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Speed Up A Slow PC PDF Print E-mail


How to speed up your PC


A common question clients (and of course friends and family) ask us is, "Why is my PC running slow?"

So it wouldn't hurt to run through some of the common causes for this. There are occasionally hardware issues, but more commonly software and management options are sub-optimal.

Here are some of the most common reasons.


Hardware issues that can slow down your PC:

1. Not enough memory
2. Hard disk too small and nearly full
3. No hardware firewall - using the ISP's default DSL router
4. New PC disk clutter and dross


Software and management issues that will slow down a PC:

1. Disk fragmented
2. Page file too small and/or fragmented
3. No disk manager application
4. Registry errors
5. Too many processes (applications) running in the background
6. Too many applications are set to auto-upgrade
7. Sub-optimal software firewall choice
8. Virus or spyware infection
9. Sub-optimal antivirus program choice
10. Sub-optimal antispyware program choice
11. Poor choice of applications overall
12. Trash downloads
13. Software not upgraded.
14. No regular maintenance.



Hardware questions first, then.

1. Not enough memory
Today you need a minimum of 1GB of RAM to run efficiently. This refers to the memory chips on your mainboard. Windows XP needs 512MB (half a GB) as a minimum for basic operation; and 1GB-plus for fast operation. Vista will benefit from 2GB as it is even more memory-hungry - the days of 512MB of RAM being sufficient have gone. You shouldn't go over 2GB though; to use 3 or 4GB of RAM, for instance, you'll need a 64-bit system and OS (Windows version). The standard ones are 32-bit, like XP and W2K, so 2GB is really the upper limit. Just make sure you've got at least 1GB of memory; if not, see your PC manufacturer's website about upgrading the memory for your model. If you can find the full tech spec for the chips you'll need, you could get them cheaper, in all probability, from your national PC mail-order component suppliers - assuming you are happy to plug them into the board yourself. Don't do this, by the way, if you don't know what's involved; get someone who knows what they are doing to fix it.


2. Hard disk too small and nearly full
If your hard drive is more than 80% full or so it won't work properly. It needs some 'headroom' to work efficiently, and you are too close to the roof. Get a bigger disk - find out if your PC will handle a bigger one and install it. The best way to do this is to clone the PC's contents onto a large USB external hard drive, then import that into the new drive. Otherwise, you'll have to start from scratch again.

Alternatively, add a second disk for your data and possibly applications. An additional hard drive will reduce the pressure on your main drive.

Another very sensible approach is to get as much as possible off your PC and on to an external USB disk. This is an excellent route, as you can then get most of your films, music, and other large files off the PC.


3. No hardware firewall - using the ISP's free USB DSL router
With a broadband connection (= DSL, ADSL, or cable broadband - they are all the same thing), you need a proper hardware firewall. This is a box that all traffic passes through, both up to and down from the Internet. If you are still using the free router that came with your DSL connection, courtesy of the ISP who provides your service, the chances are extremely high that you have a raft of trojans or even viruses running on your PC. Often there is no way to tell, except that the PC will slow right down, as it's doing a lot of other things apart from your work. For example, it could be part of a botnet ring - a group of hijacked PCs that are remotely controlled to do someone else's bidding. It's said that 20% of PCs (one in five) are botnet slaves.

With no hardware firewall (and especially if you are running any Instant Messenger program), this becomes increasingly likely. IM apps are the botnet controller's favourite way in. Running with no proper firewall at all, you will have a crop of viruses and trojans in five or ten minutes - your machine is constantly under attack, and only the firewalls (of which you need two) can protect you.

The simplest way to install a hardware firewall is to use a modern router - either a hardwired one or a wifi router. All modern DSL modem / routers  have a hardware firewall built in. It's on by default (check it), so don't turn it off. You need both this hardware one, and a software firewall in addition. Using one or the other alone will not protect you.

If your router is more than 3 years old I recommend you get a new one - the firewall will be better. Linksys and US Robotics are a good choice - but always check the online reviews and benchmarks before you decide, as this market area is covered better than any other in the world by reviews, comparisons, and benchmark tests.

I used to recommend Belkin but no longer can, as some of their wifi routers have been prone to overheating but the manufacturers denied the problems existed. You could fry eggs on one I installed, and I don't appreciate being told - like many others - that there is no problem.

My personal experiences with ISP's USB broadband routers tells me they are utter rubbish. In fact you would be crazy to connect with one at all, as when I tested one, running with no hardware or software firewall, the PC picked up four viruses and trojans within ten minutes. It's a useful way of getting material for an AV test though...


