How to Speed Up Your Computer - PC Hardware Questions & Answers

Chandramohan writes in with a hardware question:

Question: How do you increase your system speed?

Answer: There are a few ways to speed up your system, hardware and software related. If you have an older or slower system there are a few things you can do hardware wise to help performance. The easiest upgrade will be adding more RAM. If you are running Windows XP we recommend 512 MB of RAM. You really shouldn't have any less than 256 MB. It only takes a few minutes to install additional RAM. Just make sure you have an open slot and get the right type.

Installing RAM
 
If you have a slower processor (CPU) then that may be something to upgrade. The only problem with this is that you may also have to upgrade the motherboard as well and then it gets expensive and you may be better off buying a new computer.
 
Other things like upgrading your hard drive may help if you have a slow drive but keep in mind you will have to reinstall everything if you do this.
 
Upgrading your video card will help if you use graphics intensive programs like video editing software or do gaming.
 
 
To try and get some more speed by using software you can try a few things.
 
Defragging your hard drive.
 
Unchecking non essential startup items.

Checking for spyware and removing it if found.

Navigate: Computer Help > PC Hardware > Main Answers > PC Hardware Questions