itknowledge

Simple Tweaks You Can Do to Improve that Aging System's Performance.

OK, your $1200 machine is 7 months old now. The technology in it is obsolete (but unfortunately it already was by the time it left the factory), it takes 5 minutes to boot-up, your software is running about as fast as the computer that's been sitting in the closet for 7 months, and you don't know why. Why doesn't it run like it did the first day you brought it home? The answer isn't always simple; there could be 1000 different things wrong with it. Fortunately for you, there are some things we can do to help:

Before we start doing things inside Windows, open up your computer. You will probably find it to be VERY dusty...and if this is the case pick up a can of air duster at your local computer store. The can is just compressed air, which will blow away all the dust on your components. Make sure the case fans (if any) are clear of dust to, good airflow is important.

1. Wait the long 5 minutes for your computer to boot. Once you're on the desktop, go to the start menu. Select "run..." Type "msconfig" (no quotes) into the box. The Microsoft system configuration utility should pop up (if you're on Windows XP, Windows 2K users visit: www.techadvice.com/win2000/m/msconfig_w2k.htm

Once this handy tool pops up go to the "Startup" tab...
You will see a list of every process that runs on system startup. Some of these should look familiar; if you know what a program on this list is and you know you don't want it loading on system startup, uncheck it. There will probably be items on the list that you don't recognize. Any of the things on this list can be googled; you'll find a page which explains what a process is, and if it's vital to the system or not. Anything non-essential or unwanted should just be unchecked. Without having to load all that additional garbage your aging computer should boot up much faster (depending on how many processes you disabled). When you exit the msconfig utility you'll see a message about restarting now or later; you are not required to restart right after you do this.

Have you ever found a used computer component then attempted to install it on your computer only to find that you need the accompanying software CD? Did you get a great deal on a slightly used printer from the local

Goodwill store and couldn't use it because your computer wouldn't recognize it?

Nothing is more frustrating than attempting to accomplish a do-it-yourself upgrade and getting stumped by a missing disk. Do not dismay, although sometimes it will require some diligence, there are avenues that may be pursued to allocate the AWOL info. The only assumption that I will make is that your computer's operating system is Windows since it is a more common interface. Being a thrifty (some may say cheap) troubleshooter, I always try the cheapest and quickest possibilities first, then work my way up.

When installing any new diskless (if that's a word) component on your computer, the first thing you should try is the Add New Hardware option located in the Control Panel. Select the component in question and see if your system will recognize it. Windows has many proprietary and generic drivers stowed away for just this occasion, and will likely have the files required by most common brand name peripherals. Windows will then self-install the component and no further action will be required.