Although all new Windows computers run very fast when purchased, over time they slow down. They seem to take forever to start and ages to shut down, and programs and processes seem to take forever to complete their tasks. This deterioration in performance will occur in all models, from the “top dollar” high-end PC right thru to the low- and mid-range priced systems. This slow but sure degradation in performance is becoming known as “Windows Rot” and although accepted by most PC users, it is reversible.
Short of wiping the hard disk and re-installing everything, a process wrought with difficulties, there are a number of simple tasks that the ordinary PC user can use to ensure that their operating system runs at peak performance. These tasks can be generalized under the following broad headings:
- Good Practice and Housekeeping Tasks
- Security Precautions
- Optimization Programs
Good Practice and Housekeeping Tasks
Operating systems on computers tend to default to the “cover everything” and “look brilliant” modes. A lot of what is on a new computer, and the way they are set up, are simply not needed. They hog resources and slow the system down. Examples are the huge number of fonts that come with a new PC. Windows uses precious memory to store information on all these fonts thus slowing down performance. From the fonts folder in the Control Panel delete the more exotic fonts.
Another example of memory wasting process loaded at start up is the animation effects that make windows look so appealing. A lot of these effects can be discarded by going to the Advanced Tab in the systems folder in the Control Panel.
Regular De-fragmentation, removal of temporary files and a schedule of error checking will also help to speed up the system.
Security Precautions
Virus’s, Malware, Adware and Spyware can do a lot more damage than just slow down a PC, but the removal of such infections will increase the system speed. The ordinary pc user should beware bloated commercial products, unless absolutely necessary, and use such free programs as “AVG Free Anti Virus”, “Spybot Search and Destroy”, “Ad Aware” and Microsoft “Windows Defender”. For users spending a lot of time on the Internet a Firewall is essential. The inbuilt Microsoft Windows firewall should be adequate for most, but there are very good third party programs out there as well.
Optimization Programs
Even Putting all the above into practice, computers will still slow down, since, over time, the build up of electronic detritus in the start up programs section of Windows and in the Registry, will continue to degrade the speed of even the most powerful of computers.
The trouble with removing programs and processes that start every time windows starts is that most people do not know which are essential and which are not. One free program that surmounts this problem is Codestuff Starter. This program is free, simple to use and you can “right click” any of the programs or processes in the start up menu and it will automatically “Google” them to determine if they are essential or not.
Another bugbear with most computer users, and a major cause of “Windows Rot” is the Windows Registry, and the Windows Regeditor is anything but helpful. Examples of some good registry clean up programs that are free and easy to use are RegCleaner from Jouni Vourio and CCleaner from Piriform.
Using these methods in conjunction to good safety procedures should ensure that most computers run at their optimum speed and security as well.
