- Virus or Spyware
a. Make sure you have up to date antivirus software.
Run a complete scan of the whole system. If a virus is identified
and it cannot be removed
by the antivirus software, seek further help.
b. Make sure you have only one antivirus program
running
c. If you do not have an up to date antivirus program
you can download free ones from http://free.avg.com/ for AVG or http://www.clamwin.com/ for Clamwin.
d. If you have problems installing an antivirus program
(some viruses can prevent the software working) you
can run an online
scan from Trend Micro
here http://housecall.trendmicro.com/uk/
e. If a virus is identified and removed always run
a further scan to confirm that all is clear.
- Recently installed programs
a. If the performance has slowed down after installing a new
program, use System Restore to return your computer to as
it was before the new program
was installed.
b. Check the software company’s minimum speciation
for a suitable PC to run the software. You may be able
to add more memory
to meet the specification quite cheaply and easily. A new processor
is more expensive.
- Programs running in the background
a. Look at the system tray at the bottom right hand of the
screen near to the clock. The number of icons here is an
indication
of how many background
programs you have running. Find out if you need each of
these.
b. Using the Control Panel find Add and Remove Programs.
Uninstall any programs that you do not use. Make sure that
you re-start
your computer
after you have done this.
-
Do without special effects
a. You can improve performance by stopping many of the
special effects and animations that Windows uses. Right
click on
My Computer, select Properties
form the bottom of the menu, click the advanced tab at
the top and then performance. Choose “Adjust for best performance”.
-
Stop more background programs
a. Whilst you may use a program you might not want it
running all of the time. Programs like MSN, Skype,
Winamp, ActiveSync
etc etc all start up
something when you start the computer. Run the program
and check for preferences not to start automatically.
b. You may still not be aware of programs running in
the background that you do not need. To gain an idea
of just
how many there
are hold down CTRL+ALT
and Press DEL. Select “Task Manager”. Take a look in “Processes” and “Services”.
Whilst Windows may need many of these some will be superfluous. Searching
the internet with Google or another search engine will usually identify
what they do.
c. To test the effect of not loading certain processes
and services you can use the System Configuration Utility.
Click
Start and
Run. Type MSCONFIG
in the box and press enter. Click on the Start-Up tab.
Remove the tick from an entry that you believe you
do not need and
restart the computer.
You will be reminded that you are using selective start
up. Only stop one entry at a time. If it makes not
difference put the
tick back and try another.
Be prepared for this to take some time to compete.
-
Defragment the Hard Disc
a. Over a period of time the files on the hard disc
can become very disorganised. Whilst modern hard
discs work
at such
blisteringly fast speeds as to be
able to cope with much of this disorganisation there
is a limit. Open My Computer, right click on the
C: drive and
select Properties
from the bottom
of the menu. Then select Tools, then Defragment Now.
Click
Defragment. If this has not been carried for while
be prepared for it take
some considerable time to complete.
-
Check the Filing System
a. This usually has a more catastrophic effect than
slow running but it is worth doing anyway. Repeat
6 above
but instead of clicking
on “Defragment
Now” choose “Check Now”. Tick the box “Automatically
Fix system errors.” The process will involve restarting the computer.
Optionally tick “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors” This
will take a considerable time to complete. Should
Bad Sectors be identified it is a warning that
your hard disc might fail altogether. You should
consider
replacing it rather than risk loss of data.
-
Clean up the Registry
a. DO NOT download the first registry checker that
you find on the internet. It will more than likely
be a scam
aimed
at relieving
you of hard earned
cash or it might contain a virus. We are currently
testing Eusing Registry Cleaner http://www.eusing.com/free_registry_cleaner/registry_cleaner.htm
-
Tidy up the Desktop
a. It takes time and resources to load all the
icons on the desktop. Delete those that you
do not need.
-
Running Hot
a. Usually a computer that is running too
hot will crash or “Blue
Screen”. Check the temperature with Speed Fan http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php . AMD Processors normal run at around 40C and Intel around 55C. Any hotter
than this and you need to check that the CPU cooling fan is working and
securely fitted to the processor. Some processors can run hot because of
a problem in the computers BIOS. This controls some basic functions in
the computer. Visit the computer or Motherboard maker’s website and
search for a BIOS Update.
b. On some laptops the cooling ducts become
blocked with dust. Searching the internet
will usually
reveal how
to clear them
out.
-
Fit More Memory
a. When the computer runs out of memory it has to save some of what
it is doing on the hard disc whilst it completes the next task.
This data
has to be brought back into memory in order to continue. This swapping
of data backwards and forwards slows down the computer. The more
memory you have the less swapping goes on.
-
Reinstall the whole system
a. Sometimes the fastest solution can be to backup all your data
and then use the manufacturer’s installation discs to return the system
to the condition it was when it was purchased. You will need to download
all the new security updates again though.
