Seven Steps to Improve Your Computer's Performance

When you first install your operating system, software and current drivers on your computer, it should be working well. How well? Well enough to perform tasks without getting the error box, blue screen with default error or another obvious sign that your computer is not happy. There are numerous reasons why errors can occur, but if you follow these tips, you can reduce the errors. This article refers to Windows software, but is useful to all.

Backup your drive and/or files. I recommend that you backup your entire hard drive (at least your C or main drive with your operating system installed) while everything is newly installed and functioning. Drive Image, Norton Ghost and other software is available to help you perform this task. If you cannot backup your drive, at least backup your files to another drive (external from this computer) or cds (if you have a cd burner).

Remove unnecessary files. Delete cookies, temporary Internet files, and other unnecessary files, and empty your trash can. Remove hidden files with anti-spyware software. Remove unnecessary programs by clicking My Computer or My Laptop (or whatever you may have renamed it), click Control Panel, click Add/Remove Programs, select the programs you don't use at all. If you're not sure what it is, open the program to see if you need it.

Run Scan Disk or Check Disk. Run Scan Disk (Windows 98) or Chkdsk (Windows XP) to correct any errors on the hard drive.

Run Defragment program. Hit Ctrl, Alt and Delete keys simultaneously to see the Close Program box. Select each program but Explorer and Systray to close the program. Run the Defragment program. Once the program runs successfully to completion, reboot your computer or at least remember to enable your antivirus software.

Review System Properties. Right-click on My Computer, select Properties to view System Properties, select Performance tab to view Properties. View System Resources to see if your computer is running at 92% or higher (recommended). If not, disable programs that start when you turn on your computer. Click Start button, select Run, type msconfig, select Startup tab, and uncheck any programs that do not need to start when you boot up, then click Apply. You will have to reboot to see the change.

Check for updates. Download and install Microsoft Windows Updates. Search for your product brand sites for driver updates (video card, printer, scanner, software, other), especially if you upgrade your operating system. Your antivirus software should be enabled and instantly updating itself. Please make sure it is.

Repeat these steps routinely. Back up files as often as possible, remove unnecessary files daily, defragment every week, completely scan for viruses every week.

There are other steps to keep your computer running better without spending money. This is just a reminder to give your computer a checkup to save yourself some trouble (for a later date).

Yvette Kuhns, Power Pages Web Design, February 18, 2003

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