Introduction:

There is much joy one gets when working with a fast computer, which helps to increase productivity in everything that we do as far as computer is concerned, there are a few things to do to prevent your computer from getting slow, and in this article, I will share some practical steps you have to take to raise the effectiveness of your computer. So without much I do let's get started.


Maintenance of system updates:

It's essential to maintain your operating system (OS) and software programs updated for optimum performance.  For the newest versions to be installed, enable automatic updates or often check for updates.



Manage startup programs:

A common cause of slow boot times is an excessive number of programs launching at startup. Review the startup programs and disable unnecessary ones. On macOS, go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items; on Windows, utilize the Startup tab of the Task Manager.

image showing task manager

Carry out disk cleanup

Your hard drive assembles temporary files, caches, and other extraneous material over time, which might affect performance. To get rid of these files and free up disk space that slows down the PC, use the built-in disk cleanup tools provided by your operating system. As another option for cleaning up your PC, think about deleting useless programs.


By doing so, you can manually delete temporary files. 


i) Press Windows + R to display a pop-up menu


ii) Type "%temp%" in the dialog box and press "OK."


iii) Select all temporary files and permanently erase them by pressing the shift key while pressing the delete key.



Optimize storage:

Ensure that your computer has sufficient free storage space for efficient performance. Aim to free at least 10-15% of your disk space. Consider transferring large files to external storage or utilizing cloud storage services to alleviate the burden on your local storage.


Manage browser extensions:

Browser extensions can enhance your web browsing experience, but having too many can slow down your browser. Review your installed extensions and remove unnecessary ones. Additionally, clear your browser cache regularly to improve browsing speed.


Defragment your hard drive (for HDDs): 

If you have an HDD, routine defragmentation can help you maximize file storage and accelerate read/write rates. Use Windows' built-in disk defragmenter or the Disk Utility app on a Mac.


Upgrade hardware components:

Sometimes, optimizing computer performance requires upgrading hardware components. Consider increasing your RAM (random access memory) if your computer frequently runs out of memory. The system responsiveness and boot times can be greatly enhanced by switching from a conventional HDD to a solid-state drive SSD which will determine how fast your PC boots up, how quickly your application loads, and the general response of your machine.


Manage power settings:

Adjusting power settings can optimize performance based on your usage requirements. To ensure the best system performance, choose High Performance or Balanced from the power settings menu. However, remember that high-performance settings may impact laptop battery life.

image showing power setting

Run regular malware scans:

Malware infections can severely impact computer performance and compromise security. Install trustworthy antivirus software and run routine scans to find and get rid of viruses. Additionally, exercise caution while downloading files or visiting unfamiliar websites to minimize the risk of infection.


Restart your computer regularly:

Restarting your computer periodically helps clear temporary files, refresh system processes, and resolve any performance issues that may have accumulated. Restarting also ensures that software updates are fully installed and applied.


Conclusion:

By following these unique insights and proactive measures, you can defy the aging process of your computer, helping it run faster, smoother, and smarter. Embrace the digital spring cleaning, empower your system with updates, and optimize your space – all to keep your trusty companion in its youthful digital prime. So, remember, a little care goes a long way in ensuring your computer's journey through the digital realm remains efficient and enjoyable.