How to Fix a Slow Computer
As you install more programs and devices on your computer, the start-up process begins to slow down. Here are some ways to fix this problem.
Up next in How to Understand Computers (58 videos)
Boost your computer know-how with these Howcast videos.
You Will Need
- Online reference source
- More RAM
- Spyware removal program
- PC running Vista or Windows XP (optional)
- Macintosh computer (optional)
Steps
-
Step 1
Remove old programs
Remove any programs that you are no longer using from the computer's hard drive to free up additional space.
-
Step 2
Consult a reference source
Determine how necessary the various programs in a start-up sequence are by consulting an online reference source such as Sysinfo.
-
Step 3
Remove unnecessary programs from the start-up sequence
Remove any unnecessary programs from your start-up sequence.
-
If you have a PC running Vista or Windows XP, type "msconfig" in the Run box in the Start menu. Select the Startup tab and deselect any of the applications you feel may be slowing your start-up. On a Mac, edit the list of start-up programs for individual users by going to the Account panel of System Preferences and selecting Login Items.
-
Step 4
Consider adding more RAM
Consider adding more memory if your computer is low on RAM. Some older PCs were sold with the minimum amount of memory to allow them to run.
-
Step 5
Remove spyware
Install a spyware removal program to make sure that your computer is not affected by malaware. Many programs are available as free downloads. Be sure to get a reputable program, however, so you don't slow your computer down further! With these tips, your computer should soon be starting up without your having to wait.
-
Gordon Moore predicted correctly in 1965 that the computing power of integrated circuits would double approximately every 18 months.
