.

A quick note: Smashing or thrashing your computer doesn’t
help at least in these instances.

Try the Bug Doctor Download.

You listen to all their testimonials here and they will help you fix
any computer problems.

If you need a good registry cleaner for your PC try PC Registry Cleaner Version 2.0