How to speed up a slow PC?

If your PC is taking ages to boot up and is very slow while running programs, it might be due to a number of factors.

Problem 1: Not enough RAM

RAM stands for Random Access Memory and is used as a temporary storage memory by your computer. This memory is in use when tasks are being executed by different programs. Hence, you should have enough RAM memory to process all the tasks at hand; if you don’t this might cause the major slow down of your computer while it is booting up or processing tasks.
How to know if your computer has enough RAM? The programs that are installed on your computer usually have RAM requirements that are asked. If your computer has been running at a normal speed before the installation of such programs and has crucially slowed down with time, you might need to add more RAM on your computer system.
Also, if your computer is slowing down every time you are processing large files, or it freezes while executing several programs at once, these might be some common signs that you need to add extra RAM.

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Problem 2: Temporary files have built up on your hard disk

Some tasks might require you to leave the system working for several days and this might cause temporary files to build up on your hard disk. This might be a reason why your computer is slowing down and is taking some time to boot up as these type of files tend to be memory consuming.

How to delete Temporary Files?
1. Open “My Computer” and select your local drive (it is usually labeled as :\C)
2. Select the “Windows” folder and locate the folder labeled “Temp”
3. Use your mouse to right-click on the folder (not the contents) and in the “View” options, choose “Details”
4. Select all the files that are older than the current date and press the delete key.
5. When done, go to the Recycle Bin on your desktop and choose “Empty Recycle Bin”

You can also choose to delete the Temporary Internet Files that have accumulated on your system
1. Go to your “Start” button and open “Control Panel”
2. Select “Internet Options” and in the section labeled “Temporary Internet Files” press “Delete Cookies” and “Delete Files” options.
3. You can also delete your history by clicking the option “Clear History”
4. When done, press “Apply” and “OK”
When you finish removing the Temporary Files, reboot your computer.

Problem 3: Your computer has been infected

If your computer has been infected by a virus, a malware, a worm or a Trojan, it might have cause the slow down of your computer system and even freeze several tasks at hand. Hence, you should run a virus scan and remove all the infected files found on your system.

Problem 4: Not enough space on the hard disk

Adding very bulky programs will automatically slow down your computer system. Hence, I will suggest users with a hard disk capacity of 2GB to leave at least 250MB free and those who have a higher hard disk storage capacity to leave at least 20% of the total capacity free. This will hence allow your computer to have enough room both for temporary files and file swapping.

Defragmenting your hard disk

You can also choose to defragment your hard disk to gather some dispersed spaces that can be used by the computer again.
1. Go to your “Start” menu and list all programs
2. In the “Accessories” option, select “System Tools”
3. Choose “Disk Defragmenter” from the list
4. To start the process, click the “Defragment” button.

Problem 5: Your Direct Memory Access (DMA) is disabled

The Direct Memory Access will allow data transmission between your hard drive and CD drive without requiring the microprocessor’s intervention. Those using Windows XP will not have this option set by default.
1. Click on the Start button and open “Control Panel”
2. Click and open the “System” icon
3. Select the “Hardware” tab and choose “Device Manager” option.
4. List the ATA/ATAPI options by clicking the + icon next to it.
5. Select the “Primary IDE Channel” option
6. In the “Primary IDE Properties” window select the “Advanced Settings” tab
7. Check whether the “Transfer Mode” for “Device 0” enables DMA.
8. Also, check whether the “Transfer Mode” for “Device 1” enables DMA.
9. Click “OK” to confirm the changes
10. Hence, click “Secondary IDE Channel”
11. In the “Secondary IDE Properties”, select the “Advanced Settings” tab
12. Check whether the “Transfer Mode” for “Device 0” enables DMA.
13. Also, check whether the “Transfer Mode” for “Device 1” enables DMA
14. When done, click “OK” to confirm the changes