Your Guide to Improve a Computer’s Performance: 7 Tips
An underperforming computer gets in the way of your work, studies, and entertainment. In some instances, you may be forced to take the device to a computer service store or even get rid of it and purchase a new one.
To avoid such problems and prolong the computer’s lifespan, you should create a proper maintenance routine that keeps the device in check. Tech-savvy people should already be familiar with most of these tips, but it is still okay to remember them. And as for those who are not so good with computers, the information in this article should come in quite handy.
Deal With Poor Drive Storage
One of the first things you want to do is to deal with poor drive storage. Do not let it reach the point when there are only a few gigabytes of free storage left. Instead, keep a close eye on the computer’s drive and take action as soon as you notice that the unoccupied space is shrinking. Some tricks of cleaning a computer’s drive include getting rid of temporary system junk, deleting localization and other redundant files, transferring data to external storage, and replacing large media file hoarding with streaming services.
Scan the Device for Malware
The odds of malware or viruses causing problems to the computer are not necessarily high, but they still exist. Install reliable antivirus software if you have not done so already and scan every single file on the computer to see if any of them are potentially infected. If not, you can move on to the next step. And if antivirus detects potential threats, do not hesitate and remove them from the computer.
Kill Redundant Background Processes
If you have a MacBook, you should check the Activity Monitor. If you have Windows, use the Task Manager. Both tools show processes running in the background. Most of the processes consume very few resources, but they are part of the system and should be left untouched. On the other hand, you may notice a few applications or other processes that stand out too much, particularly due to how much memory or CPU they are consuming. Finding redundant background processes means that you should quit those and free up the computer’s resources, which ultimately leads to better overall performance.
Declutter the Desktop and Startup Item List
Desktop clutter and startup items are another problem that snowballs if left neglected. Do not get in the habit of putting documents, app shortcuts, and other files on the computer’s desktop just because you find it convenient. Each desktop shortcut adds to more performance issues because switching between the desktop and other tabs causes the computer to render. Now, as for startup items, you should remove applications you do not use after the computer boots. Not only do you have to wait longer for the system to load, but you may also forget to close startup items, which means that they will run in the background and consume your computer’s resources.
Get to Cleaning the Dust Inside
Cleaning the dust inside a computer is not fun, but it is mandatory if you want to ensure that the device is maintained properly. The dust inside is one of those things you cannot really avoid, and unless you clean it yourself or hire someone to do the job for you, the problem will not solve itself. After removing the dust, you will notice that the computer is not overheating as much, nor are the noises coming from the internal fans loud. In case you are still unhappy with the overheating and are wary of damaging the internal computer hardware, apply thermal paste. Or, if you own a laptop, consider a cooling pad.
Make Sure the Computer Is Updated
Do not associate system updates with just the latest features and potential hotfixes for cybersecurity threats. No, it is also common for OS updates to come with a patch or two that improve the overall performance of the computer. Considering the benefits of running the latest operating system version, you should not wait to download and install the latest version at your earliest convenience.
Upgrade Hardware If You Can
Hardware upgrades can be a bit expensive. At the same time, if you have a laptop, you are likely limited to what is actually available because laptop hardware tends to be integrated. Nevertheless, if there is an option to add extra RAM or replace your old GPU with a new one, you should think about how much money you can realistically afford and check the available options. Upgrading computer hardware is still cheaper than purchasing a new device. Finally, there is hardly a more effective way to make a significant change to positively affect the computer’s performance than by upgrading its hardware.
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