| Working with a slow computer can be a real irritation | | | | checking which programs in the processes tab are |
| as programs struggle to open or process commands. | | | | using up all your memory. Alternatively, you can speed |
| This article looks at 5 principal ways to speed up | | | | up laptop boot up times by disabling services that get |
| laptop boot times and overall performance. | | | | initialised as Windows is starting. Use the Microsoft |
| Start by reducing the strain on your hard disk. The | | | | System Configuration application for this (start menu > |
| Windows disk defragmenter tool can clean up drive | | | | run > enter msconfig.exe). |
| sectors by co-locating fragments of your files. Less | | | | Degraded internet performance can result in perceived |
| fragments makes file access quicker for applications | | | | poor laptop speeds, when in fact the connection or the |
| and system programs. For extra benefits keep over | | | | browser are at fault. Disable browser add-ons to |
| 10% of the disk empty for use by the operating | | | | reduce the number of remote calls the browser |
| system (for virtual memory). | | | | makes. Use your firewall settings to restrict which |
| Keep the software on your laptop up to date and | | | | applications are permitted web access. Test your |
| damage. This involves running the Windows Update | | | | connection speeds (e.g. at speedtest.net) to ensure |
| regularly for device driver and system updates. Most | | | | you do not have slow connection problems. |
| third-party applications provide a 'Check For Updates' | | | | Finally, it is still worth considering a RAM upgrade for |
| option as a sub-menu item. Having the latest code | | | | your laptop. This can speed up laptop performance |
| ensures you have the fastest, most secure and stable | | | | considerably and is cheap and easy to implement. If |
| code on your computer. | | | | your OS supports ReadyBoost enabled flash drives |
| Reduce the number of programs running at any one | | | | then you could try allotting some of the USB drive's |
| time. You can do this via the Task Manager by | | | | memory to be used as additional RAM. |