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10 Ways to Speed Up Your Computer Now
1. Shut off unneeded services and start-up programs
You might not even realize it, but when you first log onto your PC, dozens of programs and services -- most of which you don't need -- start up automatically. Some rear their ugly heads in the system tray (that little collection of icons next to the clock in Windows), but others run quietly in the background, with you none the wiser.
Now, don't get scared. These instructions will probably take you to corners of your operating system (OS) you haven't seen before. But follow our instructions for Mac, Windows, and Linux, and you should notice slightly quicker performance and, potentially, much faster boot times.
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Comments
16
Subscribe to commentsArneFeb 12th 2009 4:53PM
FYI
noelFeb 12th 2009 5:15PM
FYI. be careful about shutting off any network remote access because Anti-virus needs access to automatically update virus database
Jerry HFeb 12th 2009 5:40PM
I had to turn "Terminal Services" back on to get my Windows Live OneCare to work
Jerry HFeb 12th 2009 5:45PM
I had to turn Terminal Services back on for my anti virus and firewall to come on at boot
GloriaFeb 12th 2009 6:47PM
The most aggravating thing I want to turn off is the AOL software update that continuosly pops up. I can't seem to get rid of it. Any suggestions??????????
BradFeb 13th 2009 8:05PM
The most difinitive way is to remove the AOL program from your computer. In the Control Panel, select add/remove programs (or Programs, uninstall a program in Vista) and select AOL to remove. AOL can be used as a web based program by typing AOL into your browser. The web based AOL updates itself and will never bother you again. It works the same as the installed version except the mail windows are larger.
JIMFeb 12th 2009 7:34PM
Gloria, start the download and then cancel it as soon as it starts.
SJFeb 16th 2009 8:07AM
Taking these steps created a serious problem for me - my Dell system (on my laptop) began sending me insistant notes about resetting my original setting every time I logged on
bird2e411Feb 16th 2009 12:11PM
Me too SJ, on my Dell desktop. I was able to rid my startup of some things, but not all.
mo phemisterFeb 16th 2009 11:13AM
no comments at the moment, just trying to registure here...
Mike CFeb 16th 2009 1:13PM
The best thing I have found for my puter is System Mechanic works great and I did add more RAM both are great!!!!
redhatterFeb 16th 2009 1:41PM
Just leave your computer alone! If you don't have the seconds it takes to boot up, you must be bleeding to death! If you absolutely have to do this, have someone who knows about computers do it. Will it cost yes, but it will also cost to have your computer fixed after you have deleted something it needs to run! There are reasons things are hid, so you can't screw with your computer!
TomFeb 17th 2009 12:44PM
Redhatter...you have an excellent point...I did try a few of the suggestions...and noticed a real decrease in my performance and looks of my system...
So I changed it all back...and I feel as you do...leave the hidden files alone...they are indeed hidden for a reason...
And a few seconds won't matter ...(a hundred years from now)...
Tom
Shirley HallFeb 18th 2009 3:21PM
Red Hatter 2:
I had really made a mess of my computer and The Geek Squad at Best Buy did an amazing @ professioal job of speeding my computer up for $40 with no fear of messing things up. It took about 5 hours to get mine running like new.I Worth every penney!
magius888Feb 20th 2009 1:07PM
Great advice, though not for the novice OS users. Becareful when turning off vital programs.
Shutting down the junk startup programs is something that we all should already know, but always forget to do. Speaking of "should," gotta check my tire pressure...
billApr 5th 2009 9:50AM
all this is sounds good, buttttttt, how about puttin' all that info on one page & making it printer friendly so one dosen't have to click throught 10 or so pages to figure it out.