For most people, we just want our systems to work, with very little hassle. But the reality is, maintenance, just like in most things, is an integral part of our computer system.
When your system starts to run slower than usual, it’d be a little premature for you to just throw it away, as it’s more than likely that you could fix it.
For that reason, it’s probably best that you took the time to learn a thing or two about the various maintenance tasks, instead of rushing to your local computer store to replace things when they no longer work as you expect.
So, what does maintenance consist of, when it comes to PCs? Below you will find a list comprised of 7 best tips you can use to care for your system. You just need to make a routine of it. That way, over time, not only will you have a faster system, but the efforts it takes to keep it faster will feel like second nature.
1. Defragmentation Tools
When you create a file and save it to your hard drive, this data is stored in what is called clusters or fragments. Over time, as you remove and add data to your hard drive, this data can become disorganised, making it difficult for the computer to quickly locate and access the data it’s looking for. The end result is a more sluggish system.
However, when you use a defragmentation tool, it will speed up your system, by arranging all your data clusters sequentially, making it more easily accessible for the system. The end result is a faster system, as file begin to start a lot quicker.
Your Windows operating system should have its own built-in defragmentation tool, which you should consider enabling and scheduling to run, at least, once per month. However, there are third-party tools that are just as capable, many of which are even more capable. So it’s up to you, want you want to go with, the third-party solutions are paid, however, for that money, you get features such as Smart Defrag, which are well worth it.
2. Remove Unwanted Apps & Tools
While you were going through all the different files, folders, apps and tools on your system, it’s likely you noticed how much redundant data you have saved on it. Documents, files, apps, you no longer have any use for, taking up crucial space on your hard disk drive.
You probably removed at least some of these files, while you were going through things, but it’s likely that it was only a small portion of a much larger whole. What you want to do is carry out an audit of your hard drive.
This audit will ensure that you aren’t using up significant amounts of space on your hard drive for nothing. The end result should be a much smoother and faster system. This is the kind of maintenance you want to carry out on a regular basis, as it will benefit the overall performance of your computer.
3. Internet Security Tools
Make sure you have internet security software installed on your system, to protect it from the countless cybercriminals out there looking to take advantage of you. Antivirus scanners such as AVG will help detect and remove malicious files from your system before they pose any real danger to your system.
4. Avoid Overheating Your System
If you’re running games on your system, which typically requires a lot of CPU, HDD and GPU power, then it can generate a lot of heat for both your laptop and desktop unit. When it comes to your laptop, you want to keep it on a flat surface, ideally on a desk, while you do things, such as play games. There are also laptop cooler stands that come with USB powered fans, which are designed to keep your system cool. When it comes to your desktop computer, you just want to ensure that the inside of the unit is kept clean. As this will prevent your internal components, such as your CPU and GPU from overheating. You can also lower the load on your system, by closing any and all unnecessary apps and processes, before you play your games.
5. Use Windows Task Manager
When it comes to maintenance, one tool that you definitely cannot do without is Windows Task Manger. Once you get to grips with this tool, you’ll be able to use it to spot all the happenings on your system. It will provide you with information on what’s going on inside your system, such as your disk usage, network usage, GPU usage etc. Getting to know Windows Task Manager will help you better understand which apps do what to your system. From here, you can better identify which programs you do not need – given the performance overhead on your system.
6. Reset Your PC
If you’ve tried everything, but your computer still trots along sluggishly, then you may want to consider resetting it. If you back up your system on a regular basis, then you won’t have to worry about losing any data in the process. Instead, you should be left with a system that is running faster and smoother than ever.
Other things you may consider doing to your system, to make it operate faster, may include, purchasing extra RAM. More drastic measures may include getting a new CPU or a larger hard disk drive, if storage space is an issue.
7. Update Your Software
Unlike with wine, your apps do not get better over time. Rather, it’s the exact opposite, your software becomes more and more outdated with time. This can, in many instances have security implications for your computer, as software developers stop releasing updates which would ordinarily plug up known security loopholes. This makes your system, more vulnerable to computer hackers.
So what’s the solution? It’s simple, just go through all the different apps on your system, and check for any updates. This could be in the form of a little update or an upgrade. Then just download and install it on your system. There are also tools that you can use to do just this for you. Which may or may not be of use to you, depending on your level of expertise.
–AUTHOR INFO—
Uchenna Ani-Okoye is a former IT Manager who now runs his own computer support website https://www.compuchenna.co.uk
