Optimizing a SLOOOOOOW computer

[big brown horse]

http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/990

I read a great article in reader's digest about this, but accidentally left it in TX. :/ I found this similar article, hope this helps anyone with an old slow computer, like mine. (I have a 2004 bottom of the line Dell.)

Please feel free to add any more hints for us dinosaur owners.

 

[Javamama]

I have no hints or tips, but sure would take some, as I was just working on this very thing. I installed a new hard drive and I'm dealing with stupid Vista and all it's services. I hate it.
My hard drive is clicking and running alot, and I haven't figured out what's causing it. It's brand new, and has done this ever since it was installed. Frustrating.
I'm also having lag time with everything. Cursor gets stuck for a few seconds. I have 2g of Ram, which was functioning just fine before the hard drive replacement.

 

[big brown horse]

This sounds like a job for XPC!!!

 

[DrakeMaiden]

I think my computer is circa 2002. We have been having problems with it lately too, which we think started when it got infected with at least one virus. It is running a little better, but still can have those slooow periods. A lot of those tips we have done, and we have also run some anti-viral programs (which is how we found the virus), but we are considering ditching everything and starting over. There are a bunch of programs on here I don't need, which I wouldn't mind seeing gone.

 

[big brown horse]

The reader's digest article said something about de-fracking (sp?). Oh, I wish I would have remembered to put it in my backpack!!!!

Youtube stuff is supposed to be pretty bad about slowing down your pc too.

 

[DrakeMaiden]

Yes, de-fragging is good. I think you need software to do that (my computer illiteracy is showing) , but it helps a lot.

 

[Hattie the Hen]

http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/990

I read a great article in reader's digest about this, but accidentally left it in TX. :/ I found this similar article, hope this helps anyone with an old slow computer, like mine. (I have a 2004 bottom of the line Dell.)

Please feel free to add any more hints for us dinosaur owners.

Hi bbh !

Is this the lost article........??????

http://www.rd.com/advice-and-know-how/tips-for-tuning-up-your-pc/article175227.html



Hattie

 

[big brown horse]

How did you find it?? Thanks Hattie!!!! That is the article!

 

[Hattie the Hen]

How did you find it?? Thanks Hattie!!!! That is the article!

I just asked my friend Google a question............!! Easy-peasy.....!!

Glad you are happy;hope it works!



Hattie

 

[FarmerDenise]

To defrag, go to System Tools and select Disk Defragmenter. Then you can select Analyse or Defragment. On my old computer I choose Defragment and do it about once a week, wether it needs it or not. Doing it weekly or so, it doesn't take as long and keeps my computer running just a little faster.

Defragmenting sorts your computer files and organizes them.

As you use your computer, it sticks pieces of files anywhere it finds space. So your files are fragmented. When you use those files, the computer has to search for them, to get all the pieces together. This takes up extra time.

It would be as if you put all your groceries and dishes anywhere in the house that you have space. You have a pot in the bedroom closet, a couple of plates in the living room, the beans in the garage, the silverware in the bathroom shelf. When it is time to fix a meal, you have to run all over the house to find everything you need to make a pot of chili.
You would want someone to defrag your house, so all your kitchen things are in the kitchen, plates with plates, pots, pans and lids stored together, all your groceries are organized in the pantry.

Defragging or defragmenting does that with your computer files.