10 Ways to Speed Up Your Computer Now

by Terrence O'Brien — Feb 12th 2009 at 2:01PM

There is nothing more frustrating on this Earth than a slow computer -- especially in these tough economic times, when running out and buying a new high-end PC is not necessarily an option. But here's the good news: There is plenty you can do yourself, right now, that'll speed up your computer. We've compiled a list of 10 tips and tricks you can easily implement on your existing computer. Some involve just a few quick steps, while others are more involved, but rest easy: We've included directions for everything. Take a look by clicking on 'Next' below, and get ready for the fast times!

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Tags: features

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

Larry said 3:13PM on 2-12-2009

I know what an uninterruptable power supply is but what is an Uninterpretable Power Supply? :-)

Duke said 3:37PM on 2-12-2009

An Uninterpretable Power Supply is one where you can't read the directions and plug into the wrong hole.

Jack said 5:38PM on 2-12-2009

this was basically a waste of time reading through

how bout some relevant advice that can be achieved without software updates, etc.

cleroyscoryea said 4:43PM on 2-12-2009

things are fair but they slowly getting around for the life of world as we all know the things the obama is trying is great but it slow dues too money hunger people ?

Richard said 5:48PM on 2-12-2009

cleroyscoryea, hey learn to type or maybe how to talk before you write something. What is the obama, and how slow dues too money hungry people mean. Maybe you just aren't from this or any other English speaking country and it is my fault not your's because you are too stupid to write.

jim said 9:09PM on 2-13-2009

GET A LIFE. EVERYONE'S NOT AS PERFECT AS YOU

bob said 5:49PM on 2-12-2009

Thanks. Went through all and changed/added much. I can already see the difference.

Stephanie said 6:27PM on 2-12-2009

for at least 2 of the apps you recommended and said were free, you neglected to say that they are only free TRIALS and after downloading them, I only then discover that the free trails can only fix 20 of the 900 problems found on my computer. If I really want to fix the problems, it will cost me $30 for each product. Right now, I don't have it. So, thanks a whole lot for letting us know ahead of time that these things are not really free. I wouldn't have wasted my time.

jess said 11:33PM on 2-12-2009

i just bought the magic flash drive and it solve all my computer problems. check it out at www.magicflashdrive.com

Joe said 7:35PM on 2-13-2009

get yourself some free products that are really free

clean your computer and fix your registry with -
ccleaner at www.ccleaner.com

get free antivirus avg 8.0 at www.grisoft.com

get free adware eliminator - look for spybot search&destroy - make sure you get the right one, the one that is free

Debbie said 7:26PM on 2-12-2009

After unchecking the services, one is causing problems with the AOhelL software. When you log on you get an error message and all web pages come up blank. I reselected all and it fixed it so I'm not sure which one is causing the problem.

Barb said 2:11PM on 2-16-2009

I cant reselect the boxes it checks them but still says they a re stopped and I cant get on aol..do you know how I can get aol software back?

Debbie said 6:59PM on 2-16-2009

Did you restart your computer for the changes to take place once you selected everything?

debbie said 7:29PM on 2-12-2009

thank God i read you guys' comments before i suffered through sitting here with my slow computer going through the 10 million clicks to read a stupid article!!! why can't they just put the article on one page?!

db said 10:30PM on 2-12-2009

OMG. Thanks for posting some solutions that work!! My slower than dial-up desktop is now in the running for my work laptop!! Dumping the stuff that doesn't need to be there on startup, excellent how-tos, Hippo, etc. Dang!! Bless you!!

RICHARD said 3:42AM on 2-17-2009

WELL I WILL ADMIT... I AM FROM ANOTHER TIME ZONE....FOR THE LIFE OF ME, I CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW OR WHERE THESE NAMES OF ITEMS ARE COMING FROM.. A BLUE TOOTH? ...CLEARLY BE COMPASSIONATE AND SEE YOURSELVES WHEN YOU GET MY AGE....(70) JUST REMEMBER FOLKS, NOTHING IS FREE ...REMEMBER THE COMMENT "DEPENDS ON WHAT IS IS" NOW BACK TO THE BS THIS COUNTRY IS HEADING TOWARDS ..HAVE A GREAT DAY

Vickie said 10:36AM on 2-13-2009

If it works for you great, if not try something else, but people this world is full of enough hate and violence that we should not be using more to atack fellow users of the internet no matter where they come from or how they spell. People make mistakes and if you can walk on water great but I don't think so! Also I tried most of what was written and it really works great (most of the stuff ). Everyone have a wonderful day and make peace NOT war!

andrew said 5:25PM on 2-13-2009

Turning off aol and all its other hidden programs sppeds up my computer drastically its a shame they forgot to mention the best step.

CKParks said 6:49PM on 2-13-2009

Anytime you read an add that says FREE theres always a catch...be sure to read EVERYTHING before you say ok..Even if it says 30 Days...they can charge at anytime so you do not have time to cancel....Be carefull out there all of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dee said 8:06PM on 2-13-2009

I am wanting to turn off the Norton, I have an antivirus cd I want to install, but can't because of Norton. Any suggestions?

| 1 | 2 | 3 | Most Recent | Next 20 Comments

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'Black Friday' Deals to Watch For

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Black Friday' Deals to Watch For

Traditionalists might balk, but the holiday shopping season is already underway. Skeptical? Head to your local department store and you'll be inundated by Christmas trees and ornaments. Bargain hunters, though, know that the real deals are more than a month away.

Black Friday, traditionally, is when retailers truly slash prices. Early birds can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars off of their holiday bills. Switched.com checked with a few elves, who gave a sneak peek at what you can expect deal-wise this year.

Blu-ray Players and Movies: Blu-ray is shaping up to be the biggest door buster of this year's Black Friday. de Grandpre expects at least one retailer will offer a Blu-ray player for just $49. Look for bargains on Blu-ray films as well, with last year's hit titles (such as "Iron Man") to fall as low as $5.

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HDTVs (Pretty big): The holidays are typically the best time to buy a new TV – and Black Friday is the time to do it. If you're looking for a normal sized set, you're in luck. Piper Jaffrey analyst Mitch Kaiser says he expects to see 32-inch LCD sets for as low as $299. GottaDeal.com is estimating 37-inch plasma and LCD sets will fall to $399 or less.

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Digital Picture Frames: Showcasing your digital pictures consistently gets cheaper. This year, skip the 7-inch screens and focus on the 8- or 9-inch ones, which should be available on Black Friday for as little as $30.

Monitors: Computer monitors might not be the sexiest of gifts, but they're usually welcomed with open arms – and they'll be cheap this year. Name brand 22-inch LCD models may go for as low as $99, while 24-inch models will drop below $150.

Memory: Don't know anyone who needs a monitor? External hard drives are always popular, since they're an easy way to back-up data. Dealnews expects a 1TB drive to fall as low as $49 this year. Gottadeal is looking for 8GB flash drives to hit $15.

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