Six tips to speed up Windows

One of the most common complaints heard by technical support staff is that a user's computer is running slowly.

This can mean many things, but it is almost universally a Windows issue.

Regardless of the version, Microsoft Windows needs continual maintenance to operate at peak performance.

Unfortunately, most users are unaware of what is required or, if they are, do not perform system maintenance as often as they should.

Viruses, spyware, and other nasty programs can cause sluggish performance as well. However, even systems that are regularly scanned and cleaned may experience a decline in apparent speed over time.

The following tips can help optimize system performance and enhance the user experience.

Tip 1: Add more memory

With older or low-end systems, memory can be a limiting factor. Insufficient RAM will make Windows resort to using virtual memory or disk-based memory paging more often. As a result, processes slow down as memory contents are written to and read from the hard drive. Increasing the amount of RAM is one of the cheapest hardware upgrades available, and the effect on performance will be noticeable. Just make sure you purchase memory cards that are compatible with your system.

Tip 2: Defrag your hard drive

Files are not written to disk in one continuous stripe. Instead, they are written to discrete clusters or allocation units. If a file spans more than one cluster, parts of the file may be scattered around the hard drive, thereby increasing the time it takes to access it. Defragmentation will rearrange the file fragments in an attempt to make each file occupy contiguous clusters. The built-in Windows Disk Defragmenter (under Accessories, System Tools in Windows XP) works fine for most users. For a bit more power, try Diskeeper or Raxco PerfectDisk.

Tip 3: Clean your registry

The Windows registry is one of the least understood and most important features of the operating system. The registry is a hierarchical database containing most of the system configuration information, user preferences, and application settings. Unfortunately, the Windows registry has a tendency to accumulate junk and obsolete data. This can result in slow applications and may even lead to system instability. Periodic cleaning with a specialized registry repair tool, such as PCTools Registry Mechanic, can help reduce the junk. Just make sure that the tool is from a reputable company, as some malware has been discovered in so-called "registry cleaners" from untrusted sources.

Tip 4: Delete unnecessary files

Various applications, and Windows itself, often create temporary files during their operation. These files, along with temporary Internet (cache) files, application logs, old system restoration files, and others can become quite voluminous and may cause disk space and fragmentation issues. Windows has a built-in Disk Cleanup utility, although some third-party application may be a bit more thorough. CCleaner is one such utility that has performed well.

Tip 5: Remove start-up programs

New computers often come with trial software, support utilities, and demos that aren't really needed. Some of these are configured to load during the boot process. Other start-up programs are legitimate utilities that stay in memory to speed the loading of another application. However, if too many programs are loaded when Windows starts, memory and processor performance can take a hit. Look in the "Startup" folder to see if some of these shortcuts can be removed. It's a good idea to move them to a new folder (such as "Startup-Removed") instead of deleting them, in case they are needed later.

Tip 6: Upgrade your Internet account

To some users, a slow system may just mean a slow Web browsing session. This is usually a result of the account type and bandwidth of the Internet service provider. If you are using a dial-up account, consider broadband service. DLS and broadband Cable access are becoming more affordable, especially for lower service levels, as high-speed service continues to improve. If broadband is not an option, try one of the many dial-up accelerator applications -- or try surfing with images turned off.

Although other operating systems may have lower maintenance requirements, Windows remains the dominant operating system. It is a powerful and complex OS, and with that complexity comes a need for regular system maintenance.

These tips should help to extend the life of your PC, especially when they are combined with regular and continual use of up-to-date antivirus and antispyware packages.

Monte Kendrick is the president of and principal consultant for Pixelogiq Data Systems LLC, a Madison-based company that offers information security and technology consulting services.