Best 5 Tips for Keeping Your Computer Running Smoothly

5 Tips for Keeping Your Computer Running Smoothly

It can be quite unpleasant and frustrating to use a slow computer. Here are some ideas and tweaks to keep your computer working quickly, whether you’re stuck with an outdated machine or simply want to squeeze more performance out of a newer one.

Freeing up disk space

Your computer may occasionally sluggish down if your disk drive doesn’t have much space left. Here are some quick techniques for clearing some space:

Your computer may occasionally sluggish down if your disk drive doesn’t have much space left. Here are some quick techniques for clearing some space:

Many computers come with software that you might not use, so uninstall any unwanted or unused programs.

Remove any files you no longer require.

For larger files and media, use an external storage device.

There are also some built-in tools that can help you free up even more space. On a Windows computer, you can use Disk Cleanup to get rid of temporary and unnecessary files, as shown in this Computer Hope article. If you have a Mac with macOS Sierra or later, you can use the About This Mac dialog box to free up space, as shown in this Apple support article.

Defragmenting

Cleaning up your hard disk

Regularly defragmenting your hard disk can frequently speed up your computer as well. Your hard drive’s data fragments over time, making it more challenging for your computer to locate it. This information is reorganized by defragging, making it easier for your computer to access.

Adding More Ram

Lack of RAM could be another factor causing your computer to operate poorly (random access memory). Your computer’s ability to run multiple applications at once is due to its RAM. When you run too many applications at once, your computer will sluggish down if you don’t have enough RAM.

Fortunately, you can upgrade the RAM in your machine. You must ascertain the kind of Memory that your computer utilizes in order to accomplish this. You’ll need to manually open your computer to install the RAM after you purchase it. You might want to think about taking this procedure to a computer repair shop to have someone else handle it if it sounds overly difficult.

Updating Your Drivers

A driver is necessary for the operation of every linked device, including keyboards, printers, and mice. The programs known as drivers essentially instruct your computer how to use these devices. These devices won’t work correctly if the drivers are outdated, which can slow down your computer. They must be changed in the event that this occurs.

The likelihood is that your drivers will be immediately updated if you’re using a Windows computer. In some circumstances, though, you might have to carry out this task directly. To learn how to update them, refer to this Lifewire guidance. All of your drivers will upgrade automatically if you have a Mac.

Managing Startup Processes

There might be too many applications starting up at startup if your computer is starting up slowly. Fortunately, there is a method for controlling these startup procedures and deciding what will and won’t activate. For instructions on how to do this, see this How-To Geek guide for Windows computers or this Nektony guidance for Macs.

Make sure they are not necessary for the operation of your computer before stopping specific apps and programs by conducting some research.

Checking for viruses and spyware

Throughout the course of using your computer, it may accidentally acquire malware or viruses. These often damage and slow down your computer. The best way to prevent and deal with them is to use some sort of antivirus software. Most of these can scan for, detect, and in some cases eliminate them. For more information, review our lessons on how to avoid malware and protecting your computer.

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