The Constant Cynic

Continuing on my 5 Ways To Keep Your Computer Safe, I'll give some tips to increase the start up speed and computer speed in general.

1. Disable Unnecessary Programs

There are 2 things that need to be done. First go to Start->Run->Type in 'msconfig' and hit enter->Startup->Click the check of any program that you don't use right when your computer starts->Apply. If you are unsure of what the .exe is for, google it and you'll find out what it is. The next is to disable the services that the programs use. Go Start->Run->Type in 'services.msc' and hit enter->Right click on the program you don't need and click Properties->Go to Startup Type and choose Disabled->Apply. You can always change it back if you need it.

2. Remove Malware From Your PC

Once you get a virus or trojan on your computer, spyware, and other junk will be flowing into your computer severly slowing it down. Read this post for information on preventing that from happening.

3. Run A Defragger

This is one thing you can do without any work. This will make your files easy to be accessed which increases the speed and gets rid of things that are useless. The one that comes with the computer is fine, but I would recomment PerfectDisk and mst Defrag.

4. Run A Registry Cleaner

Your registry eventually gets useless entries. A registry cleaner can go through these and get rid of them. A good free one is CCleaner. If you want to pay for a better one, I would recommend jv16 PowerTools.

5. Delete Unused Files

I've had lots of experience with stagnant files on my desktop or in My Documents. They weren't touched for years. After deleting several gigabytes worth of them, my computer ran much faster.

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