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How do I make my PC run faster

It’s something we’ve all asked at some stage - 'how do I make my PC run faster'? After all, a slow PC puts a hamper on user productivity. The common instinctive solutions are to buy additional memory (RAM), play with the computer’s settings (which can cause more harm than good), or to just give up and decide it’s time for a new PC. But these may only be short-term solutions and cost money when spending might not even be necessary. When a computer’s performance becomes noticeably slower, the first thing to look at is the hard disk.

A computer’s hard disk is a non-removable area that holds all the information available from the computer; over time, it loses its ability to store data efficiently. Performing a few tasks – some regularly, some when necessary – can boost the speed of PCs running on Windows® 7 and keep them performing at their best. You have probably already tried Disk Defragmenter; here are four other tasks to build into your routine, so that you stay efficient and productive:

1. Free up disk space
Don’t go on a deleting spree. There is a systematic way to freeing up space on your computer. Computers accumulate temporary files over time from any number of sources (mostly from Internet browsing). After a while, these temporary files will affect the computer’s speed. The Windows Disk Cleanup tool helps you to free up space on your hard disk to improve the performance of your computer. The tool identifies files that you can safely delete and then enables you to choose to delete some or all of the identified files. Disk Cleanup should be run about once per week.

To run Disk Cleanup:

• Click “Start”, then “All Programs”, “Accessories”, “System Tools” (this is also where you will find the Disk Defragmenter), and then click “Disk Cleanup”. If several drives are available, you might be prompted to specify which drive you want to clean.

• When Disk Cleanup has calculated how much space you can free up, in the “Disk Cleanup for” dialogue box, scroll through the list of “Files to delete”. Clear the check boxes for files that you do NOT want to delete, and then click “OK”.

• When prompted to confirm that you want to delete the specified files, click “Yes”.* After a few minutes, the process completes and the “Disk Cleanup” dialogue box closes.

2. Detect and repair errors
Whenever a program crashes or you experience a power outage, your computer may create errors on the hard disk. These errors will eventually slow your computer to a crawl. The Check Disk program identifies and corrects these types of errors, improving the PC’s performance. Check Disk should be run once per week and can run simultaneously while you are working with other programs on your PC.

To run Check Disk:

• Click the “Start” button and then click “Computer”.

• Right-click the hard disk drive that you want to check, and then click “Properties”.

• Click the “Tools” tab and then under “Error-checking”, click “Check now”.
  1.    To automatically repair problems with files and folders that the scan detects, select “Automatically fix file system errors”. Otherwise, the disk check will simply report problems but not fix them.
  2.    To perform a thorough disk check, select “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors”. This scan attempts to find and repair physical errors on the hard disk itself, and it can take much longer to complete.
  3.    To check for both file errors and physical errors, select both “Automatically fix file system errors” and “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors”.

• Click “Start”.
  1.    Depending upon the size of your hard disk, this may take several minutes. For best results, don't use your computer for any other tasks while it's checking for errors.

3. An external performance jolt
MS ReadyBoost can speed up computers by using storage space on most USB flash drives and flash memory cards. For MS ReadyBoost to effectively speed up a computer, the flash drive or memory card should have at least 1 gigabyte (GB) of available space. For best results, use a flash drive or flash memory card with at least twice the amount of available space as the amount of memory (RAM) in your computer.

To turn MS ReadyBoost on or off:

• Plug a flash drive or flash memory card into your computer.

• In the “Autoplay” dialogue box, under “General options”, click “Speed up my system”.

• In the “Properties” dialogue box, click the “MS ReadyBoost” tab, and then do one of the following:
  1.    To turn ReadyBoost off, click “Do not use this device”.
  2.    To use the maximum available space on the flash drive or memory card for MS ReadyBoost, click “Dedicate this device to MS ReadyBoost”. Windows will leave any files already stored on the device, but it'll use the rest to boost your system speed.
  3.    To use less than the maximum available space on the device for MS ReadyBoost, click “Use this device”, and then move the slider to choose the amount of available space on the device you want to use.

• Click “OK”.

4. Remove viruses, spyware and other threats
Viruses, spyware, adware and other malicious software unknowingly installed on PCs can compromise your personal information and damage precious files. At the same time, they slow down PCs and cause unwanted behaviour. It is important to install and/or run the necessary protection software that scans and rids your PC of such threats.

Before throwing your PC out of the window or spending money on upgrades, go through these simple tasks to optimise your PC’s performance. And then, make sure you continue to do so at regular intervals to ensure optimum PC speed.

