Optimizing Computers for Performance: PC Tune Up

While there isn’t anyway to fully cover how to optimize a computer for peak performance, we will attempt to discover the basics that are far too often overlooked.  In this article we will discuss software tweaking and hardware upgrade recommendations.  This article is written with the attempt to be a general guide to address multiple platforms of Microsoft Windows, however the hardware recommendations may be effective for any operating system or PC.  Before doing any maintenance to a computer, be sure there is a working backup of all important files, etc.

Let’s begin with software.  When a computer is not running smoothly, slowing down, and acting sluggish, there are a few things that come mind.

•  Has the hard drive been defragmented lately?

•  Has the hard drive been scanned for errors recently?

•  Are the Start-up files are crammed with junk that really doesn’t need to be loading?

•  Are temporary or unneeded files lurking in the background?

•  Are virus and spyware scanners up-to-date and running?

Defragmentation:

Defragging the hard drive is a very simple process.  Windows has it’s own tool that does this that can be found under the start menu, programs/accessories/system tools menu.  A hard drive after accessing  a file puts it back, however it may not get back to the same place on the platter that which it came.  So in time, data can technically be spread across the drives platter making data retrieval take longer, hence causing fragmentation.  The defrag tool, moves the data back to its home where it belongs.  A hard drive should be defragmented at least once a month or more often depending on how often data is accessed, files installed or uninstalled, or if you use the system as a gaming, video editing, sound editing machine.  In other words it depends on how hard you use the computer as to how often one should defrag the hard drive.

Just as important as defragmentation, is scanning the hard drive for errors.  More often than not, errors that slow down a computer’s performance are file structure and operating system related errors.  Depending on the version of Windows you have will be the difference of the program being called Scan disk or Check Disk.  Both can be found easily if you open the “My Computer” or “Computer” window (Icon on the desktop or in the start menu) and then right click on the hard disk drive (Default is C: however can vary from system to system), click properties.  A dialog box will appear and one of the tabs at the top will say “Tools.”  You want to click that.  You will see here that there are a few choices to pick from.  You already know what Defragmentation is, you want to click on “error checking check now” button.  If you are given the option of checking the options of “Automatically Fix File System Errors & Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors,” be sure to check them.  After pressing start, you may be prompted that the computer needs to start at Windows startup.  You can say ok to this and restart the computer to let it scan, otherwise it will begin.  It is recommend to leave the computer alone while it is scanning.  If you have any programs open, it is recommended to shut them down before beginning the process.

Startup and Temporary Files:

Windows 98 to Windows Vista all have a disk cleanup tool found under in the start menu under programs/accessories/system tools/ and disk cleanup icon.  Press the okay button after it calculates the files to be erased.  Start-up files can be a bit tricky to remove, and we only recommend that you do the following if you consider yourself to more on the advanced side of computing.  You will need a program called “HiJackThis” which can be downloaded over at Trendmicro.com.  This program will show you all the files that start up with your computer.  Be warned however, that if you remove system needed files, you may crash the operating system.  We recommend that you do a system restore point before using this program.  Other safer methods of removing the start up files are by removing them from the start-up menu under the start button menu.

Virus & Spyware:

These little pests are very annoying and will bring any computer to a crawl.  We are not going to say much here because there are so many forms of virus’ and spyware out there that it would be impossible to cover some or all of them.   So we simply will just round up the whole thing with an easy button.  If you would rather automate disk defragmentation, scan disk, temporary file removal, registry cleaning, and all the other PC performance options we recommend downloading Avast .

Avast Premium Security:

•   Anti-virus

•   Anti-spyware

•   E-mail scanning

•   Anti-phishing

•   Rootkit protection

•   Identity protection

•   Website authentication

•   Network monitoring

•   Firewall protection

•   Automatic updates

•   Embedded support

•   Optional anti-spam and parental control

We know this article is long, however, keeping a PC running smoothly isn’t exactly a simple task.  The next section is hardware based.  All the above is the general software applications that can be done.  A computer in time gets old and outdated, however doesn’t mean it needs to be on it’s way out the door.  Here is a list of considerations when thinking about adding performance to your computer and quite possibly get a few more years of use out of it.

•   Memory

•   Hard Drive

•   Video Card

•   CPU

Memory:

Many entry level computers these days don’t come with enough memory.  With applications becoming more and more demanding, it is essential that you have enough.  First find out how much your system can upgrade to and what kind of ram it has.  Consult the computer’s user manual or manufacturer to determine this.  Memory is cheap and very effective in giving a computer the much needed performance.