4. New PC disk clutter and dross
New PCs commonly come with an appalling stack of rubbish freeware or trial programs; plus imperfect disk partition set-ups; and no separate, discrete Windows install disc. In essence, the way they are set up is grim and the best thing you can possibly do is to wipe the disk, reformat it, and reinstall Windows. Instantly, your PC will gain speed.

The problems with this route are warranty issues and the (lack of a) Windows disc. You will have to find your own solution here. If you've got a good IT guy to help you out, then undoubtedly the best way is to wipe the disk and start afresh.



Software and management issues next.

1. Disk fragmented
The most basic thing to do is defragment your hard drive. There are two important things to note here, though:
a) This CANNOT be done properly with the Windows defragger;
b) It CANNOT be done with only online defrags - no defragmentation program works if it runs online defrags only.

You will need a third-party utility, as always, since the built-in Windows tools are only of use for very lightly-used office machines that are mostly empty, mostly idle, and don't do much in the way of complex or multiple tasks.

We use VoptXP and Raxco PerfectDisk (commercial apps), but you can try the freeware ones. A useful one here is the IObit defrag program, which has a background mode - it runs all the time in the background, which is handy for those who don't know how to set up a scheduled defrag pass.

Bear in mind that you must also do an offline defrag as well, otherwise the process is only 50% done. An 'offline' pass means in DOS, as the machine boots up, before Windows is loaded. Once Windows loads, the hard drive cannot be fully defragged, as it is in use and many sections are locked.

If you have only ever defragged online, ie with Windows running - then you have not defragged the disk properly. Get a defrag program that will also perform offline (boot time) defrags.


2. Page file too small and/or fragmented
The RAM memory chips do most of the juggling of data that is being used at any given time. However, the RAM can't handle everything and it overflows onto the disk, to a file called the virtual memory, page file, or paging file. If this file is too small, or fragmented, or badly-placed on the disk, then problems occur. The first sign of this is a general slow-down.

You need to optimise the page file. That means to defragment it (meaning to homogenise it by collecting all the fragments of it into one place); to make it larger; and to place it in the best position on the disk. A 3rd-party utility is needed for this, you cannot do it at all with the Windows built-in tools. Complain to Bill G.

A page file now needs to be 1.5GB in size, and placed either right at the start of the disk, or centrally - depending on how your 3rd-party disk manager wants to configure it.


3. No disk manager application
You fix these sorts of issues with a Disk Manager program. It will also (probably) run the ScanDisk application for you and fix any disk errors (faulty clusters actually on the disk). I use Ontrack Fix-It Utilities but there are several to choose from. Generally, they will also perform many of the tasks mentioned here.

VoptXP is very good for optimising the pagefile on new builds, but can be a little unstable at times later; I use Raxco and Ontrack for mature installs.


4. Registry errors
These errors - such as dead entries and fragmentation - also contribute to loss of computer speed. If you have never cleaned up your registry, it's possible there will be as many as 2,000 faulty entries that should be repaired or removed. Your disk manager will help you fix these; or you can try a freeware program like Eusing.

The registry is Windows' central file location database. It tells the OS where everything is, and the parameters necessary to find data and run programs. Unfortunately, there is no inbuilt way to clear up old or incorrect entries - with the result that over time this register of where everything is and what it does starts to resemble a dustbin. Inevitably, that slows the machine down. Why this situation exists is a mystery, but the user has to fix it one way or another.

YOU MUST BACK UP YOUR DATA before using a registry correction utility.

To run a registry cleaner, you back up all important data, then run the app, which will take an extended time on the first-ever run; then run it again; then run it again. It will find new errors each time, in reducing numbers. When it reports less than 5 errors, you can stop.


5. Too many processes (programs) running in the background
Computers are very good at running a lot of processes simultaneously, but there is a limit. A juggler can keep a lot of balls in the air, but sooner or later, one more is too many. If you open Task Manager and check the number of running processes (Cntrl+Alt+Del), it should be less than 40. Any more and you risk a slowdown. Fast PCs are running less than 35 processes.

So - how do you cut down? The first thing to do is uninstall anything you don't use any more. Go to Control Panel - Add / Remove Programs, and take a look at the list there. If you recognise things you installed but don't use any longer, then get rid of them. The correct way is to uninstall them in this manner - never just find an application's folder and delete it. That will create a bunch of problems and less speed, not more.

Then, see how many icons you have in your System Tray. This is the icon group down at the bottom right of your screen. At most you need 15 or so, and 20 is really pushing it. All these things are programs running in the background.

