Malware
Possibly the most important contributor to a badly performing computer is malware.
Action 1. Update the definitions of your antivirus and operate a full scan of your hard drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable problems. Note that some viruses require extra measures before they could be removed; usually a internet search will find specific directions or a particular removal tool. Use the BC forums to obtain assistance, if you cannot find a solution.
Step Two. You’ve recently downloaded an application, and if the slowness is unanticipated, the issue may reside there. Check this by totally removing it. A sensible user will generally perform a internet search about the application before downloading it because in most instances, any possible problem with malware or inferior performance will have surfaced.
Stage three. Adware and Spyware can radically effect your personal computer’s functionality, and these are all over the Internet. A very recent study indicated that one out-of every 20 executable files on Web sites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains feature at least one bit of spyware waiting for victims.
Update the explanations of your antispyware applications and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Experienced customers will often run several of the programs, because each business has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own established. (A set of really good, free antispyware applications is supplied by BC). Again, solve any open issues before continuing to the next phase.
For further reading about Malware and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the applications have quite great Help files that describe how they function too as the unique features of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Review applications that self-launch on startup. You computer may be a battleground for your consideration. Many programs, for instance, install a fast-start feature which allows them to be exposed quickly; other programs may include an automated update feature that requires them to be operating in the background. Your launching Windows are slowed down by each of these and each requires a small bit of assets while your personal computer is running.
The easiest way to examine and than to handle start-ups is to work with one of the many little utilities available (see the BC list of free applications). Remember that BC maintains a really comprehensive Startup Database that includes info about whether the item is needed, optional, or unnecessary, in case you are unsure about what can be safely removed.
At-the same time, remember that all those icons on your own Desktop also take a small amount of trunk time to place themselves.
Lack of Maintenance
Step 5. Cleanup your hard drive (preparation for Step 7). Delete unused programs and move old files to a CD. Unplayed games, lots of family images, zipped files that you have already opened, applications you haven’t used in two years, software for that old printer you threw away last year—these are a few types of files you can delete.
(Note for advanced level users: some professionals would contain the additional care step of cleaning the Windows registry, and you will find plenty of apps to help do this. For the most part, so this step isn’t included, you can do severe harm by creating registry modifications, registry maintenance won’t make a vital difference, and unless you’re quite comfortable with Windows, and carefully make backups of the registry
Step 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it repair My Internet Is So Slow.
Stage 7. Defragment your personal computer.
Hopefully, since you have have finished, you’ll find a noticeable enhancement in computer performance.