Does it seem like your computer gets slower every month? Well, you are not alone. This is a common complaint. Sadly, many people just accept the fact that their computer gradually starts to slow down. However, computers are expensive, and you should not accept reduced performance as inevitable. In this article, we will explore how to speed up and clean up your computer in Ottawa.
Why Does Your Computer Slow Down?
Computers start to operate slower due to a variety of reasons such as outdated drivers, overheating, or too many programs. In many cases, all you need to do to increase the speed is to reboot the system but sometimes that might not work. If your computer is still running slow then you will need to try other methods to increase its performance.
Upgrade Your Computer
If you want to browse faster, upgrading your RAM is your best bet. Usually, the two big things that impact a computer’s speed are lack of sufficient RAM and a filled hard disk. RAM stands for Random Access Memory. Think of it as your computer’s short-term memory. Nowadays you need a minimum of 4 gigabytes of RAM to even function but that is often subpar at best. Web browsers like Google Chrome are RAM hungry. Also, if you run Photoshop, video editing, or programming then you will need more RAM. Things can quickly become frustrating when your computer starts to slow. The best way to speed up your computer it to add at least 4 gigabytes of RAM.
Your hard disk might also be limiting your computer’s ability to function. Upgrade to an SSD (solid state disk), especially if you have a hard disk drive (HDD). The digital disk has no moving parts and functions instantly. The read and write speeds on your computer will benefit from a significant boost. Also, Windows will load much faster, so your programs run smoothly, and your files open fast.
GPU for Speed
A gaming computer is a little different than regular computers because they have graphic cards that can support games or video editing. If you cannot run the games, you love, or they have slowed down then it is time to upgrade your GPU. Sadly, if you have a laptop you cannot upgrade because the GPU is soldered directly to the motherboard, but desktop PCs let you upgrade easily.
Defragmentation
A mechanical disk suffers from fragmentation. Basically, if you use a lot of programs or files then they can become fragmented with bits and bytes in your disk. The disk will work harder to store all the data. You will want to defrag the disk by going to your start menu and typing in defrag. Then hit the enter button and choose to optimize so the process starts. Please be careful because it takes time.
Disable Startup Items
Does your PC take time to boot? The slower response could result from the machine trying to load an excessive amount of stuff that you do not even need. You will want to go to your Windows Task Manager and then go to the Task Manager and the Startup to see exactly what items do not actually need to start up. You can then pick and choose what to disable and what not to disable. If there are any entities that you are not sure about then use Google to learn about them and decide if you can disable each one or if it is necessary. Primarily necessary to clean up and speed up your computer.
Update Drivers
Nowadays, most PCs have over 100 built-in components that are controlled by device drivers. Drivers can become faulty and start to fail to function at their full potential. Luckily, you can update your drivers and even your driver software.
Viruses, Spyware, Malware, Trojans, and Adware
Viruses, spyware, adware, malware, and trojans all pose significant security, but they also slow your PC’s performance. Any time your computer starts to slow then it is time to run your system’s antivirus program to clean up any potential threats. Such invaders have become quite common and can take a toll on your machine’s performance.
Clean Up Your Computer
As you probably already know, computers attract dust. However, even if you clean the exterior of the machine daily, there are still dust bunnies lurking inside. As the years’ pass, your computer’s fan can start to slow or even fail because of the dust buildup which causes your computer to heat up. When your computer gets hot it starts to slow and is more prone towards crashing. You can use compressed air to push the dust out of the machine and then vacuum up the mess. Give the exterior of your computer a good wipe down to also keep it looking sharp.
Free Up Space
Have you recently downloaded a large file or a video? If so, then it might cause your computer to run slowly. Run a search to determine what is taking up space and the size involved. You might want to start cleaning up your computer by deleting unnecessary large files that are more than 100 MG.
Uninstall the Things You Do Not Need
Over time, you probably constantly add apps to your pc that you do not need. They are just wasting valuable disk space. You will want to visit the Control Panel in Windows and click on Programs and then Programs and Features. Now take some time to go through the list and start to install what you do not use or need to speed up and clean up your computer in Ottawa. If this seems like a huge task, then you can always use a program to perform the function quickly and effortlessly. Many people look up free programs using a search engine, or they opt to invest in a reliable program.
If your computer has started to slow down, then maybe it is time to call in the professionals. Contact TickTockTech to help you speed up and clean up your computer in Ottawa. We offer onsite computer repairs or remote service.
