Do you have a computer that feels like it is not running as fast as it used to? One of the biggest reasons that they start to slow down over time is neglect. Computers need a little care and IT maintenance every now and then in order to perform well. It is just like cars. Everyone knows that cars need their oil changed every so often, tires rotated/changed, and brakes checked, so why don’t people treat their PC’s with the same care?
Part of the problem is that people just don’t know what is involved in maintaining a computer. Getting a computer fixed from a professional can be costly and inconvenient. It is much better to do a little maintenance yourself. Here is a list of things you can easily do yourself, even with little computer knowledge, to make sure your computer stays running like new:
Keep windows updated with latest patches
Windows provides a program called Microsoft Update that will periodically search for, and install updated to your computer. You can schedule these updates to run while you are sleeping so that they do not interfere with your usage.
Keep your spyware and antivirus programs updated
You should be using some type of program on your computer to regularly scan for spyware and viruses. These programs can also be scheduled to run overnight. Keeping these up to date can drastically help improve the performance of your PC.
Remove unused applications and other junk
Your PC likely has a lot of old non-essential files that pile up and slow it down. For example, Windows Internet Explorer stores copies of the pages and media that you visit so that it will load faster on your next visit. Cleaning these up can provide a nice boost to your PC performance. There are many free programs that can clean up your computer. One of the most popular and recommended is CCleaner.
Pay attention to the software you install
The biggest source of viruses and spyware comes from users themselves. Many programs like to install additional software on your computer. Pay attention when you are installing software and programs to ensure that no extras are being installed as well.