5 Best Practices to Keep your PC running at Optimal Levels

One of the most common things that most people say is, this computer is so slow. In our need for immediate gratification, here are a few tips on how to get your PC running quicker and extend the life of your PC.

1. Startup Programs - The number one issue I run across when I sit down on a PC that has slow performance what I call “overload”. Many times the PC has at least 10 programs starting up when the computer does that the user does not even know about. The only program that you need to start when you turn your PC on is your virus program. Any type of printer software, ITunes, Adobe, QuickBooks, etc do not need to run until you need to actually use the program. Otherwise it is just wasting resources waiting on you to start the program. So to clear out the start up programs go to START > RUN and type MSCONFIG. Once you get the pop up window go to startup and clear all the check boxes except those related to your virus program. You can tell by looking at the program path. It will list the name of the software in the path enough for you to determine what it is.

2. Spyware and Virus Programs – When it comes to Spyware and Viruses all you need is a good virus program and good surfing habits. 99% of the spyware on your PC comes from the user installing “free” software off the Internet. Whether it is a toolbar for your Internet browser, a music player for MP3’s, Stationary for email or any other program you don’t pay for the chances are it is installing spyware without you noticing. Even some of the spyware removal programs are spyware themselves. So a good rule of thumb is “If you didn’t pay for it do not install it on your PC”. It will keep your PC free from a lot of garbage.

3. Internet Browser – The internet is a critical part of business processes so keeping your browser clean can also help your PC run more efficiently. Do not install any toolbars from AOL, Yahoo, Google, etc. This causes another layer of interference. Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox have a nice built in search feature now that allows you to choose who you want as your search engine and it works great. Along with toolbars there are many add ins to internet explorer that can cause problems. The easiest way to remove these are to uninstall these toolbars and programs is using Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel.

4. Unused Programs – Most machines if purchased from a retail store or online vendor come with prepackaged OEM software that you will never use on the PC. The first thing I do when I get a PC in is go to Add/Remove Programs in the control panel and remove all programs that are not needed on the PC. For instance if you don’t use AOL take it off, along with any vendor specific software. If you buy a COMPAQ take off any software from COMPAQ as an example. HP, DELL, GATEWAY applies as well.

5. Memory – Memory may be the most important area, often overlooked that is simply vital to your PC. If you are running any version of Windows XP you need at least 512MB of memory. To check what you have now, go to START > RUN and type WINVER and press OK. It will tell you the “Physical Memory Available to Windows” If this number is below 500,000KB you do not have enough. It takes 256MB to operate XP and by the time you add Word, Excel, Outlook, QB or software specific to your industry your computer is starving for memory. The difference between 256MB and 1024MB on a new machine is around $150 and well worth the price. This difference can mean adding a few more years to life of your PC investment. So what is the minimum amount of RAM in a new machine I would suggest no less than 1024 MB. The next generation of Windows Vista the requirements are only going to increase.

Your network in a small or large business is many times the single tool that your employees use constantly. Ensure that your IT firm is doing PC audits to address issues and most of all, empower your staff to take small measures that pay large dividends.