9 Tricks to Keep Your Computer Running Like New

As time goes by, it is common for computers to become slower and less efficient. However, it is not necessary to spend money on a new computer to enjoy optimal performance.

In this article, we will introduce you to 9 simple but effective tricks to make your computer run like new. Read on to find out how you can optimize and speed up your device without spending a penny.

1. Regular cleaning

Dust and dirt buildup can affect your computer’s performance. Be sure to regularly clean your keyboard, screen, and fans to prevent overheating and ensure proper airflow.

Physical cleaning:

• Turn off the computer and disconnect it from the power.
• Use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or a specific screen cleaner to clean the screen.
• Clean the keyboard with a soft bristle brush or use compressed air to remove dust and particles between the keys.
• Clean the outside of the computer with a soft, dry cloth.
• Be sure to also clean the mouse and any other peripherals you use.

Clean the hard disk:

• Remove unnecessary and temporary files that take up space on the hard drive. You can use the “Disk Cleanup” utility in Windows to do this.
• Uninstall programs that you no longer use. Go to the “Programs and Features” section in the Windows Control Panel and uninstall those programs that you consider unnecessary.
• Organize your files into logical folders for easy access and to eliminate clutter on your hard drive.

Cleaning of the operating system:

• Run a full system scan with your antivirus program to remove any malicious programs or viruses that may be affecting your computer’s performance.
• Use a Windows registry cleaning tool to remove invalid entries and optimize system performance.
• Perform regular operating system updates and make sure you have the latest security updates installed.

2. Uninstall unnecessary programs

Review the list of programs installed on your computer and uninstall those you don’t use. This will free up space on your hard drive and improve the speed of your device.

Using a reliable antivirus is an essential measure to keep your computer protected against malware, viruses, and other threats. Here are some guidelines for using an antivirus effectively:

1. Research and choose the antivirus

Research different antivirus options available in the market and choose one that is reliable and suitable for your needs. Read reviews, check user opinions, and verify the reputation of the antivirus company.

2. Download and install

Visit the official website of the selected antivirus vendor and download the latest version of the antivirus program. Follow the installation instructions provided by the vendor and make sure to complete all the necessary steps.

3. Regular updating

Once installed, be sure to keep your antivirus up to date. Antivirus vendors regularly release virus definition updates to protect against the latest threats. Set your antivirus to update automatically or perform manual updates regularly.

4. Full system scan

Perform a full system scan with your antivirus regularly. This scan looks for and removes any malware, viruses, or other threats that may be present on your computer. Schedule regular automatic scans to ensure that your system is continuously protected.

5. Scanning files and downloads

Configure your antivirus to perform real-time scanning of files and downloads. This ensures that any files or programs you download, or run are checked for possible threats before they can affect your computer.

6. Email and web browsing protection

Use the email and web browsing protection functionality provided by your antivirus. This will help you detect and avoid malicious links, infected attachments, and dangerous websites while surfing the Internet or receiving emails.

7. Quarantine and threat removal

If your antivirus detects threats during scans, follow the instructions provided to move threats to quarantine or remove them completely. Quarantine is a security measure that isolates infected files to prevent them from harming your system.

3. Update your operating system and programs

Software updates often include performance improvements and security patches. Keep your operating system, programs, and drivers up to date to ensure you get the most out of your computer.

4. Delete temporary files

Temporary files, caches, and logs can accumulate over time and take up space on your hard drive. Use tools such as “Disk Cleanup” in Windows or third-party cleanup applications to remove these files and free up space.

5. Optimize your computer startup

Many programs start automatically when you turn on your computer, which slows down startup time. Review the list of startup programs and disable those that you don’t need to start automatically. You can do this in the operating system settings or by using specialized applications.

6. Run a full system scan

With your antivirus program detect and remove any malware or viruses that may be affecting your computer’s performance. Be sure to keep your antivirus updated to have the best protection against current threats.

7. Optimize your hard drive

Use tools such as “Disk Defragmentation” in Windows to reorganize the files on your hard drive and improve data access speed. In addition, you can use disk cleanup utilities to remove temporary files and free up disk space.

8. Increase RAM

If your computer is becoming slow due to a lack of RAM, consider adding more RAM modules. This will improve your system’s ability to handle multiple tasks and run applications more efficiently.

9. Optimize power settings

Optimizing the power settings on your computer can contribute to better performance and energy efficiency. Here are some tips for optimizing power settings:

1. Adjust the power plan

In operating systems such as Windows, you can choose different power plans to suit your needs. Generally, these plans include options such as “High Performance“, “Balanced” and “Power Economy“.

Select the plan that best suits your preferences and usage requirements. The “Balanced” mode is usually a recommended option, as it offers a balance between performance and energy savings.

2. Configure display and sleep settings

Adjust the display shutdown and system sleep settings to save power when the computer is not in use. Set an idle time after which the screen turns off and the system automatically sleeps. This helps conserve power and prolong battery life on laptops.

3. Customize advanced power settings

In the advanced power settings, you can customize various options for better performance and power savings. Some common options include processor power management, hard disk performance, and graphics card settings. Adjust these options according to your needs and preferences.

4. Disable hibernation

If you do not use the hibernation feature on your computer, you can disable it to save hard disk space. Hibernation saves the current system state on the hard disk and can take up a considerable amount of space. You can disable it in the advanced power settings.

5. Control USB devices

Many USB devices, such as keyboards, mice, and external drives, can consume power even when the computer is idle. In the power settings, look for the option that allows the system to turn off USB devices when they are not in use to save power.