Quick Guide: How to speed up my computer?

Speed it up with hardware...

OK, first a few words about what RAM is so you understand how this can improve speed. RAM is "Random Access Memory". It is a temporary store, when you are on your computer and deals with all the applications that you are running. The more applications that you are running, the more RAM that is needed. For example, the Vista Operating system requires 512mb RAM. So if you only have 512mb RAM installed, then Vista is going to need it all and everything else is going to run... very... very... slow... However, RAM is cleared out when you power off, or restart your computer. It loses its memory. You will only really feel the benefits of a high amount of RAM if you use a lot of applications/ high power applications. If you use a lot of applications at once, or a lot are running at once without you knowing (Ill tell you how to fix this in a minute) then you will use a lot of RAM.

Upgrading RAM:

If you do find that your PC is running sluggish when you are using lots of applications, then upgrading RAM is probably the easiest thing you can do as it requires the least effort. Just put a new piece of RAM in a spare RAM slot. However, it is advisable that you check the speed and type of RAM that is compatible in your computer before adding it. You don't want to waste money buying the wrong one! :o)

Speed it up with software (Cheaper!)...

The longer you use a laptop for, the more programs get installed and build up on your machine. It's just something that happens. The more software that is installed the slower your computer will get, especially when it is booting in.

Removing files that jump in on start up:

You can remove some of the software that boots in with Windows by doing the following:
Start -> Run -> Type in: msconfig

Then go to the "startup" tab. In there youll find a list of programs that boot in when windows starts. Uncheck the boxes for things that aren't important (quicktime, sound driver applications, chat programs, etc.) and it should boot in a bit quicker. The things that boot in with windows are in the bottom right hand corner of your screen, in the system tray.

Anti-spyware software:
Look into purchasing an anti virus software that will clean out all of the bad spy ware and protect you from it in the future. You can find it by looking online or just go to the link: Click to Browse Anti-Virus Software

You may have some spyware programs running in the background that are using your memory without you knowing, you can get free anti-spyware programs to delete these. I recommend getting one of these anyway, just for security purposes.

Defragmenting the hard drive:

As files are added to the hard drive, they are added at random places, where there is free space. Defragmenting the hard drive puts related files in the same place, so that they are easier and quicker to find.

If you don't see much improvement after doing this, then there is a solution that will make your computer lightening fast. Every year (Maybe less if it is really bad) I do something called "reformatting" my computer. This totally wipes the hard drive, clears everything off and your hard drive becomes totally blank. Then, you install Windows XP back on it, and it will start up and be good as new, with nothing installed on it.

However, only do this if:

1) You have appropiate options to backup files (CDR, DVDR, pen drive, etc.) and make sure you back up everything you want before wiping the drive as you can't get it back when it's gone. Make sure you also have your other sorfware CDs to install back on after.
2) Make sure you have a Windows XP disc with a license number and that you can use this disc to reformat.

If you're sure about these two things, then here's my guide on how to format and install Windows XP:

1) Make sure you back up all of your important files.

2) Next, put the windows XP cd into the drive. Restart your computer. If the boot sequence in your bios is set correctly you will be asked to press a key to boot from the XP disc...
(If it is not set, then hold down or dependent on your motherboard to get into the BIOS (or 'setup') and change the boot sequence so that CDROM is the primary/first boot device)

3) Once you have done all this, XP will start setting itself up and take you to the place where you can choose to delete your partition (i.e. format your drive - NTFS), if you go through the sequence and do that, then you can choose to press to set up XP on your drive. Make sure you have your license key to hand, as you will need to type that in. Apart from that it is pretty straight forward and XP will guide you through the setup.

Hope that helps!

When the blog begun

Welcome to ABK Web Development Inc. first blog entry!

We offer affordable and effective web solutions business development services. Specialising in a well marketed and visually appealing website design and development, with a corporate office located in Cleveland, Ohio, we have worked on hundreds of projects across North America.

With over 8+ years experince in this field, we build XHTML compliant websites valid by W3C using the latest and greatest in web development. We utilize the power of AJAX Scription and the stability of SQL using ASP.NET 2.0 platform. Our code refined for quick loading time and is strict for search engine recognition. With Certified Search Engine Optimization Experts in house, we specialize in all aspects of serach engine optimization. Through an integrated combination of services, including search engine optimization and consulting, pay per click management, optimization training, and subscription services to proprietary tools and technologies, ABK Inc. provides high quality services that help clients achieve their search engine marketing goals. We are developing sites with the future of the business in mind.

The point of this blog, aside from laying down our thoughts on things as we go, is to produce a down-to-earth view from a regular Web Development Company, a "Dot Com Start Up" point of view on the web and design as we see it. Enjoy!