Computer Maintenance

Slow computers plague college campuses worldwide. The fact that your computer seems to be the slowest computer on the planet may be because computer maintenance is being neglected. Consequently, computer maintenance may be being neglected because the proper measures for maintaining a personal computer are not known. But, not to worry, there is a way for you to become more computer savvy and improve computer efficiency.

Freeing up memory on your computer can make all the difference when it comes to performance.

The first, and perhaps the most important, step in freeing up memory on your computer is determining how much space your computer actually has and how much space is being used.

1. Press ctrl+alt+del and open the ‘Task Manager’
2. Select the ‘Performance’ tab

You will be able to see the amount of memory your computer contains as well as the amount of memory that is currently being used and determine whether lack of memory is the root of the problem. Once you have assessed the damage, you can proceed reverse it.

There are several methods by which you can free up space on your computer:

1. Run a pc scan using the antivirus software on your computer, i.e. Sophos. A pc scan will remove any clutter that may have accumulated on your computer.
2. Delete any unnecessary files or programs that you do not use.

Also, if the internet is running slower than normal, that process can be sped up by deleting ‘Temporary Internet Files’.
Steps to delete temporary files:

a.       Open Internet browser

b.      Select ‘Tools’ on main menu

c.       Click on ‘Internet Options’

d.      Under ‘General’ tab, select ‘Delete Cookies’ and ‘Delete Files’ 

Freeing up space on your computer should serve to improve its performance and also save you time that could be used more effectively.