Hard Drive:

If your computers hard drive is more than 4 years old, you would greatly benefit from purchasing a new one and while your at it, get a larger capacity for file storage.  Hard drives unfortunately do wear out and grow old.  They are mechanical by nature and design, so like a car, they will eventually give up or begin to perform poorly.  With mp3s, ipods, video, and other audio files becoming common, having a larger hard drive will serve well.  Transferring data and your operating system can be done easily with Acronis True Image Home.  With Acronis True Image Home you will be able to move your entire operating system along with all your data from a smaller hard drive to a larger hard drive without the need to reinstall, reconfigure any partitions or operating system.  When purchasing a new hard drive we recommend SATA technology if your computer system is ready for it. As far as what hard drive brand, we recommend Seagate branded hard drives.

Video Card & CPU:

As with the memory, we have seen multiple lower priced PC’s coming without a video card installed.  This is yet another very useful upgrade and will add a lot of performance to your system.  Be sure to verify with the computer’s manufacturer what type of card you can put into the PC and limitations.  Be considerate of the power supply when adding a new video card.  They do draw on amps and wattage, so be sure you have adequate power and amperage.  Upgrading doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, it should be fun and exiting without putting a pain in the wallet.  When upgrading a CPU (central processing unit) be it Intel or AMD based all the above applies the same as the video card as the CPU.  Be sure to check all compatibilities and limitations.  CPU’s are only as good as the memory and video card backing them up.  If you have a great CPU, but a horrible video card and low ram, it will perform poorly because it is carrying their load instead of processing mainly data.

Equal2new | Better Than Refurbished Used Computer Equipment | Lifetime Guarantee

Article Written By: Mark Raven of Cxtec

August 1, 2008

Ever wish you had the opportunity to get rid of all of your old surplus technology equipment without having to throw it out in a harmful way?  Maybe even get some cash or credit for it?  Well now with a little help from you, CXtec can make it happen.

Cxtec has always been a leading retailer of networking equipment.  They have introduced a program cleverly named equal2new to buy and sell “used” products.  he program’s name makes it clear that these networking products are not simply used and refurbished, but just as good as new.  It is the only certified pre-owned equipment in the entire network marketplace that comes with a complete lifetime warranty.   In order to have such a high confidence level in the  equipment, each piece goes through a rigorous 10-step process before earning the certification seal.

Because CXtec places such an emphasis on testing for quality, buyers can be confident in purchasing the equipment.  Voice over IP, network cables, UPS systems, and switches are all available by the most trusted networking brands including Nortel, Cisco, and HP.  Each piece also has an over 99% out-of-the-box reliability rating so you know you’re getting a trusted product without having to buy brand new.  This will help reduce the cost of a data infrastructure in any company by using equipment longer, at a much more reasonable price.

The equal2new program has many perks, but here are some of the main highlights I picked out.

•  The 10-step certification process-as said before, it solidifies that these products are coming out as good as new and ready to use.

•  Warehouse Conditions-equal2new products are tested and certified in a clean and dust-free environment to help avoid any defects.

•  Large Inventory- there are over $20 million dollars worth of networking equipment ranging from corporate high end needs to basic personal wireless routers.  Thus allowing for fast and seamless shipping.

•  Certified Engineers and Managers- trained experts are brought in to do all of the examining and certification process as well as experienced managers who keep an organized atmosphere.

•  Ready to go to work-When equipment is shipped, it is packaged and ready to go.  No extra hardware is needed.  Just ready to be pulled out of the box and plugged in.

•  The warranty- Who doesn’t love a lifetime warranty?  You know its something you can trust, and if for some reason a problem occurs, just call up and get the situation solved.  Ah peace of mind.

•  Asset recovery- It’s great. Enables you to sell your surplus technology to Cxtec who will then dispose of it in an environmentally safe manner, applying to RCRA and CERCLA regulations.  Get cash, credit, or trade-in-value for your business.

So it’s easy to see why the equal2new program is such a great idea for anyone.  Whether you want to sell your old equipment, or buy these certified products, it makes sense and is a great idea.  This looks like something that could truly take off in the future and not only help many people with their networking needs, but  influence the entire industry.  Visit CXtec Today!

What Should I Do with My Old Computer?

