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Remember how speedy your PC used to be?

Ah, those were the days. I know the feeling. It seems as if a month or two into ownership, the speed just fizzles away.

Soon enough, your brand new computer is a slug - just like your old one.

If you stop to think about it though, within the first month, your new PC has had numerous changes including new software installations, downloads, files, shortcuts, and countless tweaks.

If you upgraded to Windows Vista, no doubt you’ve fiddled with the Aero interface and the Sidebar gadgets. You may have picked a cool Windows theme to give your PC a unique look. Do you like all of those cool animated menus in your programs? Guess what? All of these bells and whistles sap speed.

While I’m using Windows Vista as an example, themes, background pictures, fancy menus, shortcuts, running software programs, active desktop content, and animated cursors all add up to lost performance no matter what operating system you are running.

The first order of business if you want to make your PC faster is to reduce unnecessary downloads and of course the eye candy. Go with a simpler interface rather than the Windows Vista Aero interface. You won’t be able to view your open programs in such a “pretty” way but who cares? You lived without Aero long before Vista, right?

Next, reduce the Visual effects such as shadows under menus and animated menus. In Windows Vista, you can do this by going into the Control Panel and choosing Performance Information and Tools and then clicking on Adjust Visual Effects. Click the button labeled Adjust for Performance.

While inside this area, go through each of the tasks listed in the left panel of the screen including: Manage Startup Programs, Adjust Indexing Options, Adjust Power Options, and Open Disk Cleanup Tools. Each of these tasks will help you to squeeze a bit more performance out of your PC.

The Performance Information and Tools section offers numerous steps for Vista users to recover speed from their PCs. This doesn’t mean that earlier Windows users can’t do the same. If you have Windows XP or even a few earlier operating systems, you can manage startup programs by going into the Start button, clicking “run” and typing MSCONFIG. Next, click the Startup Items tab and disable programs that you don’t need to use each time you log on. This alone can make your PC faster! This is because the more programs running, the more memory is used - thus the slower your PC becomes. Use care so that you don’t disable required programs such as anti-virus programs.

Cleaning up the disk is another way to speed your PC. Go to Start >Programs >Accessories >System Tools and then run both the Disk Cleanup utility as well as the Disk Defragmenter.

In addition to the built-in performance tools, consider using a registry cleaning utility such as RegCure to clean up the clutter in your computer’s registry. This clutter sends obsolete or invalid instructions to the operating system which slows everything to a crawl. Get rid of the bottleneck, and you’ll notice a dramatic speed boost.

Finally, make sure that your PC is clean - no viruses, no spyware, no malware. These programs are notorious speed killers.

 Believe it or not, while from the perspective of your computer screen it may seem impossible that anything or any programs could get on to your computer without your express and intentional permission, this is actually far from true. There are, in fact, a number of ways that material can gain access to your computer, as well as means by which such programs can contain instructions for your computer to automatically run them.

You can accidentally install software like spyware or adware on your computer when it is hidden inside another product with a different primary purpose. Applications such as screen savers, toolbars and clocks are notorious for containing hidden code that can infiltrate your system, sending information about your Internet habits and personal information to outside locations, or by infecting your system with irritating pop-up advertisements. In these cases, products like these can be programmed to store themselves in your computer’s Start Up list, meaning that they will initiate whenever your computer is turned on. This can make it difficult to remove them, as they return even when they have been deleted from other places.

If a malware program, or a program of malicious, destructive code has infiltrated your computer system it is possible that unknown people have gained control of your system by remote device and issued commands without your permission. Computer worms or Trojans can install programs that create ‘backdoors’ to your computer through which your system can be used to distribute spam or pornography. With remote access, hackers can use your computer with the same efficiency as if they were sitting at the keyboard.

Another way that unwanted programs get on your computer is through the intentional download of software programs that contain trial versions of other products. Often operating systems like Windows or Mac come complete with trial versions of other Microsoft of Apple products that can be programmed to reside in your Start Up menu and run without your express permission.

While these products are unlikely to be destructive, the higher number of programs running on your system increases the workload for your processor, requires more RAM space, and decreases the speed at which your computer can perform desired and commanded functions.

There are a few key places to look if you want to know what programs and processes are currently running on your computer, as well as those that are stored in your Start Up list and pre-set to launch when your computer is turned on.

The first is the Task Manager, which can be accessed by both Windows Vista and XP users by pressing the Control, Alt and Delete keys at the same time, then selecting Task Manager, followed by the Application tab. After looking at Applications, more information is available by selecting the Processes tab to see the multiple processes run by each program.

Secondly, check out the Start Up list. If you use Windows Vista, click on the Start icon that is on the lower left side of your computer screen, then type MSCONFIG in the pop-up box and press ENTER. Windows Vista is designed with some precautions to prevent accidental changes to your computer system and software and so as a result you might encounter some security prompts for administrative permission. Once you access the configuration menu, select the Start Up tab for a list of all the programs that are launched from Start Up.

