How to Fix Speed-Related Errors

From catching up with faraway friends to managing businesses, people are reliant on their computers for so many things. It is thus a source of great distress when a PC that used to function smoothly and speedily suddenly slows down to a snail's pace. This is something that can be expected to happen over the course of a computer's lifespan as it fills up with more and more of your files and software. However, that doesn't mean that this is something you have to put up with until the time comes to replace your machine. The following tips will help you overcome common speed-related issues, as well as those pesky "DLL, SYS, and EXE" errors, that may plague your system:

* Uninstall Useless Software

The very first thing you should look at if your PC is not performing at peak speed is the software you have installed. It is often the case that there is an overabundance of programs that you no longer use, and you will regain a lot of speed by getting rid of them. Don't hang on to that art program you used to complete a project 3 years ago. Uninstall everything that you haven't used in more than 6 months.

* Install a Good Antivirus

While you should trim dead weight when it comes to software, one thing which you must absolutely not be without is a good antivirus. A decrease in your system's speed can often be attributed to malware of any sort, and it is thus prudent to have protection against such threats before they even strike.

* Install Those Updates

A lot of Windows users put off installing updates as the process can take quite some time to complete. However, these can be essential to your operating system's function. So, the next time you receive a notification that updates are ready for installation, don't leave it for another day. The time you spend waiting for them to install and configure (and for your PC to restart or shut down) will be negligible compared to the time you'll spend waiting for a slow computer to perform vital tasks.

* Immediately Get Rid of Unnecessary Files

As you use your computer, a lot of unnecessary files will be created. These include temporary files that may fail to disappear when you are done with them, webpages that remain after you've finished browsing, or settings for programs that are no longer in use. All of these things take up precious space on your PC's RAM, so you should take care to get rid of them automatically. You can do this by going to "My Computer" in your local drive, finding the folder marked "Temp" in the "Windows" folder, and deleting everything that is older than the current date.

It is also worth saying that you should regularly empty your Recycle Bin and delete all those crazy fonts that you never use.

* Avoid Multitasking

A PC will also slow down if you are making it do too many things at once. Unless it is absolutely necessary to run several programs at the same time, avoid multitasking. Do this thoroughly by properly shutting down the programs you have finished using so that they don't keep running in the background.

* Defragment Your Drive

A fragmented hard drive where data for a single file is scattered over several separate locations is another source of slowness. To avoid this, you should defragment your drive regularly, especially if the memory is almost full. Not only will this boost speed; it will also contribute to your hard drive's longevity.

* Get a Solid State Drive

The biggest obstacle to speed may very well be your hard drive's inherent limitations. If you have the cash to spare, it will be well worth your money to invest in a solid state drive. These can be incredibly fast because of their read-times, which can be described as operating at super-speed.

* Clean Your Hardware

This last step is one of the most frequently neglected by some of the most conscientious computer owners. The simple truth is that a buildup of dirt on any part of your hardware can make your system slow down by creating heat insulation or getting in the way of moving parts. A gentle vacuuming every week or so should take care of this problem.

Though these tips will help you when your computer slows down, performing them before you start to have problems will help you avoid them in the future. Make these practices a habit, and you will have your PC operating like a dream in no time.