Computers get exponentially slower as time goes on. A new computer one year ago may not have enough power for the latest software. Fortunately, people can speed up their computer through a combination of hardware upgrades and tweaking some settings.

Considerations

According to EasyComputerTips.com, many PCs tend to run slower than normal because the hard drive gets filled with extra and sometimes useless files.

Expert Insight

RAM upgrades are one of the cheapest and most effective ways to speed up a computer, according to computer guru Leo Notenboom. Windows often under-reports the amount of RAM needed to run the OS optimally. Ideally, the computer should have more than twice the recommended amount of RAM and/or the maximum amount the machine can hold.

Free Utilities

Most operating systems come with utilities to help reorganize the hard drive and get rid of unnecessary files. Windows, for example, has Disk Cleanup which searches the hard drive and recommends files that can be deleted or are no longer used.

Prevention/Solution

Computer users should also take measures to prevent their computer slowing down due to malicious software and hard-drive malfunctions. Error Checkers look for potentially damaged parts of the hard-drive and fixes them. Anti-virus software prevents infections from spyware programs that could clog the computer with unwanted processes.

Tips

Hardware and software vendors are constantly updating their programs and drivers. These updates often make their products run smoother.

Source:

"EasyComputerTips: Make Your PC Run Faster"

"Ask-Leo: How Can I Make My Computer Run Faster?"

"Microsoft: 5 Ways to Speed Up Your PC"