There are many ways to speed up computers and improve their performance, this article covers simple steps that anyone can follow. PC or Mac users should be able to implement either of the first two steps in this article in less than 15 minutes.

Step 1 -  Clean the computer registry

Slow computers often have errors in their registry. The main functions of a registry are about connecting hardware, software and computer files. In practice therefore, the computer registry acts as the computer’s nervous system. Over time the performance of any computer reduces as errors accumulate in the registry, which can also become corrupted. A straightforward step is to locate any errors in the registry then repair them. Despite the fact that it is possible to repair the registry manually in theory, this method is not recommended. The main reason for this, is that it requires strong knowledge of the structure of the registry as well as its functions. Registry cleaner software are a faster, more reliable alternative to remove errors, unused file, poor links and deal with ActiveX components. Click on fix computer registry for more information.

Step 2 – Delete and block adware and spyware

Another common reason leading to computers slowing-down, is the large number of spyware and adware, which are downloaded from the Internet, often without the users knowledge. This happens particularly often, when peer to peer networks are being used to download music and videos for example. A straightforward solution to improve the speed of any computer is to use an anti spyware or adware program to scan, remove then block adware and spyware. Before buying any anti spyware or adware software it is best to use the trial version which is often free. The main features to consider are Ease of Download and Simplicity of Use, Automatic Backup, Quality of Customer Service, and the overall effectiveness of the software. The best software tend to be the simplest to use and rely on a research capability that constantly updates the software for new threats. Click on best adware spyware removal for more information.

Step 3 – Eliminate viruses

Unsurprisingly many computer viruses can slow down computers and drive down response times. The problem with many viruses is not only the damage they cause to computer files but also the amount of resources which they use and waste, for example RAM and disk space. In order to overcome these problems, as well as optimise performance, users should run the latest version of the best anti-virus programs. In the end, they will also be in a stronger position to improve their computer performance.

Step 4 – Simple housekeeping tasks

There are many simple housekeeping tasks which can be done to improve the speed of any computer, for example uninstalling any software that is not needed.  Another simple step to improve computer speed is to stop programs launching automatically. These simple tasks generally produce marginal improvements.

Step 5 – Optimise the Hard disk

For hard disks which are smaller than 2GB then at least 200MB of disk should be kept free and at least 500MB for larger hard disks. This free space is an important contributor of your computer speed as it is used by temporary files placed there by computer programs. This frees up space for the computer to swap files, which is used particularly when the operating system starts using virtual memory once it has run out of RAM. Unless sufficient space on the hard disk is availble, the system slows down significantly in that event. To check the hard disk itself it is recommended to use a disk scanning programs such as Scandisk for Windows. For instance whilst some hard disks may be large enough, they may be too fragmented with some sectors being unusable. Running a defragmentation program is another step that can be completed to improve  the speed of any computer. 

Step 6 – Optimising the RAM

Some programs are poorly designed and do not release RAM resources after they are closed. This adversely impacts the RAM available for other programs. Computers frequently run out of RAM after a while. In order to overcome this, ugrading the RAM is probably necessary. An alternative option, which is also free is simply not to use certain programs simultaneously.

Step 7 – Stop the computer from overheating

Faulty fans are a common cause leading to the computer overheating, slowing down then freezing as a result. The best solution is often to replace the fan, this overcomes the problem by increasing the air flow through the computer thereby reducing its temperature and ultimately improving reponse times.

For more information click on how to make my computer faster.

There is much confusion about the need to clean Windows XP registry, this article provides an overview of the reasons and remedial actions

Introduction to Windows XP registry -Windows XP registry is a core component of PCs. PC user should clean Windows XP registry regularly. The registry is often referred to as the brain, heart soul and mind of Windows by computer Experts. The registry is used by Windows XP to store the devices and file associations of the computer. Registry is also used to store critical information on directories, drivers, Windows applications and much more. You should use a registry cleaner software instead of cleaning the registry manually, unless you are very familiar with Windows XP operating system.

Click on clean windows xp registry for more information 

Are you sufficiently familiar with Windows XP registry? – If so, continue to read
 
Taking a backup - When completing any repair process of Windows XP registry, mistakes can be made easily and damage your system further. For this reason, you should always backup your files. Fortunately many proven registry repair tools are available. These tools can find the potentially questionable or unused references, and they prompt the user to review any entry that may cause a problem once removed.
 
Start menu - To begin cleaning Windows XP Registry manually, go to the start menu, and click on run. Type “regedit” in the text field, and press enter.
 
HKEY sections - Windows XP registry has many different entries separated in sections namely HKEY_CURRENT_USER, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, HKEY_USERS, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, and HKEY_CURRENT CONFIG. There are different entries in each section, which are related to various aspects of Windows XP operation. Click on the + symbol to clean XP Registry. You will notice a + sign alongside the root directory. This action will open a detailed list of directories, and this will make it easier to find the entries needed to correct the registry.
 
Entries causing conflicts - Next step to clean Windows XP registry is to erase the entries which are causing conflicts or are no longer required, such as redundant ActiveX components for example (click on repair activex for more information)
 
Clean boot records - It is also advisable to clean the boot records. This can be done easily by changing the list of programs that load when the system starts up. Click on the CURRENT_USER and LOCAL_MACHINE directories until you reach the “Run” and “Run Once” option. This enables cleaning the registry entries which trigger programs at startup.
 
Clean at least every six months – Users should clean Windows Registry at least twice a year to optimise the performance of their computer. This clears items which are redundant. Machines which are extremely slow usually have a large number of software, or those where drivers are constantly being installed and uninstalled, require more frequent cleanups (click on computer extremely slow for more information).
 
However tempting a manual clean or repair may be, remember that, using the appropriate registry cleaner to repair windows XP registry is usually a superior solution than attempting this manually . Many programs will also improve the system performance, some also have backup capabilities to safeguard your files.