Computer Management

Customers often complain that their computers are running painfully slow, however when purchased the same machine was running perfectly. Has the computer subconsciously realised that there are faster processors on the market and is making way for an upgrade or do computers just slow down with age? As you can probably guess neither of the above suggestions are correct, but the questions still burns in our minds why is this computer so slow and how can it be speeded up. The following information and suggestions should hopefully provide some answers to these questions.

1) Keep the registry at a manageable size - Every time a program is installed it adds a large chunk of information to the computers registry. The registry is an enhanced version of the old Windows .ini files for the technically minded and is a massive database that is holding settings for all hardware and software installed in the computer. The more programs installed the larger it gets and the slower the computer becomes in finding information, especially when starting up. However one of the main causes of the registry becoming so big is that often programs are not uninstalled properly. Programs should always be removed by either using the Add/Remove programs tab inside control panel or by using the uninstall program provided by the software manufacturer, which usually shows next to the program concerned in the Programs folders list after pressing the Start Button. This way the registry entry is deleted, otherwise, although the program appears to have gone, the registry entry remains.

2) Regularly use the Windows system tools – Scandisk and on Windows 9X computers, Defrag are both very useful tools to logically check and sort the information on the hard disk. Ideally they should be run at least monthly and always choose the full option, regardless of any suggestions offered by the utilities. On occasions these utilities have either made a major difference to the speed of the computer or identified an enormous file fragment that then be safely deleted. System performance can be identified in Control Panel, System on Windows 9X computers or in Programs, Administrative Tools and Windows NT Diagnostics on NT computers. Ensure that Windows manages memory settings and that the recommended swap file is allocated.

3) Delete temporary, unwanted backup and large graphics files. A standard one page Microsoft Word file takes up around 25K of disk space, which means around 50 can be stored on a 1.44MB floppy disk. However a Word file with scanned pictures inserted can easily grow to between 100 and 5,000 times this size. Pictures, especially photos, create files of colossal sizes and therefore careful consideration needs to be given to removing important large files to a suitable backup media and also to deleting unnecessary ones. To search for these type of files simply click on the Start button and choose Find Files or Folders. Ensure the search path is set to the root of the hard drive containing your data, and type in *.doc *.jpg *.bmp *.tif *.pcx to search for all the data files of these types, or *.tmp *.bak *.chk to view temporary, backup or file fragments on your hard disk. Some .bak files should not be deleted, especially those in the Windows directory, as they contain a backup of important system files. Temporary Internet files can be removed in Internet Explorer or from within your particular browser.

4) Do not install too many fonts – A new computer was taking far longer to startup than a much older model in the same office. One of the first things a user did to this computer was to install around 800 fonts. Once the number was reduced to around 100 fonts the startup speed of the computer halved. There is an option to remove fonts in control panel, however system fonts, often shown in red, should not be deleted.

5) Be aware of the system requirements of modern software - Installing programs designed for the very latest of technology is likely to bring your older system to a standstill. Be realistic about what software your computer can cope with and check carefully the system requirements before purchase. If you really must have this software seriously consider upgrading your computer, or better still purchasing a new model designed for cutting edge software.

6) Remove those surplus programs sitting on your taskbar – Many programs insist on putting a small utility on your taskbar to permanently run in the background or to assist in launching their particular program. Some are essential such as anti-virus, however some such as Internet based audio software do not need to be there. Try either double clicking on these icons at the bottom right hand corner of the screen and looking for a settings option to remove them form the taskbar, or try right clicking them and selecting close. You may be offered the option to stop them starting up again the next time you log on to your computer. Another option is to find the startup folder on your hard disk ( find files again assists in this ) and move any unwanted programs out of this folder. You may want to temporarily move them to the desktop, so that they can be easily moved back if required.

Please email support@ITCroydon.co.uk if you are encountering problems, or have an unresolved computer management issue.