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Computers are shipped to
the customer with factory settings and drivers, meant to standardize the
performance and appearance of a particular brand or model. Here, we’ve
assembled 10 fast n’ easy tweaks for any PC that break the “factory mold” and
improve performance. Try a few of these tips and you may see significant
increase!
1.
Clean
Out Your System Tray
If you have a new PC, this is something to watch. If your PC is a few months
(or even weeks) old, here’s a helpful tip: Eliminate every unnecessary
application. These apps drain your processor’s cycles and memory. That means
a gradual slowdown, until you’re crawling.
2.
Update
Your Drivers
It’s easy and fast, yet most PC users never bother. Keeping on top of video
card and chipset drivers by visiting the manufacturer’s site frequently can
deliver amazing performance benefits. We recommend a once-a-month checkup of
drivers. You’ll be happy you did.
3.
Enable
DMA For Your System
First a definition of DMA: Short for direct memory access, a technique for
transferring data from main memory to a device without passing it through the
CPU. Computers that have DMA channels can transfer data to and from devices
much more quickly than computers without a DMA channel can. This is useful
for making quick backups and for real-time applications. So, here’s our
recommendation: Go to the Device Manager of your PC and take a look at the
Properties of your Primary IDE Channel. On the “Advanced Settings” tab, make
sure that DMA, if available, is checked for both devices. Do the same thing
with the “Secondary IDE Channel.”
4.
Visit
windowsupdate.com Regularly
This is a big one. Also very fast and simple. The “patches” that are made
available on a weekly basis not only provide protection for your PC, they are
also designed to improve performance. We recommend at least twice per month.
5.
Convert
Your Drives To NTFS
If you want to get the most from your drives, you may want to convert them to
NTFS. Here’s how: Open a command line and type:
Convert x:
/fs:ntfs
…Except
you will replace the “x” with your drive’s letter-name.
NOTE: Back up your important files before attempting this conversion.
6.
Use
Quick Launch
Common problem. Simple fix. Instead of cluttering your Desktop with shortcuts,
just right-click the Taskbar, go to Toolbars, and make sure Quick Launch is
checked. Then drag your favorite shortcuts to the Quick Launch bar for easy
access, anytime.
7.
Speed
Up Your User Interface
Today’s PCs often come to you with many graphical bells and whistles, and
while they’re cute, they rob your system of fundamental power. Faster is
better. Here’s our recommendation: Go to the Display control panel, click the
Appearance tab and hit the Effects button. Uncheck the first two options, as
well as “Show shadows under menus.” Use minimal graphics and go faster.
8.
Create
One-Click Access To Device Manager
To open Device Manager in Windows XP without the hassle of going to System
Properties, just create a shortcut to “devmgmt.msc”
9.
Did
You Know Windows XP Has An On-Screen Keyboard?
Another XP secret revealed. You may need it if you can’t get to your
keyboard. Here’s how: Open My Computer and browse to C:/Windows/System32 then
double-click osk.exe. The keyboard operates with simple point-and-click commands.
10. Defrag. Defrag. Defrag.
A “must” for busy PC users, made simple. Here’s how: Regular defragmentation
can improve your machine’s hard drive performance by massive amounts. To
begin defragging, right-click your hard drive in My Computer, select Properties,
go to the Tools tab, then click defrag. Do this religiously every month or so
and you’ll enjoy smooth sailing.
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