My Computer is Slow

What can be done to Improve Performance

Hard Drive Needs to be Defragged CPU Outdated BackgroundPrograms

Eight

Computer 101

CPU

Plugs inHere

Computer 101

CPUInstalled

Computer 101

HeatSinkForCPU

Computer 101

CPU withHeat sinkinstalled

Computer 101

RandomAccessMemory(RAM)

Computer 101CPU &cooling

Ram –1 installedRoom for2 more

Computer 101

Hard Drive

Computer 101HardDriveHeads

Computer 101Hard DriveHeads inDifferentPosition

What Effects Performance?Hard Drive

How FullNeeds DefragRegister

CPU

RAMHow muchHorsepower

How Much RAMHow is it utilizedVirus

BackgroundPrograms

CPU Comparison2.2GHZ$179

1.6GHZ$102

3GB ofRAM

1GB of RAM

Why is RAM important?

CPU

RAM

Hard Drive

Fast DataTransfer

Slower DataTransfer

More Ram andBetter Use ofRam ImprovesPerformance

What Happens on Startup?

CPU

Win

SysVirus

Ram

NecessaryPrograms

Ram AvailableFor ProgramUse

HardDrive

What Happens on Startup?

CPU

Win

SysVirus

Ram

NecessaryPrograms

Ram AvailableFor ProgramUse

HardDrive

AOL

Qtime

MesUnnecessaryPrograms

Less RAM forProgram useMeans slowerPerformance

Controlling Startup Programs

Left Click Start Then Run

EnterMsconfigThenOK

Brings upSys ConfigClick Startup

The checked itemsOn the left areLoaded at Startup

Controlling Startup ProgramsIf we “uncheck” thoseThat are not requiredMore RAM will be Available – betterPerformance

The Click ApplyAnd OK

If you are in doubt as to “unchecking” an item,Enter the name into Google Search, which willIndicate if it can be deleted from the Startup

Controlling Startup Programs

Controlling Startup ProgramsHighlight theProgram to Be eliminatedFrom Startup

Then clickDisable Selected

Checking the Hard Drive

Right ClickStart, then LeftClick Explore

Right Click Drive (C)Which brings upThis Menu

Then Left ClickProperties

The Drive Space(used and free)Will be displayed

What is Defrag

---File in one Piece

File can be retrievedWith a singleRead.

What is Defrag

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Many revoluionsAnd various headPositions requiredTo retrieve a single File. Takes Longer

What is Defrag

---File in one Piece

File can be retrievedWith a singleRead.

Defrag moves the filesOn the Harddrive soThey are contiguous For Faster Data Xfer

How to Run Defrag

Left Click Start, All Programs,Accessories, System Tools

Clicking Analyze will check Hard Drive

What is the Registry?The Registry is a Folder on the “C” Drive and Stores:

Settings and Options for the Operating System

Settings for All Hardware

Settings for all software, Users, Preferences

Control Panel Settings, associations

Several entries for every program on the computer

Manages shortcuts

The Registry is updated each time programs, hardware or control panel settings are changed, deleted, etc.

The Registry can get messed up, which can slow down the System

A Virus Can Slow Computer

An Anti-Virus Program is a must.

There are many many on the market – Every Publication

Comes up with a List of which one is better – they range in cost from Free (AVG) to $60.

Stephanie liked CA, which sells for around $40 – others have used AVG with good results. Norton is known for taking a lot of system resources.

Background Programs

Have you ever experienced a very slow computer and then

A Message appears “Your xxx Program updates are ready to install”

Windows (and many other programs) have options to “check automatically for updates”

If my laptop has not been used for a while – it may take some time for all the programs involved to check updates and download same if required.

There is a tradeoff here – we tend to forget to check for updatesBut when they are done “automatically” they slow performance

Hard Drive Needs to be Defragged CPU Outdated BackgroundPrograms

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Summary Problem Solution

Weak CPU New Computer?

Insufficient RAM Add more – must be compatible

Manage Startup Programs

Hard Drive Keep 15% Free, Defrag

Registry Purchase a Program to Manage

The Registry

Virus Use AntiVirus Program and keep

it Up to Date

Merry Christmas