. . . I have a 250 GB HDD with a dedicated, separate 750GB HDD for backup of my C: drive. I’m only using 56GB because I have 5 external-Network, 1TB drives.
Most of the documents, music, photos and other stuff (LOTS), is stored on a 1TB Network drive, which is dedicated to backing/imaging the other drive, thereby leaving only applications on C:. BUT my system doesn’t run as fast as it did when I first bought the unit - 3GHz, 4GBs of RAM (Pentium 4, dual core? processor).
I’ve dealt with MSCONFIG, run, runonce (in the registry). I have “UniBlue Power Suite” that cleans the registry, and a few other utilities that are supposed to clean up the system. I am ABSOLUTELY sure that I don’t have a virus. I use Norton SystemWorks 2009, and defrag on a regular basis. My paging file is minimum and maximum 1 1/2 times the ram. In the Norton Defrag software, I set the pagefile.sys to be defragged first (in the center of the drive where it is faster), I’ve also used one of the utilities to defrag the pagefile.sys at boot-up.
Any help would be appreciated.
Maintaining a computer so that it remains in top shape and continues running smoothly is simple once you get a system down. It sounds like you are on target with this for the most part. A brief explanation of the major methods for optimizing speed on a computer is explained below. For your individual needs, the first two strategies might apply.
Computer Speed and Processors
The processor of a computer is the most critical factor when it comes to speed and performance. Keeping up with technology often necessitates the purchase of a new processor. When replacing a processor, it is essential to make sure that it is compatible with the motherboard. The type of processor that you purchase should also match your use of the computer. Check to see if you have the fastest processor available for your motherboard.
Each process that your computer runs uses resources from the processor. If two processes are running and each one is using up 40% of the processor time that equals 80%. Therefore, if you are running multiple processes at the same time and each one uses a large percentage of the processor’s resources, it might be time to upgrade.
Computer Speed and Disk Space: Temporary Files
Freeing up disk space isn’t just about deleted unwanted documents, images, and programs. It’s also about deleting temporary Internet files and temporary files in Windows. In fact, temporary Internet files can take up an excessive amount of space especially if you do a considerable amount of Internet browsing. Each time you visit a web page, the browser caches it to facilitate faster loading of the page should you revisit it. Clearing out the browser cache and all temporary files will increase your computer’s speed. You need to have accessible RAM in order for the computer to retain its processing speed.
Computer Speed: Cleaning up the Disk
It is important to clean up and repair all errors on each drive that you are using. Complete the clean up on one drive at a time. The general path for this is as follows: Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ Disk Cleanup. Cleaning up the computer allows it to run more efficiently.
Additionally, you should uninstall any software applications that you aren’t using. Empty the recycle bin frequently. Remove optional components and program files that you don’t need or use such as Java applets.
Computer Speed and Detecting and Repairing Errors
The overall speed of a computer is affected negatively by the fragmentation of its disks. Defragging the disk solves this problem by detecting errors and repairing them. Fragmented files lead to longer processing time since the computer must sift through the hard disk to locate all of the pieces of the file so that it can be used.
In addition to using an application to defrag your computer, you can access the disk defragmenter, following this path: Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ Disk Defragmenter. As the computer performs its tasks, it needs to scroll through every file that you have on the disk until it locates the right one. It’s kind of like cleaning out the sock drawer and mating all of the socks.
Also, you can run the Error Checking Utility to ensure the integrity of the computer’s files. Bad sectors are notorious for running down the performance of computers. Repairing them will restore the computer’s performance to an optimal level.
Follow this path: Start→ My Computer→ Select the Disk→ Properties→ Tools→ Check Now→ Scan for and recover bad sectors→ Start→ Fix the bad sectors that are detected.
Computer Speed and Protection against Spyware
Since Norton SystemWorks 2009 does protect against both viruses and spyware, it does appear that your computer is protected from these forms of malware. Most antivirus/anti-spyware applications use up a lot of resources when they are running. Therefore, running the application to scan your computer at a time when you are not actively using it should prove beneficial in improving the computer’s speed performance.
Our PC Performance area is loaded with articles filled with speed and performance tips. Spend some time there as well; you may find some real gems.
If you are still experiencing trouble with your computer’s speed, you can contact live support at http://www.filetonic.com/support to receive assistance with your problem.
Susan Keenan | October 4th, 2008
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