How to Clear Memory From a PC
A computer uses two basic types of memory: RAM and hard drive storage. Both RAM and hard drive space can be cleared to make a PC run much more efficiently. Several procedures should be taken to clear memory on a computer. All of these steps will drastically improve the speed and performance of any PC.
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Instructions
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How To Clear Your Computer's Memory
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Restart your computer. The RAM on your computer is a main source of memory. RAM works by keeping all of a computer user's latest actions stored within it's memory. This allows applications and processes to run smoothly and launch at a quick rate. For example, if you have 2GB of RAM on your computer, your computer is capable of storing up to 2GB of your latest actions directly to RAM memory. RAM memory automatically empties and resets every time you turn on your computer. So, restarting your computer will also cause your RAM memory to reset. This is a quick way to clear RAM memory from a computer.
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Run a disk cleanup. Many files that are stored on your computer are unneeded. Much of the time, these files are added to your hard drive when you install a new program or application. After a significant amount of time, the buildup of these files can start to bring down your computer's efficiency and resources. Running a disk cleanup can clear your computer's hard drive memory of many unneeded files. To run a disk cleanup, navigate: "Start" - "All Programs" - "Accessories" - "System Tools" - "Disk Cleanup".
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Defragment your hard drive. Data is constantly being written to your computer's hard drive memory. When files, applications, and data is added, it sometimes is placed within a random spot on your hard drive. Also, when you delete files from your hard drive, there will be an empty spot in the overall structure of the drive. Defragmenting your hard drive organizes all of the files on your hard drive and moves them to a more efficient spot. It also clears many unusable and empty files that are unneeded from your computer. To defragment your hard drive, navigate: Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Disk Defragmenter. Within the Disk Defragmenter window, hit the analyze button to view a preview of memory that can be relocated and hit the defragment button to defragment the drive.
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Clear Internet files and cookies. If you are an avid Internet surfer, chances are that you have a ton of unneeded files stored on your computer's hard drive. Freeing up these files will clear memory on your hard drive making room for new files. If you go a long time without clearing these files, they can start to take up a significant amount of space, which will eventually start to slow down your computer's performance.
To delete Internet files, history, and cookies, navigate: "Start" - "Control Panel" - "Internet Options". You should now be at the Internet Properties window. Under the first tab, "General", there will be a heading labeled "Browsing History". Click the "Delete" button. This will open up a new window with numerous checkboxes such as temporary Internet files, cookies, history, form data, passwords, etc... Select any of these boxes of your choice and click "OK".
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Free up background resources. The final way to clear usable memory on your PC is to free up background services. There are always programs running in the background of you computer that you never see. Many of these programs are crucial to allow your operating system to run. However, some applications that you install may also install unneeded background services as well. To adjust settings for background services, navigate: "Start" - "Run". From this window, type in the command "msconfig" and click "OK". From the "General" tab, select the option for Selective Startup.
Click the "Startup" tab. Here, you will see a list of all applications that startup and run in the background every time you start your computer. Many of these are not needed. Uncheck some of the boxes for general applications such as iTunes, AOL or Real Player. Be sure to leave any C:WINDOWS\System files enabled. Restart your computer.
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