We all know the computer is everyone's secret best buddy. Whether you're typing up a paper, watching your favorite YouTube videos, or wandering around Facebook, your computer is always there. My laptop has become my pride and joy, and I'm always on the lookout for quick and easy ways to make it more efficient and elegant. I mean, what better way to spend your free time than to keep your computer in tip-top shape?
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Now, I'm not some crazy computer wiz who could solve all your technological woes, but here are a few simple things I do to get the most out of my computer:
- Safety first!
Make sure your anti-virus/spyware program is up-to-date and you perform routine scans. Generally, once every few days is ok.
- Get rid of what you don't need!
Start --> Control Panel --> Add or Remove Programs
See all that stuff on your computer? Look at each program, and say to yourself, "Am I ever going to use this again?" If not, REMOVE IT. If you're not gonna use Netlogo anymore, why keep it? This could potentially free up a lot of space on your computer. Just make sure you don't mess with things that are totally unfamiliar to you, otherwise you could kill your computer. (That's never fun.)
Defragment your computer. This'll make your computer faster by grouping similar files together so it doesn't have to search through a whole bunch of empty space. The built in Disk Defragmenter is good for this.
Start --> All Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools --> Disk Defragmenter
Also clear unneeded storage files (temporary internet pages, cookies, recycle bin). You could either use the Disk Cleaner built in or, what I recommend, CCleaner. http://www.ccleaner.com/
What this little program does is clear out all the stuff that isn't necessary, all that info that you won't ever use. All you have to do is click a few buttons, and poof! Your computer is that much more efficient!
-Make your desktop pretty!
Generally, the nicer a desktop looks, the better it is for the computer. Of course, this doesn't mean to find the flashiest possible background and use it. Simple and clean, that's all that matters.
Limit icons to 3 at most. I have two up: Recycle Bin and My Computer. No need for more, it'll just make your computer slower to start. It really looks nice too. Something like this:
Also change the resolution to be as high as possible (or at least 1024 x 768). Right click on the desktop and select Properties. Go to Settings and change it from there. Also change whatever other appearance settings you want to change. It might not make the computer necessarily faster, but it makes the experience that much more enjoyable.
Have fun with it!
Now, this is all I could think of off the top of my head. I'm sure there are lots more simple, easy, and safe ways to optimize performance. Post any tips or programs you'd recommend, there are bound to be a bunch of good ones!
Happy maintaining!]]>