5 (Cheap) Ways to Make Old Computers Faster and More Reliable

Submitted by stratait on Thu, 2011-10-20 14:17

Want to improve the speed and performance of your current network without investing serious cash into new PCs? Read on…

  1. ADD MEMORY:  One of the most inexpensive and effective ways to improve a computer’s performance is to install more RAM (random access memory). This will speed up the applications installed on your computer and allow you to open and run more programs simultaneously.
  2. UPGRADE: The Processor Or Add A Graphics Accelerator. If you are just looking for a little more “zoom,” upgrading the processor or installing a graphics accelerator will give your computer the ability to process information faster and improve its overall speed.
  3. PERFORM REGULAR MAINTENANCE: On Your Servers and Desktops.  Computers, like cars, need regular maintenance to avoid problems, sluggish performance, and error messages. At a minimum, you should run ScanDisk and the Disk Defrag Utility on your machines once a month. This
    will make your applications and files load and
    run faster.
  4. RUN A SPYWARE SCAN: Once A Week. One telltale sign that your computer is infected with spyware is slow, unstable performance. Spyware sucks up your system’s resources to carry out its evil intent, slowing down your computer and even causing it to freeze and crash.
  5. DISABLE OR REMOVE: Unnecessary Programs Running In The Background. Many computers have pre-installed software programs that use up system resources and slow down your computer. These programs also increase the attack surface area hackers, bots and viruses have to infect your system.

While these recommendations will certainly speed up your system, they aren’t a miracle cure for a seriously out-of-date computer network. If your computer or network constantly crashes, freezes up, or runs painfully slow, then it’s time for an upgrade.