MORE LIFE FOR OLD PCs

Our top 10 methods to breathe new life into old systems.

1) Clean up unnecessary files - empty recycle bin and delete temporary files/temporary internet files. (Note for XP machines with multiple users, you will need to do this for each user!). For those more expert with broadband access, you should set the limit of temporary internet files to not more than 256MB. The object of these files was to cache a local copy of component parts of visited websites in order to save download time on next visit - unfortunately, this is now often counter-productive and with sometimes as much as 4GB of cache to wade through, it is 100 times faster to download a new copy!
2) Run a scandisk and defrag on a regular basis - ideally once a month, more if the system gets a lot of use. Defrag is particularly important as it re-assembles all the parts of a file into one place making loading much faster and also reducing the work on the hard disk. A non-IT comparison would be for you to go into a bookshop or library and gather your book either chapter by chapter or even page by page from various shelves around the rooms - hard work! If you use any filesharing networks, this problem is 100 times worse!
3) Uninstall old applications that are no longer used or required. They take up space and also slow down processes like virus scans, check disk etc.
4) Aim to keep at least 10% of your disk space free (or 500MB whichever is larger). If necessary, look to replace the drive with a newer unit - this will almost certainly be not only larger but faster too.
5) Use a fixed-size swap file - ideally around 3-4 times the amount of physical memory. Windows managed swap files can get fragmented and this has a serious impact on performance.
6) Remove unnecessary programs from the system tray and startup groups - there are many programs and utilities that add quick-launch icons to the system tray and these all drain valuable processing time and memory. This applies particularly to multi-function printers which often install not just print drivers, but scanner software, fax software, picture editors, OCR software, status monitors etc etc. If you know that you won't ever use a particular feature then do a 'custom' install and leave it off. We've encountered such software that can bring a 2GHz CPU to it's knees for 3-4 minutes at startup! (No names mentioned ;-)
7) Add more RAM to the system if possible - RAM prices have fallen dramatically over the last few years and this is a very cost effective way to boost performance. If you are running 2000/XP then 512MB is a good 'minimum' for average use.
8) Avoid decorative 'carousel' graphical desktops and screensavers - these can have a significant impact on old systems.
9) Business users should remove old logins and profiles if used. Over time some office machines may have dozens of old users that have left the company - each login profile can occupy significant disk space. (NT/2000/XP/Vista based systems) Old logins are also a security risk if not disabled!
10) Re-install Windows - a clean installation can have a dramatic effect. Use with caution and always ensure you have backups of your data. This is often the only way to clean a system that has undergone various program versions and updates - not for the feint hearted however... Often after a major corruption or virus infection (even after cleaning) a clean install can make a significant improvement.

Call us for assistance if you have any doubts over the processes involved - we can backup all your data and accomplish these tasks for you if required. There are many other causes that may slow your computer including incorrect device drivers or other faults - we offer local collect and return workshop facilities for optimising PCs at fixed rates.