WHY IS MY PC SLOW

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WHY IS MY PC SLOW?

• That new Acer Ferrari sure looks fast!

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BACK WHEN IT WAS NEW

• It booted up quicker
• Applications loaded faster
• It shut down quicker
• It hardly ever crashed

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MAYBE I NEED A NEW PC

• Probably not!
• Lets look into some issues that we can address
  that may make old Lizzie run like she used to!

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14 WAYS TO SPEED UP YOUR PC

• Spyware and Viruses
• If you have not been running antispyware and
  antivirus software (and keeping it updated) OR
  you download a lot of shareware / freeware, your
  computer is probably loaded with spyware /
  viruses
• It is probably best to reload windows,,,but
  first, read the Internet Security Booklet at
• www.discoveryowners,com.internetsecurity.htm

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• 2. PROCESSOR OVERHEATING
• Check processor temperature with freeware
  program.
• gt60 C is a problem and will cause processor to
  slow down in attempt to decrease temperature
• Check fan and vents, clean if necessary, to
  ensure proper ventilation
• Laptops are especially prone to this problem!

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• 3. RAM
• Check RAM temperature
• Inadequate amount of RAM
• - added processes and numerous open
• programs
• - On Board video / audio
• Result in HD used for memory SLOW
  
• Check that RAM is securely in socket
• Did you add RAM? Modern systems require
  compatible RAM modules for adds (speed, timing,
  etc) or else the system could be slowed down
  tremendously

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• 4. FAILING HARD DRIVE
• Some signs of imminent failure
• - Slow access time
• - Increased number of bad sectors
• - Unexplained BSOD
• - Intermittent boot failures
• - Strange noises
• Check drive health with various free utilities
• Spinrite is best (90 at www.grc.com)

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• 5. DRIVERS
• Check to see that you are using the latest
  drivers (video, audio, HD, etc)

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• 6. CHECK START PROGRAMS
• Many software programs start with each
  computer boot, increasing boot time and using
  precious resources (memory and cpu cycles).
• Eliminate unnecessary programs from start menu
  / MSCONFIG

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• 6A. BACKGROUND APPLICATIONS
• Do you have LOTS of icons in your System
  Tray?
• The more you have, the longer it takes your
  computer to boot and shut down AND the more
  memory and cpu cycles it takes to handle them.
• Delete any unnecessary background applications
  (MSCONFIG)

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• 7. ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY WINDOW SERVICES
• Many windows services are enabled by default
  and many are not needed.
• Download my XPSERVICES.doc file from
  www.discoveryowners.com/XPSERVICES.doc and stop
  any unnecessary services
• If you are unsure of any, either do not change
  or set to manual start
• The worst offender is Windows Indexing Service

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• 8. RUNAWAY PROCESSES / PROGRAMS
• From Windows Task Manager, click the
  Processes tab.
• System Idle Process should be gt 50
• Any processes taking up a significant
  percentage may be a runaway process and should be
  stopped. Reboot may be necessary.

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• 10. DISK FRAGMENTATION
• As files are added / changed / deleted,
  portions of a file end up on disparate regions on
  the disk causing unnecessary head movement
  resulting in slower disk reads. In other words,
  the disk has become fragmented.
• Dont fill up the disk, keep 20-25 of
  capacity vacant.
• - Needed for defragmenting
• - Need spare sectors to replace bad (ongoing)

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• 11. CLEAN THE REGISTRY
• Use carefully!
• Some cleaners are too aggressive. Make a
  backup first in case something breaks.

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• 12. MS OS MEMORY LEAKS
• All OS prior to XP experience memory leaks
  to some degree which will degrade computer
  performance and lead to BSOD.
• Dont leave the computer on for long periods,
  reboot several times per day

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• 13. CHECK YOU SECURITY SOFTWARE
• Many security software packages will slow your
  computer down by 15. Choose better programs
  that offer more protection and do not bog down
  your computer

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• 14. RELOAD OS
• A drastic measure, but sometimes it is the
  only alternative

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• UNLESS YOUR NEEDS HAVE CHANGED, YOU MOST LIKELY
  DO NOT NEED A NEW COMPUTER! (unless you really
  want one)
• Failure to do the aforementioned items will mean
  that you will be complaining about how slow your
  new computer is next year