You have purchased a new computer, and now you are wondering what to do with your old one.  If you are like many people, after about 3 to 5 years of use on a computer, you are ready for a new one.  Then you are faced with the question of what to do with the old computer.  In this article, hopefully we can give you a couple of ideas of what can be done with an older computer before just throwing it away or considering it is useless.

Idea #1:  Kid’s

If your system is 3 – 5 years old and is still in working condition, letting your children have a computer of their own will not only give them a chance at not wrecking your new one, but also give them responsibility to take care of the one they have now.  If they show they can use it properly, then down the road maybe they can be trust worthy of a nicer, newer computer.  We still recommend that all computers to be placed in a high traffic area where adults are present to monitor usage.

Idea #2:  Printer and File Server

With a new hard drive installed, this old computer could be a great place to store every-body’s (household) data, music, video, etc. using a network.  If you have a printer, you could use this system to share it out to the rest of the home’s systems.  A positive to storing data centrally is that a backup system could be put in place to protect your data.  See our Online Backup page and Data Protection page for further details.

Idea #3:  Recycle

See our Computer Recycling page for details on this idea or visit your closets R2 certified e-waste recycling center near you.

Idea #4:  Give the Computer Away

While the computer may not meet your requirements anymore, it may be exactly what somebody else needs.  Before giving your system to a friend, relative, non-profit, or other be sure to have the data wiped clean and reinstall the operating system, or don’t.  Identity theft happens this way in some cases where someone gives away their computer later to find that information was used illegally.  This is a great option, but keep precautions in mind.  Ryan’s Computer Consulting Services, doesn’t purchase any used equipment, but has been given many systems over the years that clients no longer want.  We always erase the hard drive, scrap any useful parts, and then pass them forward to another client that may need the part at no charge other than labor.  Passing it forward is always rewarding outside of a monetary value.  You know you have helped somebody in some small way.

Fear of Computers?

Many times while out on a job-site we have been confronted with the common statement of “I am afraid to mess something up” or “I don’t know enough about computers to want to change anything.” Often this leads to the confession that a person may just be altogether intimidated by a computer system. Believe it or not, we have found that the fear of computers is simply from the lack of basic understanding. In this article we will touch a little bit on the psychology of why people are generally afraid or fearful of computer systems when it comes to changing or modifying the settings inside them. Of course we are not physiologist, nor do we claim to be one, however, when talking about fear, we are talking about the human mind and consciousness of a person. So with that said let’s see why people have “computer-phobia,” if there is even such a word.

Fear of Computers: Who fits this category?

•  A person who uses a computer with the continuous thought of accidentally or intentionally messing something up.

•  A person who if afraid to change or modify a setting in a computers operating system or hardware.

•  The over all lack of understanding of how computers work ultimately makes you feel intimidated and uncomfortable with daily use.

I am sure this doesn’t cover everything, but I am fairly sure that it covers the majority. So what is the cure? Well, we will have to touch the subject at it’s core first, and believe it or not, the fear of a computer in itself isn’t the problem. The problem lies deeper in the thought process of a person. Let’s look at this in another way, outside the box.

Scenario:

Let’s say that you have lived in a specific place you entire life for 55 years. One day somebody comes along and says there is a great store 30 miles away, and that you should go and check it out for the great deals it has to offer. You are anxious and exited to hear that that store is so close now and you really want to visit it. However the first thought that goes through your mind is, I have have to travel this distance through heavy traffic. Fear starts to set in, because it is an unknown territory and known for traffic problems. So what do you do to take the fear, instead of it overtaking you? You go, get a map, look at the best route to travel, get in your car and go or you just sit around and imagine what it would have been like to have been there based everybody else’s experiences.

What you should see clearly in the scenario above is that you are faced with a decision. To go or not to go. You are given the understanding of how to get there, you know you need to drive to get there, and you know it is a distance, and there is some risk involved. If you are afraid to go to this new store because of traffic, then you may never see it. However, if you are afraid of traffic, but you still go, that means that you are set to conquer your fear, and in the end better yourself.

So what is the secret answer of not being afraid of a computer?

Answer: Education

No, I am not saying you need to get a PhD in computer science, however learning the basics of how a computers works, it’s operating system (Windows for example),and how to use it properly will quickly begin to eliminate fear. You see, fear originates from lack of understanding. If you have understanding, you will be in less fear of the object. We recommend to everybody that is just starting out on computers, to check out the PC for Dummies series. You can find these on our How-To Books page of this site. As always if there is any other reason why a computer scares you, please feel free to write and share it with us using our Contact Form. We may edit this article to include your experiences.