Hardware related:

Memory Usage

When you buy a new computer getting a decent amount of memory (RAM) is very important. Computer programs are becoming increasingly memory hungry and being low on memory while running an application means increased hard disk drive data swap. This will lead to reduced computer performance.

CPU Speed and Cache

Getting a computer to run a word processing application or a spreadsheet or to surf the internet, is not the same as using it to play 3D games or doing Graphic design , 3D modeling and animation , so the faster the CPU the better the performance. (Don't forget that the CPU has its own memory to store instructions in what is called a Cache, so this cache memory has to be large for optimum hardware performance).

Hard Disk Drive Speed and Cache

The speed of a hard disk is measured in RPM (Rotation per Minutes) being slow will mean that it will take more time to access the data and bring it to the CPU. Also the Hard Disk Drive will store some of its instructions in its own memory (Cache). These factors will contribute to a well tuned system or not.

Graphics Card Memory and Speed

Get a Graphics Card that suits your computer work needs you will not need a fast card and a lot of memory to do simple tasks, the more your Graphics need are ,the better it will be to invest in a high end Graphics Card.

Now the hard part (Hard because during the life of a computer the amount and frequency of software entering and leaving the system is tremendous; so much "dirt" will come and go, and it is really a tough job to keep it clean).

Software related:

Fragmentation

Day to day computer tasks involves: installing and uninstalling software, moving, deleting, replacing files?etc. these activities cause files and data fragmentation. Fragmentation is the situation in which files are divided into chunks scattered around a hard disk drive and can have a significant impact on computer performance. This is because it takes more time to access files on a hard disk drive if they are fragmented.

Getting Out of Date

Microsoft periodically releases updates for Windows to ensure that the software is running at its optimum and the computer is protected from the latest known security holes and programming bugs or errors. In addition, many of these updates will help increase your computer's performance. Therefore you shouldn't let Windows get out of date; otherwise you'll compromise the security and performance of your computer.

Hard Disk Drive Errors

Data in hard disk drives can become corrupt and contain errors, such as computer crashes or locks up, improper shutdown, Power surges or electrical fluctuations and spikes that cause sudden resets. When there are errors in a hard disk drive, it can't work at its optimum performance.

Internet Cache and Temporary Files

Web browsers typically create temporary files, often referred to as Internet Cache, during web browsing. These temporary files usually aren't needed after you are finished surfing the web, and can take up large amounts of space on your hard drive. Therefore these files, if not removed on a scheduled basis, will contribute to poor computer performance.

Invalid Registry Entries

The registry contains information that Windows continually references during operation, such as profiles for each user, serial numbers and registration keys, the applications installed on the computer and the types of documents that each can create, property sheet settings for folders and application icons, what hardware exists on the system, and the ports that are being used. There are many specific registry keys that can slow a computer's performance. These are typically invalid keys containing information about COM ActiveX, DirectX and Java objects. These objects are parts of programs, and when you remove the programs, these keys sometimes still exist. However, if these registry keys aren't removed they can contribute to slower computer performance.

Recycle Bin

Files are not actually removed from the hard disk drive when you delete them the first time. For instance, deleting files for the first time actually sends them to the Recycle Bin. Then from there you can either permanently remove them from your computer, or in case you figured out that they should not have been deleted, you can restore them.

Temporary Files

Computers programs constantly create many different temporary files, which are typically stored for your advantage. However, these temporary files on your computer can pile up, which can contribute to poor computer performance.

Unnecessary Startup Programs

Many software programs will add themselves to your Startup folder, which may cause your computer to take longer to start up. Additionally, these programs running in the background will steal computing power from other applications you are using and will overall bog down your computer. An application worth mentioning is the virus protection software that we all use either we like it or not. These vital tools that protect our operating environment have a negative impact: they slow down the computer performance, but we cannot do anything about it unless we use a computer that will never access the internet.

Unused Files and Programs

Unused programs and files are one of the biggest contributors to wasted disk space and can cause a drop in your computer's performance. As a general rule of thumb, the less disk space you use of your hard drive, the better overall computer performance you'll experience. Therefore, it's best to remove software programs that aren't used and files that you don't need any more.

Viruses, Malware, Trojan Horses and Email Bombs

With the ever increasing exposure to the internet, anti-virus software are having a hard time keeping the computer operating environment clean and virus free. From time to time new viruses strike worldwide and if one is unlucky enough to catch them they will affect his computer performance, file access, internet connection and programs performance.

Windows Temporary Files

The Windows operating system and other applications create temporary files for various reasons, such as during software installations. These temporary files, however, are typically not needed after the application exits or when Windows is shut down. In many cases, the applications do not always clean up after themselves and leave behind a stack of files, which will use up some of your computer's valuable disk space.

Conclusion

So how do you optimize your computer? Shop well and have some insight as to what your computing needs may be in 3 or 6 month. Buy a system that you will feel comfortable with during its estimated life. Use your Operating System optimization tools and grab good optimization software from the many available out there, but be careful, letting a program in its early version tweak your registry is a risky business. Choose software that is mature and well established in the market.

Good luck.

Danouma

www.danouma.com