How to Speed Up Your Old Computer

Don't be like this guy. After all, computers can't hear you anyways.

So let's say you've got an old windows PC and, whether given to you by someone or time has just taken its toll on the machine, it runs ridiculously slow. Let's face it, it's slower than molasses in an igloo. Fortunately for you, this doesn't have to be the case forever. Here's how to quicken your machine up.

Things You'll Need

• Patience
• Anti-Virus software
• Possibly more memory

Instructions

1. First off, we need to check for malicious software that maybe hogging up space on your PC. You need to update your virus scanner for all the latest computer threats so your computer can remove them. If you don't have a virus scanner, these free open source virus scanners can help.

   •AVG Free Antivirus
   •Avast Antivirus Home Edition
   •Spybot Search & Destroy
   •Windows Defender.

2. Once that is done go ahead and start removing programs that you never use and don't need to clear up some space on your computer's hard drive. If a program doesn't have its an uninstaller for it, you can remove it manually using the Add/Remove Programs control panel. Just select the program listed on this control panel and click remove.

3. Next you'll want to check your startup menu and delete or disable any unnecessary programs that activate and begin running when you turn on your PC. This can result in shorter startup and shut down times.

4. Also run built in maintenance tools for your PC. They will generally be located in the system maintenance folder.

   •Disk Cleanup
   •Disk Defragmenter

5. If it's still slow you may need to install more memory on the computer. You can check how much you have by going to start menu > Control Panel > Click System icon > clicking the General tab and it will display the amount of RAM is listed. From there you can buy chips at a local computer store to improve the performance.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to buy more memory, always shop around and see who can install it for you at a fair price.

• If your are trying to install new software, there is a chance it may not run on an old PC.

• Older systems will be more prone to malicious software and viruses.

• Always check the system requirements before installing new software on an old PC.