It’s one of the most common statements we hear. “My computer is running slow.” The problem is, most local PC repair shops, or even the friendly Geek Squad at your local Best Buy, can seem a little overwhelming. You’ve probably heard stories of friends and family taking their slow-running or troubled computer into a place like this and feeling ripped off when they get home. Well worry no more, we have the how-to information and clean up utilities you need to speed up that old computer and it is 100% FREE.
Why is My Computer Running Slow
There are a number of factors that cause a computer to load or respond slowly. Most of the issues stem from a build up of files and a basic organization problem within Windows. The good news is that you don’t have to understand the problems fully to fix it. However, if you want to know more about any of the tasks listed under Clean Up Utilities, simply click on the article link provided to read a more thorough explanation.
Clean Up Utilities
There are 5 main areas that you will need to focus on each time you perform maintenance on your PC. Simply work your way down the list, install and use each program and reboot. You’ll see an immediate boost in performance and wonder why you ever put up with a slow computer. Please note that this is not a one-time operation. Regular maintenance of your PC (once every few months), is necessary to keep it running smoothly.
All of the clean up utilities you will need to fix a slow-running computer are posted and available for you on the JumpstartMyPC.com Tools page. We add new items to this area from time-to-time and keep all of the links updated with the most recent versions of each application. Simply locate an application that you would like to use and click on the Software link out to the right. You’ll be directed to an external site and the download will begin.
1) Defragmentation
Definition – A defrag of your hard drive makes it easier on your PC to locate files and extends the life of your hard drive.
Program: Auslogics Disk Defrag (available on the tools page)
Article: Defragmentation: A Simple Task for a Huge Result
2) Windows Update
Definition – Microsoft releases regular updates for your operating system. There might be a security or bug fix waiting for you. Reported issues from other PC users help Microsoft improve Windows and these improvements are part of the frequent updates that pop up in your task bar.
Program: Windows (already installed on your system)
Article: Warning Lights on Your PC Shouldn’t be Ignored
3) Malware and Spyware
Definition – Malware, Spyware and other unwanted malicious programs are installed without your knowledge.
Program: Spybot Search and Destroy (available on the tools page)
Article: Read this Overview from the makers of Spybot Search and Destroy
4) Old, Unnecessary Files
Definition – As you surf the internet, your browser collects files in a temporary folder. These files are not deleted until you tell your computer to do so. On almost any computer that is running slow, thousands of old, unnecessary files can be found and eliminated, immediately improving PC performance.
Program: CCleaner (available on the tools page)
Article: Read How to Use CCleaner from the Download Blog.
5) Registry Cleaning
Definition – The registry stores configuration settings and options for Windows. Unfortunately, it never cleans out old files. If you have ever removed programs or simply updated the programs you use regularly, chances are your PC has some old registry entries that are causing Windows some confusion.
Program: Abexo Registry Cleaner (available on the tools page) NOT FOR WINDOWS 7 USERS
Article: Your Registry is Probably in Need of a Cleaning
We would love to hear back from users on how helpful this was. Please feel free to leave a comment below and tell us about your experience with fixing your own slow computer. If the steps above helped you, be sure to use the sharing tools below to pass the information on to friends and family and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates on getting the most our of your PC.
My Computer is Running Slow – Help Me Fix It is brought to you 100% FREE from JumpstartMyPC.com.
