If you’re an average PC user, you’re probably aware that your machine is a complex tool. And with that complexity, unfortunately, comes a lot of potential for things to go wrong. Just like an automobile, a computer needs regular tune-ups. If you’re running Windows on your computer, there are several tools that you can use to clean up your computer so that it runs a little bit more quickly. Here are a few ideas to make your computer run like new, so that you aren’t tempted to buy a new PC for no reason!
1. Defragment the Registry
Windows has a useful tool called defragmentation, a tool which consolidates files on your hard drive, so that the computer can access them more easily. Though the defragmentation can take a while to run, the time savings it will bring you are well worth it.
2. Use Anti-Virus Software
As most people know, computer viruses are no joke. But some viruses are pretty innocuous, doing things that just slow your computer down. If you’re running anti-virus software and you keep the software up-to-date, it should prevent you from getting most viruses. Of course, you’ll want to practice safe computing too. Avoid clicking on attachments unless you know what the file is and who it’s from. Popular brands for antivirus software include McAfee and Kaspersky.
3. Delete Files
When you surf the Internet, your browser automatically saves files to your computer, to make loading web pages faster if you revisit them. These files, mainly pictures, are saved in a cache. However, since picture files tend to be big, they can take up a lot of room. Regular deletion of your Internet cache can free up hard disk space and make your computer run faster. It will also give you more room for your own storage.