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The Public Sector ICT PC Frameworks - ICTPROCUREMENT.GOV.IE

May 2010 - PC Peripherals is re-selected to participate in the ICT PC Framework

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The Public Sector ICT Frameworks - ICTPROCUREMENT.GOV.IE

December 2009 - PC Peripherals is selected to participate in the ICT Notebook Framework

June 2009 - PC Peripherals achieves Microsoft Gold Certification

Gold Certified Partners represent the highest level of competence and expertise with Microsoft technologies and have the closest working relationship with Microsoft. At this level, you have access to the resources and support you need to stand out in the marketplace, including a technical services coordinator, access to the Partner Knowledge Base, priority listing in Microsoft directories and other top-level benefits.

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June 2008 - PC Peripherals appointed Microsoft Certified Partner

As a Microsoft Certified Partner, PC Peripherals gains access to a rich set of resources designed to help the company build revenue, sales momentum, and marketplace prominence while increasing market impact. The requirements to become a Microsoft Certified Partner are considerable, but the benefits to our customers are even greater. We are excited about the significant new opportunities that now exist for us to generate greater visibility, capture new customers and increase revenues.

Meeting stringent qualification requirements, Microsoft Certified Partners are independent companies that provide the highest levels of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and hands-on skills. Certified Partners are provided with software licensing, training, marketing tools, technical support, and other services designed to improve operations and customer satisfaction, and to deliver the best customer experience.

The benefits provided through our certified partnership will allow us to continue to enhance the offerings that we provide for customers.

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May 2008 - PC Peripherals appointed Computer Associates (CA) Channel Partner

PC Peripherals have been recently appointed a CA Channel Partner, CA provide a comprehensive protection for your business to include threat management and integrated suite solutions to help you improve business efficiencies, ensure continuous business operations, comply with security policies and regulations and reduce overall risk.

The Channel Partner agreement allows you, our client, to engage with CA at the highest pre-sales level, to ensure that we are your IT partner provide a solution specific to your individual needs.

We are very enthused by the appointment and look forward to extending our level of services to our client base.

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PC Peripherals is selected in Public Sector PC Framework

May 2006 - PC Peripherals has been selected to participate in the Public Sector PC Framework - an innovative programme for stream-lining IT purchases in the Public Sector.

             Niall Donohoe, Technical Support & Clare MacMahon at the PC Framework roadshow in Croke Park - May '06

An ICT procurement steering group chaired by the Department of Finance was established to devise and impliment aggregated procurement for ICT services & Products. The group comprised of representatives from Civil Service Departments, Health Service Executive - HSE and the Local Government Computer Services Board - LGCSB. Following a tendering exercise in line with EU procurement rules, a PC Framework - for the supply of Office Personal Computers and Associated Products and Services on behalf of the Irish non-commercial Public Sector was established on 1st of May 2006.

The result is the PC Framework which provides a mechanism for every non-commercial public sector body including Government departments, agencies, public hospitals, primary and secondary schools to purchase PCs etc.. easily and quickly and most importantly, at prices that would reflect the demand of the whole public sector.

On the 31st of March 2006 An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern TD  officially opened our new offices in Sandyford Industrial Estate. 

“I am delighted to be here this afternoon to open this new purpose-built unit for PC Peripherals in the Sandyford Industrial Estate. The opening of this new facility here in Sandyford is particularly appropriate.  As we are all aware, this area of south Dublin has witnessed huge change in recent years.  In many respects, Sandyford is a microcosm of the developments that have taken place right across this country over the past ten years and more. New hotels, a hospital and some of the largest names both in national and international business, including Microsoft Ireland and the Irish Management Institute, have made Sandyford their home.  And, of course, the termination of the Luas Green Line here has made this industrial estate one of the most high-profile in the country.  

For PC Peripherals this is a particularly important move.  Not only does it reflect your growth since your establishment in 1992, it also highlights your determination to position yourselves as a leading computer services company in this country.  It demonstrates your confidence in your ability to grow and remain true to your objective of "long-term relationship building, in providing quality service and support".

"Delivering high quality service and support is also at the heart of work in the public sector.  And, it is no wonder therefore, that PC Peripherals have had such success in winning contracts time and again in both the educational and public sectors.  This, of course, also dovetails very well with your long-established relationship with the corporate sector.  It takes time and energy to build long-lasting relationships across so many sectors. With your constant emphasis on quality and service however, you have ensured that PC Peripherals are a trusted IT service provider for so many different organisations and groups.” 

(© PC Peripherals March 2006)