Tuesday, July 16, 2013

How to Clean up a Slow Performing Computer ~PLUS~ a few Mac tips too ;)


Many think that when a computer starts performing poorly it's time to buy a new computer. Does your desktop or laptop often hang on the hourglass or swirling circle for several minutes at a time? Does "Not Responding" sound familiar to you? Is it slow to load files or applications, and does it take a long time to boot? Even if you're extremely careful about how you use your computer and never download questionable material, over time it is inevitable that your system will accumulate unwanted registry entries, errors, clutter, and debris. Here's how to clean your computer up and get it running faster again!

Things YOU can DO:

  1. Update and Scan with your Security Software:
    (Link to more in-depth PC/computer clean-up guide)
    Antivirus software helps protect you from viruses and other malicious files that can spread through emails or downloads. It performs regular system checks and detects when foreign files are trying to infiltrate your computer.
    We recommend using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for comprehensive protection.
    Click the link below for a list of the security software that we recommend and use:
  2. Do not use Registry Optimizers or so-called Clean Reg Tools.
    Most of these cause more harm than good in the long run.

  3. Clear up space on the hard drive.
    Deleting unnecessary files is an easy way to free up memory and improve performance. Use BleachBit for a thorough cleanup of your PC, and Onyx for your Mac.

    • For Windows 10 and 11: Open Settings, go to System, then Storage, and use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool.
    • For macOS: Go to the Apple menu, select About This Mac, then Storage, and use the Manage button to find options for optimizing storage.

  4. Uninstall useless programs or programs you rarely use. These can include games, media files, or redundant software.

    • For Windows: Go to Settings, then Apps, and uninstall programs that are no longer needed.
    • For macOS: Drag unwanted applications from the Applications folder to the Trash, then empty the Trash.
    • When uninstalling programs be sure you don't need them! Some programs are needed for the operation of the computer. So if you are unsure about a program then leave it alone or do a quick search on Google to see if you can find out whether it's good or bad.

  5. Clean Up Junk Files.
    BleachBit is a powerful, open-source tool that helps you clean up unnecessary files and free up disk space on your computer. Follow these steps to use BleachBit to clean your system:
    • Download and Install "BleachBit," and then find and click on the application to open it.
    • Choose What to Clean:
      1. In BleachBit, you will see a list of cleaners on the left-hand side. 
      2. These cleaners correspond to different types of junk files and applications.
      3. Check the boxes next to the items you want to clean. 
      4. Common selections include:
        • System: Temporary files, logs, memory dumps
        • Web browsers: Cache, history, etc
        • Careful deleting cookies as they store your saved login data.
        • Applications: Temporary files from installed applications
        • Deep Scan:
          • For a more thorough clean, you can enable "Deep Scan" under the System section. 
          • This option will scan for and delete more obscure temporary files and caches.
          • Be cautious with deep scanning, as it may delete files you were not expecting.
      5. Preview (Optional but Recommended):
        • Click the "Preview" button to see a list of files that will be deleted and the amount of space that will be freed.
        • Review the list to ensure no important files will be deleted.
      6. Clean:
        • If you're satisfied with the preview, click the "Clean" button to delete the selected files.
        • BleachBit will begin cleaning the files, which may take a few minutes depending on the amount of data.

  6. Defragment your hard drive if you are using a traditional HDD. 
    *SSDs do not need defragmentation.
    1. For Windows: Open the Start Menu, search for Defragment and Optimize Drives, and run the tool.
    2. MacOS: Mac operating systems manage disk fragmentation automatically, so manual defragmentation is not needed.

  7. Check your RAM.
    If your computer is running slowly, you might need more RAM.
    1. For Windows: Right-click on This PC, select Properties and check the installed RAM. Consider upgrading if you have less than 8GB for modern systems.
    2. For macOS: Click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, and check the Memory tab. Aim for at least 8GB for general use.

  8. Optimize startup programs.
    Reducing the number of programs that run at startup can improve boot times.
    1. For Windows: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), go to the Startup tab and disable unnecessary programs.
    2. For macOS: Go to System Preferences, then Users & Groups, and select your user. Click the Login Items tab and remove unnecessary items.

    Other Tips:

    • Only install software that you intend to use regularly.
    • Be cautious with free downloads; they can come with spyware, malware, or viruses.
    • Regularly clean up your computer using tools like BleachBit.
    • Ensure safe internet browsing by using a firewall and a secure browser.
    • Schedule regular scans with your antivirus and anti-malware software.
    • Always back up your important data before running any cleanup tool.
    • If you're unsure about specific options, stick to the default settings.

      Warnings:

      • When uninstalling programs, ensure they are not essential for your system's operation. If unsure, do a quick search to verify.
      • Use anti-malware programs carefully and follow instructions thoroughly. Incorrect changes to the registry can worsen performance. If you're unsure, clean only detected items marked in red, or consult a knowledgeable friend or professional.

    Further Reading/Related Articles:

    How you can get infected & what you can do to try to prevent it:

    Pacific NW Computers

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