Registry Cleaners etc.
Registry cleaners, PC utilities, and more!
Computer repair checklist
In: tips and tricks
Computer running slow? Not sure where to start? This 5-part list will introduce the most common causes of a slow PC, and how you can resolve them.
- Insufficient hardware.
Simple but true. Modern software and operating systems can have fairly hefty system requirements. Have a close look at your RAM, processor speed, and free hard disk space. Before you spend any more time worrying about a slow PC, the answer might be installing some more RAM. If you are fairly experienced, you can do this at home. If not, bring your PC into a shop. - Infections.
Be it a virus, spyware, adware, Trojans, or rootkits, many forms of digital pests can slow your computer down. To remove a possible infection, ensure that you have a security program that removes viruses as well as malware. Some virus removal programs do not deal with malware, so you may need multiple solutions. - Fragmented hard drive.
Your computer saves files all across your hard disk drive. Each part of these files is not necessarily contiguous to the other. In other words, they aren’t side-by-side. One file could be spread across many sectors. Defragmenting unites these disparate pieces. In Windows 7, the defragmenter is found by clicking Start, All Programs, Accessories, then System Tools. Then click Disk Defragmenter. - Cluttered registry.
The Windows registry is the central database for all your Windows and software settings. As you use your computer, corruptions and clutter can build up here. In time, these can grow out of control, and start seriously affecting your machine. Those with technical training can use the Regedit tool to clean their registry. Average users are advised to use registry cleaners to do it automatically – check out our PC Health Advisor review for more hands-on information. - Old versions.
Windows, your software, and your drivers are continually being tweaked and updated. Bug-fixes are released, improvements are made, and all kinds of new features are added. If you do not download updates as they become available, you will not receive the full potential of your PC. Ensure that Windows’ Automatic Updates is active, and you can cross this one off your list. Some software, including PC Health Advisor, also includes a special module to ensure your drivers stay up-to-date.
