You don't need to be a computer geek to make your PC more productive. In fact, these three essential tips are all designed around the operating system already installed on your computer. In other words, these techniques are not only readily available, but if your computer could talk it would tell you to take advantage of these functions.



Before explaining these vital procedures, let's get a better understanding of how your computer works. Your computer stores all the commands and actions that you give it. Imagine a secretary following around a boss every day, memorizing phone calls, business letters or reports around the office. Although this information would be filed, retrieving it would be time-consuming, not to mention the fact that most of this data is time-sensitive and could be safely destroyed.

Your computer is akin to that secretary. It has files on your work that you may not even remember about since they are so old. The worst part is that your computer feels obligated to sift through all this information and file it, hence taking up a lot of time. By now, you should get the idea about why your computer runs slow and why it's necessary to increase its speed.

If your computer gets an F for speed, consider these three "D"s

Disk Cleanup

Give your computer permission to remove old, outdated and useless files. Disk cleanup is a Windows utility that's easy to use and provides a significant benefit. Click "Start", "Programs", "Accessories" "System Tools" and then "Disk Cleanup". You will be asked which files you want deleted. Usually, temporary Internet files are safe to delete. Take a moment to go through the list of files and see if you can choose others that aren't used or needed anymore. This single procedure will cause your computer to speed up significantly.

Defragment Your Hard Drive

This may sound like a difficult procedure, but the computer is already designed to perform this function; you need only to tell your PC "secretary" that it's time to clean the office. This utility program puts your files in order. If you've ever deleted a file or a program, there are gaps in the "filing cabinet" of your computer's hard drive. It would be like your secretary trying to file something under "W" but having to go through empty drawers since that's the only way to get to "W". Defragmenting consolidates your files and makes them easier to assess.

Delete Old Programs

You have probably accumulated programs that you haven't touched in months. Click on the Control Panel and choose "Add or Remove Programs". Go through the list and delete any program that you don't need anymore. This is a very simple step but is often overlooked.

So now you know how to increase computer speed. A few minutes of your time can greatly increase your computer's speed. Your computer was made to be quick but it's waiting for you to give a few simple instructions. Make those clicks and watch the improvement.