In Windows XP, the Start Up applications can be viewed by first opening the Start menu, and clicking Run then type MSCONFIG into the pop-up box and hit OK. Now click on the Start Up tab.

Even if you know how to look at these lists, it is unlikely that most of us could easily identify which programs and processes belong and which don’t. For help with this process there is a handy list of programs and processes available at www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php that explains each entry and tells you if it is vital for your system, optional, or best removed.

 An optimally running computer system makes working and playing a breeze. Rather than suffer through slow operating times, delayed responses, application errors and system crashes, if you prepare and maintain your system at its optimal levels, you can get the most enjoyment and productivity out of your computer.

There are many facets to consider when optimizing your computer. The first is hardware. In order to run your programs and applications at the peak of their designed performance, it is important to recognize and meet system requirements. Every software program will have different requirements of RAM memory, free disk space, and processing power, to name a few factors. If you want to run sophisticated programs, for example, those with complex graphics, it is important to have a high quality graphics card. Old and low budget systems will not meet the requirement of today’s software designs and, before you spend money on expensive programs, you should consider updating your hardware.

Secondly, once you have the system you need for your interests and computer use, the next important factor is your operating system. This software is going to determine your system’s ability to use third party programs and access popular applications.

Once you have the system you need for your personal goals, or even if you have a less that optimal system, there are many things that you can do to make your system run as well as it can. First, every computer will slow down with time and use, as bits of program data gets stored on the system’s registry. It is part of the computer’s regular performance to store information on the hardware to catalogue its processes. However, in time, pieces of redundant and unnecessary code accumulate on the registry and slow its functions. Cleaning a cluttered registry will speed up your computer, reduce errors and maintain your computer’s good health.

You can clean and edit your computer’s registry yourself and the steps aren’t very difficult. However, you do have to know your way around the registry as well as your hard drive and you must know where different programs and data code are stored. Other than a manual edit, there are numerous registry scans available for download that are effective and easy to use. It is always important to back up your registry before you make any changes - either on your own or by using a software scanner - in case anything goes wrong and you want to re-load the original information. If the registry loses vital information, it might be necessary to have to reinstall your operating system.

Maintaining good system security will also preserve the health of your computer. It is a really good idea to install a good antivirus software program that will scan any incoming attachments for viruses and monitor any external access of your computer. Make sure that you routinely update your antivirus program with the latest virus definitions that are available on the manufacturer’s website.

Hardware acceleration is not so much a cheat, as it is an exercise in efficiency. Different hardware components like processors have certain limits to the speed at which information is handled. This is real speed, however the perceived speed, or time a user notices between actions, can be enhanced with more efficient handling of information and processes.

All hardware takes commands in a sequence, and by manipulating this sequence some tasks are performed more efficiently. It is no different than planning a day of errands based on factors such as distance and availability afforded by a location’s hours.

The most common form of hardware acceleration is a graphics accelerator or video card accelerator. In this case, components of the graphic are compressed for faster processing by the graphics card or video card. Advanced graphics and displays in desktop environments may depend on enabled hardware or graphics acceleration.

Problems arise when certain software applications are not compatible with graphics acceleration. This is very common in the crashes of casual games, or games downloaded from Internet retailers typically for $19.99 or less. The hardware is literally processing faster than the software can handle, and this creates a problem.

Users can usually control hardware acceleration or graphics acceleration from right-clicking the desktop. A sliding bar will allow the user to determine the graphical aspects that are permitted to perform at an accelerated rate. Adjusting the hardware acceleration to a lower setting may be required for casual games, older games, or to free up virtual memory space. Decreasing hardware acceleration may limit the extra graphics, such as mouse pointer animation, in desktop themes.

There is also a way users can accelerate their processor by a method called over-clocking. This is accomplished by an application or physical manipulation to the processor chip’s settings for cooling or modification to the wiring. Over-clocking will void any warranty on a computer, and is very dangerous from a safety standpoint. Overriding a chip’s cooling parameters can lead to a unit shorting, which will most certainly fry the chip, and may even start a fire. Over-clocking is used sometimes on older computers to prolong their life, but even then, it is not good practice for general computer users.

 No one likes to wait for a computer to perform an action. While the wait may only be twenty to thirty seconds, those seconds are an agony when there is nothing else to do. There are many reasons a computer may slow down. Some are easily solved with software solutions, while others are more involved hardware issues that may result in additional purchases.

Spyware/Malware/Viruses

Frequent web-surfing and downloading of unknown files make it very likely a suddenly slow computer is a victim of malware. These programs attach themselves to legitimate downloads, and install covertly without the user realizing he or she is authorizing it. Spyware and viruses range in terms of danger from causing annoying pop-up advertising on the desktop to transmitting personal information or computing power to a remote user.

