Previously we discussed slow Internet connection speeds and how to troubleshoot before calling in a tech. This week we’ll attack a slow computer. Remember, there is no connection between the speed with which web pages load, (Internet connection) and the speed with which our computer starts up, programs open and our ability to navigate around the computer. Thinking that if we subscribe to the fastest Internet service available it will somehow speed up our computer’s functioning is doomed to failure. An easy way to prove this is to turn off the computer and disconnect the modem. Restart the computer and time it. Now shut off the computer and reconnect the modem, start the computer and time it again. No difference.
What makes our computers run slow? Hardware and software are the two culprits. Many name brand computers have a hardware diagnostic feature built in. Some are accessed before the computer starts by pressing a function key as soon as their logo appears on the screen. Others have a folder in All Programs that may have diagnostic programs in them. For example my HP machine has something called HP Support Assistant. This HP program helps you maintain peak computer performance and resolve problems through automatic updates and tune-ups, built-in diagnostics, and a variety of assistance options. HP machines shipped 2012 and later already have HP Support Assistant, and older machines may download it from http://www8.hp.com/us/en/campaigns/hpsupportassistant/hpsupport.html?jumpid=reg_r1002_usen_c-001_title_r0001#.UlrTopDD-1s. Check the website for the computer’s manufacturer for a diagnostic download if there isn’t one already on the machine.
If the hardware checks out, we can take a look at software. An easy way to determine if a specific program is causing the problem is to open system configuration. Go to Start and type in MSCONFIG. This will open a window with tabs across the top. Click on the tab labeled Startup. Windows 8 users will find this in Task Manager. By un-checking the boxes to the left (Windows 7 and older) or highlighting and clicking disable (Windows 8) we can tell that program not to start when we boot up the computer. Use a process of elimination. Uncheck half of the items and restart the computer. If nothing changes, uncheck half of the remaining items until we find the one that causes the problem.
The issue may also be the number of programs starting up when our digital dynamo boots. Use a search engine to find out what each item is in the Startup and ask is it necessary. If it is not something we use continuously, preventing it from starting doesn’t remove it, just leaves it idle until we need it freeing up resources for other software to use.
Remember there is no free MakeMyPC faster program for $59 that will do any of this. “Cleaning the Registry” is pretty much like putting lipstick on a pig. Pretty, useless and a waste of money.
Don’t forget to pick up a copy of my books, Grumbles from the Keyboard for computer users and Epicuria: An Adventure that Really Cooks! for the Gourmand in the house. Remember: Santa is only a few weeks from visiting and even he recommends Grumbles from the Keyboard! See what he has to say right here.
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Grumbles From The Keyboard: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love My Computer: Courtland Nederveld: 9781467985895: Books
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Epicuria: An Adventure That Really Cooks!: Court Nederveld: 9781456561734: Books
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