by Nadia Benjamin

Created on: October 07, 2009   Last Updated: October 28, 2009

5 WAYS TO SPEED UP A SLOW WINDOWS COMPUTER

Every computer has a limited amount of memory, otherwise known as RAM (Random Access Memory) installed, which has the vital role of transfering data at high speed. The more RAM that is installed the higher the speed, boosting the computer's overall performance. Freeing some disk space will also be necessary to ensure optimum performance.

Here is your easy step-by-step guide to help you speed up a slow computer:

1. Disk Clean up

2. Disk Defragmenter

3. Updates

4. Delete unwanted programs

5. Add Memory

DISK CLEAN UP

Windows has a "Disk Clean Up" tool which will help you delete files which you no longer need or are unnecessary.

Click on windows "START" menu

Select "ALL PROGRAMS"

Select "ACCESSORIES"

Select "SYSTEM TOOLS"

Click "DISK CLEANUP"

Or right click on the icon drive in '"My Computer"<"Properties"<"Disk Cleanup."

This will then analyze your hard drive. A list of options will be displayed from which you can select the file(s) you wish to deleted. Typical files listed will include Temporary Internet Files, files in Recycle Bin and other unnecessary components.

Choose from the list, files you wish to delete. You could also select "Compress Old Files." This will not remove any files as they are most probably important files, but will only compress them to a smaller size. Then Click on "OK."

DISK DEFRAGMENTER

Follow the above steps to launch System Tools, then click on "DISK DEFRAGMENTER" rather than "Disk Cleanup." This tool arranges files on the hard drive in such a way that are easily accessible by Windows. It is advisable to run Disk Defragmenter regularly, eg. once every month.

The tool gives you the option to first "analyze" the hard drive and will advise you whether it needs to be defragmented. Disk Defragmenter is safe to use and does not carry any risks of loosing data.

WINDOWS UPDATES

Downloading and installing Windows updates to help fix problems that could slow your computer is to pay a visit to Windows Update. It would be even better to enable Automatic Updates and this is how you access it and turn it on:

Click "START"

Select "CONTROL PANEL"

Click "SECURITY CENTER"

Select "AUTOMATIC UPDATES"

Automatic updates will only ensure that the most important updates are downloaded and installed, (typically security patches issues) therefore, it is however advisable to visit Windows Update site from time to time to see if there is anything else available.

Click "START"

Select "ALL PROGRAMS"

Click "WINDOWS

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