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10 Ways to Speed Up Your Computer Now

by Terrence O'Brien on February 12, 2009 at 12:00 AM



7. Update your software and drivers

Another oft committed crime that can negatively impact performance is failing to keep your apps and drivers up-to-date. Linux users have it pretty easy when it comes to this. Most modern distributions (Ubuntu included) have a package manager like Synaptic, which keeps your OS and applications up-to-date and immediately alerts you to any new versions.

Microsoft and Apple have automatic updates turned on by default. These programs keep the OS, and the software owned by the respective companies (like Office and iTunes), up-to-date, but most other applications must be updated manually, and separately. Users can download FileHippo's Update Checker (Windows) and AppFresh (OS X) to scan a PC's installed programs and report back any available updates.

The last place to check for updates is with your PC manufacturer. Firmware and driver updates for things like your motherboard are often missed by automatic update systems. Some new PCs, like those from Dell and Lenovo, have their own software packages for keeping your BIOS and drivers up-to-date, but it can't hurt to check, yourself. Visit your PC manufacturer's Web site and look in their support section. You should find a link for drivers and downloads. You'll then be asked to enter a model number or support tag. Then, you'll be presented with a list of all updates and downloads available to your computer.

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