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We often get
asked what can be done to make the computer run faster. The following
are a few tips which might help speed things up.
Buy
a New Computer !
Seems obvious but remember the "shelf life" of a computer
these days is about 3-4 years and computer equipment is usually
"written off" in the business accounts by the end of this
period. If you are still using a computer that is more than 3 years
old then there is a limit to what you can do to speed it up. Over
time you will probably be working with larger files than when you
first bought the computer and your expectations about computer speed
will also have changed. Click
here for recommendations on new computer hardware.
Add
More Memory
Computer memory (RAM) is probably the most significant practical
change you can make to a computer to make it faster. Changing the
processor will help but is expensive and not as cost effective as
increasing the memory. Adding RAM needs a little research (to find
out how much RAM your system can cope with and what type of RAM
chips are needed - try www.kingston.com
for info) but its worth taking advantage of current low memory prices
to increase RAM to 512 MBytes or more if your system can handle
it. Any increase will help with system speed.
Change
Windows Version
If you are using Windows 95,98 or Millennium Edition then consider
an upgrade to Windows XP. This latest Windows version is more efficient
in memory management and can improve overall system performance.
Click here
for more details on upgrading to Windows XP.
Configure
Your Virus Checker
If you use a virus checker you should check how it is setup. Some
virus checkers will operate in the background constantly checking
files every time a file is changed. Files are changed whenever you
save a file so this can use up a lot of processor power. If you
don't need this level of virus protection then disable this feature.
See the Help information in your virus checking software.
Defragment
the Hard Disk
If you have this feature available (usually under Start - Programs
- Accessories - System Tools) then use it maybe once every other
month. This will rearrange your hard disk such that files are found,
opened and saved more quickly.
Disable
Unused Programs
Check the bottom right corner of the Windows taskbar. Every
icon down there shows a program that is running in the background,
using processor power and memory, while you run ScotWeave. If you
don't need any of the programs there then remove them.
Don't
Multitask
Avoid running other programs (e.g. Word) while running ScotWeave.
Although you can "multitask" in this way any other program
running will use some of your computer's resources - leaving less
free for ScotWeave. If you don't need programs open while you work
then close them.
Maintain
Free Space on Your Hard Disk
Your computer will use the hard disk for temporary working files
if it can't fit them in memory (RAM). Increasing the memory (see
above) will reduce the need for this but eventually the computer
will create these temporary "swap files" while it is working.
If there isn't enough space on the hard disk then the system may
crash - of there isn't much space then it will slow down. Keep your
C-drive as free as possible by deleting unused files and emptying
the Recycle Bin. If you use Windows NT4 then please click
here for further information on this topic.
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