You'll find you don't need many of them - at least, you don't need them running 24/7. Many you can just start when you need them. To stop them running full-time, open each program and uncheck 'Start with Windows' or any other option that will cause an app to run on auto. Uncheck 'System Tray Icon' as well. Another way to do this is to remove them from the Start - Programs - Startup folder; anything here is automatically started with Windows, but you may not need anything in there at all.

In Task Manager - Running Processes, look down the list and see if you can recognise any programs still running that do not need to run 24/7. Open each program in turn and find any Options / Preferences / Tools setting that will turn it off.


6. Too many applications are set to auto-upgrade
Programs can also be real resource hogs if they are set to auto-upgrade. This means if they are set up by default to query a central server at regular intervals, to see if an upgrade is available. Many apps do, and they pop up every few minutes to see if there is an upgrade out yet - tying up tons of resources while they do it. Turn them off.

There are only two that need to have this enabled: the AV and the AS (antivirus and antispyware). These need to upgrade once daily and should be allowed to do so.


7. Sub-optimal software firewall choice
As well as a hardware firewall, you need a software one as well. Each does a different job, and cannot substitute for the other. One thing that certainly doesn't work here is the Windows XP built-in affair, which I won't even call by the name as that would approximate calling a rowing boat an ocean liner. Turn it off and get a real one. A firewall works in both directions, both in and out. In other words it stops nasty stuff coming in, and it stops unauthorised stuff dialling out. You have to have both or it isn't a firewall; and the XP affair works, not very well, in one direction only.

There are many choices but you only want to hear one, so I suggest Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall. It's pretty good and isn't too complex for the non-technical. It works fully, as a trial app, for one month; then goes into basic mode as freeware unless you upgrade by purchasing it. There are plenty of alternatives but this one is reliable and reasonably simple. There are simpler ones that don't work quite as well, according to expert audits (like ZoneAlarm); and more complex ones that perhaps work even better - assuming you can set them up right, and maybe also even do the washing up (like Agnitum Outpost, which would suit fully-qualified spaceship pilots).


8. Virus or spyware infection
It's always possible that you have a virus infection, when your PC unaccountably slows down. Unless you run one of the known efficient and effective antivirus apps (like NOD32, Antivir or AVG), then it's more than possible. See the next section for a fix.


9. Sub-optimal antivirus program choice
I suggest a simple and free solution: download the Avast installer (search it), then uninstall the one you are running (unless you know for certain it is one of the top 3 AV apps as measured by at least two separate independent testing outfits). Use of the very common N*rt*n program is not advised if you are looking to speed up your PC; it's famous for slowing them down.

I used to recommend AVG from Grisoft.cz, but there have been a number of problems there just recently (May '08). Firstly, the new 8.0 version has some PC speed issues. Then there is the fact it only works on two Windows versions, XP and Vista. They advertise that it works on Windows 2K but it doesn't (I installed it on a perfectly sound W2K SP4 PC but the install crashed halfway). In addition, if you uninstalled the AVG 7.5 version to ensure the 8.0 version installed smoothly - then found it didn't - you can't go back to the 7.5 version as they have deleted it from the website.

All in all, AVG seem to have decided to concentrate on new Windows OS owners who wish to pay without a trial. Fair enough; my clients will now be using Avast, and having trialled it successfully, will then upgrade. If you want the absolute best protection, without needing to test the application first, then use NOD32. I expect that if it doesn't agree with your own particular set-up, you'll be able to get a refund.

So - to install Avast, which is currently the best bet for a top AV app that can be tested on your machine before purchase: download the Avast installer; disconnect from the Net - either unplug, or disable your Network capability - uninstall the unwanted old app; then run the Avast installer. Reboot, then reconnect to the Net and update the AV program to today's current antivirus database. Run a full system scan with all the options checked. Avast will probably want to run a first scan offline, eg on a reboot, which is a good idea. Sometimes these boot-time operations can be lengthy, but Avast is very fast here; fifteen minutes is common, which I would regard as lightning speed.

If infections are reported and you don't know what the results mean, then ask for advice. Generally, where the majority of AV apps are concerned, try to 'Heal' the items found; and if this is not possible then transfer them to the Virus Vault (they are deactivated in there).


10. Sub-optimal antispyware program choice
While you are at it check the online reviews for your anti-spyware application. If it doesn't get full marks, then change. A simple fix used to be to download AVG's free spyware app, but this has been discontinued as it's now part of the single main program. Avast has A/S built-in though. Alternatively you can try a couple of the other A/S apps, though you will need to research the current top models as changes are frequent here. Take a look at Techsupportalert.com for the latest opinion.


