Performance - Speeding Up Your PC
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NOTE: The following article is targeted towards those running Windows XP, but the general practices can be applied to all operating systems. |
If your computer seems slower than it used to be, it probably is. Over time, computers get slower for a variety of reasons: files become disorganized, unnecessary software consumes resources, unused network drives slow startup, or too many programs automatically run at startup. Larger, serious issues can dramatically slow your computer's performance too. You may have a virus or need to troubleshoot problems by clean booting.
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NOTE: Before you make any changes, please note how long it takes for you to shut down, restart, and open an application. This is important because this is the easiest way to tell that your changes are increasing your computer’s performance. |
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CAUTION: Following some of these steps may cause Windows to experience problems loading. If you are not comfortable with editing system parameters, contact a qualified IT professional for assistance. On Center Software takes no responsibility for actions performed. |
Steps to speeding up your computer:
Protect Your Computer Against Spyware and Viruses
Protect Your Computer Against Spyware and Viruses
Two leading software companies Symantec and McAfee offer solutions for protecting your computer from spyware and viruses. Please be aware that by running these programs a considerable amount of resources will be consumed depending upon which options you have selected. However, these programs are intended to help your computer and may easily be toggled off.
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NOTE: When running anti-virus software, to increase performance, please exclude the folders containing On-Screen Takeoff, Quick Bid, and any application databases (by default C:\OCS Documents). |
Spyware collects personal information without letting you know and without asking for permission. The information that spyware collects ranges from a list of Web sites that you visit to usernames and passwords. In addition to privacy concerns, spyware can hamper your computer's performance.
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Additional Information: For more information about spyware, please refer to Microsoft's Security page: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/default.mspx |
Back to TopBack Up First
Before performing any maintenance on your computer, it is recommended to backup your database to a network location or an external device (USB Jump Drive, External HDD, etc.)
Defragment your hard drive
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Additional Information: Refer to the following FAQ article for assistance defragmenting your Hard Drive. Defragmenting your hard drive is vital to improving and maintaining performance. |
Remove AutoStart Programs
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CAUTION: Note to network/corporate users - this should ONLY be performed by your IT department and/or network administrator. |
The next step in restoring your computer's performance is to identify any unnecessary programs that start automatically. This step is highly recommended if your computer is very slow starting up, or if you get annoying pop-ups, or junk programs loading at the start-up.
Often, programs configure themselves to run in the background so that they appear to start quickly when needed. Some of these programs show an icon on your taskbar to let you know that they're running, while others are completely hidden. These autostart programs will steal away trace amounts of memory and processing time as your computer runs.
Windows XP comes with the System Configuration tool (Msconfig.exe), an excellent way to manage the startup process. To start it:
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Click Start, click Run, type Msconfig, and then press <Enter>
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On the Startup tab, you'll see a list of all the programs and processes that are set to run when Windows XP loads
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Speed up your overall start time by clearing the check box next to any item you think you don't need
NOTE: If you are not sure a about a program, leave it. -
Click Apply, and then restart your computer for the changes to take effect
Upgrade the Hardware
As new software continues to be developed, the minimum system requirements tend to increase.
For most desktop applications, the three leading hardware requirements are:
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Hard drive space
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Processor Speed
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RAM – Random Access Memory (The most important speed upgrade)
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NOTE: For assistance with performing any hardware upgrades, contact a qualified IT professional. |
Hard Drive
Your music, pictures, videos, and files all need to be stored somewhere. The latest hard drives (storage devices) can not only contain more data, but in some cases, may even retrieve data faster. Newer applications tend to be larger in size than their predecessors and a larger, faster hard drive will improve application launching and performance.
Processor Speed
The brain of the computer lies with its Central Processing Unit (or CPU). By upgrading your CPU, you can expect improved results in multitasking operations and any programs that do a lot number crunching or data manipulation. On-Screen Takeoff uses a lot of Processor resources to display and manipulate images and takeoff.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
This is by far the easiest hardware upgrade that you can do to your computer. In addition, it will probably give you the most dramatic results in performance.
Article compiled from "4 Ways to Speed Up Your Computer's Performance" and "Restore Your Computer's Performance with Windows XP"