Performance
If your computer or laptop is running slowly you can try some or all of the suggestions below. Microsoft also have an informative article entitled
5 Ways To Speed Up Your PC.
Disk Defragmenter
Over time your hard drive becomes a jumble of disorganised files and empty space. The Disk Defragmenter tool will tidy things up and help Windows to access your files faster.
1. Delete any old files, empty the Recycle Bin, and close any open programs.
2. Turn off your screen saver.
3. Press Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter.
4. The Disk Defragmenter window will open. Click the Analyze button. Windows® will now scan your hard drive.
5. Once completed you will be told if the drive need to be defragmented. Click OK.
6. If you need to defragment, click the Defragment button.
7. The scan will begin, this can take several hours and is best left over night.
Spyware
This article explains why Spyware can slow down your computer and cause it to crash.
Spyware and Adware can infect your PC when you use file sharing software, or download for untrustworthy sites. A major affect of this software is that it can hog valuable CPU and memory resources. The result is that you PC will gradually slow down until it becomes unusable. In a lot of cases it can even cause Windows to crash, forcing you to restart. Not ideal when you're working on a valuable report or assignment and you forgot to save it!
How can you remove Spyware?
There are a number of free programs that you can download to clean up your PC.
Suggested free software
Microsoft Windows DefenderLavasoft AdawareSpybot Search and Destroy
File Sharing Software
This article explains why using File Sharing software is bad for your PC.
How is my computer affected?
It's a safe assumption that most people know what file sharing software is, afterall, we are constantly hearing of the music and movie industry pursuing file sharers through the courts. However, if you install this sort of software there are consequences for the performance of your computer:
Spyware and Adware software can be installed. This slows down your PC and causes it to crash.
Virus, worm and trojan infections are increased.
Your Internet connection will become swamped with people trying to access your files.
The sharing software itself can be poorly written, this allows it to monopolise your memory and CPU.
What can I do?
There are a few things you should do to improve your PC's performance:
Always ensure your virus software is updated.
Use Automatic Windows Update.
Use a firewall.
Remove the software from your computer.
Install and run a Spyware removal tool
Prevent unnecessary programs from loading
This article explains how to use the MSCONFIG tool to prevent unnecessary software from loading when you turn on your computer.
Why do I need to remove software from my startup group?
When you install software it will sometimes add small programs to your Windows Startup Group. This means that they have to be loaded every time you start Windows XP. Some programs are important, for example, your antivirus software or firewall. However, most are not as important but they increase the time it takes for Windows to load, and they use up valuable memory.
How do I stop these programs?
Microsoft have included a useful tool with Windows XP called MSCONFIG. All you need to do is load it and remove the ticks from the programs you don't want to start with Windows.
1. Click Start > Run, then type msconfig and click the OK button.
2. The MSCONFIG screen will load. Click the Startup tab to view a list of the programs that are in your Startup Group. Remove the ticks next to entries you want to stop (be careful not to remove your antivirus or firewall software if you have any installed).
3. When you are satisfied click OK. You will see a message asking you to restart. Click Restart.
Tip: If you look at the Command column you will be able to see which program each entry relates to.