11. Poor choice of applications overall
It is not the case that you can just run any old programs and they'll work fine. There are good and bad applications (= program = app). Especially, the free or trial ones that come with new PCs are, in general, complete tr*sh. Sometimes they are only provided because they are the best affiliate deals the manufacturer can get. Uninstall all of them and get some real apps to do those jobs - if you need them at all.

You must also choose wisely when it comes to picking tools to work with. There are a lot of lemons out there, and millions of people using them. Fast, lightweight programs are often best; but slow, heavyweight dinosaurs are what you often end up with. For example, you would be better off using Foxit Reader to view PDF files - the usual choice for this is far too slow and has too many drawbacks.

For an antivirus, don't use anything that came free or trial with your PC - use NOD32 or AVG (which is free in basic form).


12. Trash downloads
Another, and unsuspected, cause of slow PCs. Look, trojan writers and botnet controllers have to get into your PC somehow. They try attacking via the Net but get stopped by your two layers of firewall. But what's this? You'll go to any old site and download a screensaver or wallpaper and install it. Small wonder then that these cr*p programs are the Number One choice for malware coders to load up with their goodies. NEVER download wallpapers or screensavers from anyone except Mother Teresa Online. Your nice Fish Aquarium screensaver has a cunning addition from a well-wisher in Pakistan.


13. Software not upgraded
Your programs needed upgrading to the latest version intermittently. General improvements are made, but perhaps more importantly bugs and vulnerabilities are located and fixed. Don't set the apps to auto-upgrade; but once in a while, when you open a program to work with it, just check to see if there is an upgrade.

Note for example that the official Windows XP Service Pack 3 is now available, and you should install this if you're running XP. Normally it is quicker and less hassle to download these types of upgrade from a 3rd party supplier. In this case, an ISO of 554MB is available and you can burn this to disc, apply it, and keep it safe. Use Nero or a similar capable CD burning app to burn the file straight to disc - choose 'Disc Image File' on the Nero Express splash page. The SP will take about 20 minutes to download on 4MB DSL, but it's often better to do this than run an online upgrader as you have the full SP on file then.


14. No regular maintenance
It's necessary to run some housekeeping tasks once in a while. Ideally this would be once a week, but to be more realistic it needs doing once a month.

  • Run a disk cleanup to remove temporary files: from Start - Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Disk Cleanup. Check all the boxes, though if Catalog Index is included as the last box you should leave that unchecked.
  • Flush your browser cache.
  • Run your backup procedures.
  • Run a disk check from your disk manager program.
  • Run an AV scan.
  • Run an AS scan.
  • Defrag online, then offline, then finally online again. Online = with Windows running; offline = on a reboot.
  • Clean up the registry.


Slow PCs: a growing problem
As drives and operating systems  get bigger, and the number of programs loaded increases, the inevitable result is a loss of speed. This is counteracted by more memory, faster machines and better housekeeping. Unfortunately the negative factors often tend to outweigh the positive ones; and it is perfectly true many users find that PCs are getting slower, not faster.

Many things you do or don't do will slow down your computer; and very few indeed will help to speed it up. To avoid problems you need to appreciate how it works, and the housekeeping tasks that you must carry out regularly. A PC is not a fit-and-forget item like a TV - it's more like a car. It needs servicing or it will grind to a halt.

If you work through this list, you'll have a faster and safer PC. We didn't talk about more complex security or management issues - like sandboxed browsing or proxy servers - as that is beyond the remit for this article. When you are happy with all the procedures here, and how to solve all the issues brought up, you can go further. At that stage you won't need our help. Until you can change out a RAM chip, and create a large pagefile wherever you want it on the disk, it's fair to say that you have a way to go before you can appreciate the issues. You need to learn how to walk before you can run.

If you aren't sure what programs you should be using, then a valid answer is to try one or two before deciding. One route is to use top-quality freeware programs, some of which are actually better than their commercial rivals (such as the Firefox browser for instance). You will often find that the best programs have a free trial so that you can try them first. For a list of the best, and some good advice, go to:
http://techsupportalert.com


CAUTION:
Be very careful to back up all your data before you perform any disk management or registry operations. These things work right on the heart of the PC's systems, and a small glitch can leave you with missing data. Easy to re-import it; desperate if that was your only copy.

If data doesn't exist in three places, it doesn't exist.
 
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