Solution: Install and regularly use a robust anti-virus or anti-spyware product. These applications are relatively inexpensive, and should be sued for regular scans and to check any incoming downloaded content. Paretologic offers the best solutions for Windows operators, at very affordable prices. Try Paretologic Anti-Spyware and Paretologic Anti-Virus PLUS.

Too many commands at once!

Multiple double-click on applications, or quickly demanding multiple window switches causes even the fastest computers to have a slow moment. Think of it like this: how well do you respond to five or six different commands given to you at once? What many users do not realize is a simple click by the user is really hundreds of mini-steps and commands for a computer. Sure, five clicks on windows may seem small to you, but to the processor it has to prioritize and follow hundreds of commands.

Solution: Only open the number of programs absolutely necessary for the task at hand or use short cut keys to cut down on command clutter. If you are copying and pasting information from one window to another, save time by using CTLR-C for Copy and CTRL-V for Paste. Alt-Tab will switch between windows in a jiffy as well, without the lag in graphics.

Slow network connection, or web-browsing.

Large corporate networks are infamous for slowdowns during peak work times. Network servers can only handle so many requests for information at once. This has nothing to do with your computer’s modem or connection speed. Every site on the web is also hosted on a server. Web sites lag or go down completely when the number of requests overpower the abilities of the server.

Solution: Try altering work habits to avoid peak times, such as staggering lunch times to have fewer users on the system at once. Or, try to work off the system completely by saving a copy of the network document to your computer’s desktop, and replacing the file on the network when you are finished. Web sites can also be worked with in the same manner, by selecting to work off-line. This saves the web site so users can read or reference the material at leisure, without an open connection to the web site’s server.

Other solutions to a slow computer may require a system upgrade to the processor, RAM, or both. With the way the computing industry works now, it usually isn’t cheaper to upgrade individual components of a computer. Instead, users with computer systems greater than 5 years old will save money by purchasing an entire new system. This will include upgrades to other hardware issues such as hard drives, video and sound cards, and ports for peripherals. Computer manufacturers receive deep discounts on components, and this is passed on to the consumer with the package of an entire machine.

 As the adage goes: “Good things come to those who wait.” One of these good things is a speedy computer. Before jumping to blame a virus, spyware, or poor hardware specifications for a bogged down computer, consider your computing habits. A little bit of patience goes a long way in keeping the clock speed of a processor high.

Stop multiple double-clicking to open a program.

When you double click on an application shortcut icon three, four, or five times, the computer registers each of these as commands to perform. As a result, the processor, RAM, and hard drive are trying to open the same program three, four, or five different times.

After performing this procedure, if you suddenly have the patience to wait out the lag before rebooting, you will notice the program opens multiple times at the bottom of the screen. This isn’t only a problem of giving the computer too many commands at once. For some applications and files, only one instance can safely run at time, especially documents, or banking software where multiple versions of the same file is a bad thing. Now, you may have to deal with a bunch of error messages as well.

Wait for a window switch to occur, before asking the computer to do another switch.

Window switching is the norm for super multi-tasking corporate environments. Unfortunately, users are so focused on speed, an incorrectly selected window or tab is compensated with an immediate click on the correct one. Similar to multiple double-clicking, this practice gives too many commands to the computer at once.

At best, this will just require the user to wait out the program or operating system to go through the multiple window switches. At worst, this common practice could cause programs to encounter errors and shut down. When this occurs, any unsaved information may be lost, or corrupted. Corruption occurs with bits of data are replaced or stored in the wrong order or lost completely. This is an affliction most likely to happen when the computer is overtaxed with commands or processing needs.

Wait at least a minute between hard reboots.

A hard reboot is when a user pushes in the power button to shut down a computer. This solution most often occurs when the computer is “stuck,” and the user assumes the shut down function is unavailable. Before resorting to a hard reboot, users should always try the button combination CTRL-ALT-DELETE to start the shutdown process. Alternatively, patiently wait a few moments to see if the system recovers.

If a hard boot is required, users should wait a few moments before restarting in order to give the hard drive disk and other internal components a chance to completely stop. Restarting the computer as the hard drive is stopping can cause a scratch or physical damage to the fragile components. This physical damage may result in a “computer crash” and make it extremely difficult to retrieve the information stored on the hard drive.

Hard reboots should be avoided if possible because software corruption can occur. Although larger storage space of hard drives and computers capable of running more and more processes require longer shut down times, the wait is worth it. Damaged software takes valuable time to remove and reinstall, not to mention the potential loss of priceless data.

Patience is a valuable virtue in the computing world. Constant double-clicking, speedy window switching, and quick hard reboots are all ways users can significantly damage software and hardware in the computer. While we all may be in a rush to complete work or play games, these practices turn into catastrophes when hard drives must be recovered, or software is corrupted. Users lose the time they may save with impatience to the solution for any problems that arise from the damage.