Want to improve your computers performance?

Posted: Oct 16, 2009 |Comments: 0 |

Clean Your Disk Drive of Unnecessary Files and Your Computer's Performance Will Improve

When it comes to maintaining your computer, you've probably heard it all before. "Run Defrag!" "Scan Your Disk for Errors!" Although these two activities are important, there's  more you can do to extend the life of your computer beyond today's predicted two-year span. In fact, by following the simple advice below, you can enjoy the use of your computer to up to five years or more - reserving expenses to simple software upgrades rather then complete and costly hardware upgrades.

One of the easiest and least expensive things you can do to extend the life of your computer is to get rid of unnecessary programs, folders, and files. A disk drive that's clogged with unnecessary and unused files is disk drive that works harder than it has to. Although Window's defrag system can ease some of the stress that these files place onto the drive, it doesn't do much to get rid of the problem in the first place. This is because the defrag program simply organizes the files in a system that makes it easier for the computer to access. (Thus cutting down on the work required to find and load them). But this method merely "relieves" the symptoms that these files induce  - it doesn't attack the cause. These files need to be deleted - not "organized!"

Of course, deleting files can be a scary adventure to most users. Most computer users don't know which files are safe to delete and which aren't.

The worst thing anyone could do is snoop around crucial Window directories and haphazardly delete files that don't look familiar. Doing so could render important programs inoperable, corrupt the Windows operating system, and possibly prevent the computer from even starting. That's why using special deletion software is so important. Deletion programs will analyze a computer's operating system and installed programs to determine which files are crucial to computer function versus which files are safe to delete.


You already have such a program on your computer and it's Windows' Add/Remove Programs (available from the Control Panel). This software will assist you with deleting programs that you not only no longer want, but additional files that these program use as well (dynamic link libraries, database files, registry references, shortcut icons, etc.).

But sometimes Windows' Add/Remove Programs isn't enough. Although this software does a pretty good job of removing unwanted programs, it can leave some files behind even after a complete uninstall - files which become orphan files. And it's these orphan files that can really clutter up a hard drive and shorten the life of an otherwise, young and robust PC.

Orphans are usually files that contain temporary data created by a program, files created by the user, partial files left over from a computer crash, or any other kind of miscellaneous files created for almost any other reason. The problem is that an uninstall program doesn't delete the orphan files it leaves behind because they were never part of the program when it was first installed. An uninstall program can remove only the files it placed onto a hard drive during its install routine.

So while Windows' Add/Remove Programs can remove an entire program, you'll need to get rid of those pesky little things with a more advance file cleaner like CleanSweep for example. CleanSweep is a unique program that will specifically seek out files that are no longer associated with a program, and then ask if you want to delete them.

The only time that you wouldn't want to delete an orphan file is if the file were an actual document that you created before deleting a program. If you were to say, uninstall Microsoft Word, all the documents that you created with Word would then turn into orphan files. Or if you were to uninstall a graphics-editing program, all the pictures you made with the program would become orphan files.

The smart thing to do when you don't want to lose the data that you created with an unwanted program is to:

1. Save or convert your documents to a format that will work with different program first (that is, a program that you intend to keep)
2. Archive them onto a floppy disk, flash drive, or CD-ROM
3. Proceed with a program like CleanSweep.  

Using CleanSweep or any other similar type of utility could delete anywhere from less than a megabyte of hard drive space to over five megabytes and up. That may seem like a small amount of "clog material" to you, but to your computer, it's a lot less to process!

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/want-to-improve-your-computers-performance-1345499.html

    Article Tags:

    computer

    ,

    laptops

    ,

    smartphones

    Everyone who's ever lost a wallet or a mobile phone knows what a hassle it can be - it's not just the replacement you have to worry about or even getting back all the phone numbers you've lost. With the popularity of smartphones with banking applications and automatic password storage, one of the biggest concerns you'll have is making sure you don't end up losing more than your phone.

    By: Eva Jiol Technologyl Dec 01, 2010
    Farrukh Bilal

    The world of technologies is now much focusing on two things cloud computing and smart phones. A cloud computing is the technology and you can say the central remote to maintain data and applications, a very common example of cloud computing is yahoo email, Gmail or hotmail and others. A lot of investments in cloud computing and Smartphone's done by capital ventures, but the thing is how these two technologies are inter related to one another.

    By: Farrukh Bilall Computers> Information Technologyl Mar 09, 2012
    batterylaptoppower

    The future of computing just arrived, and short of plugging a computer chip right into your brain, it is perhaps the most promising innovation since the smartphone, with all due respect to the iPad.

    By: batterylaptoppowerl Computers> Information Technologyl Feb 20, 2011

    Online computer support services empowered by advanced remote technology have emerged as a convenient option for everyone. They cater comprehensive PC support, printer support, antivirus support, e-mail support and more as per demand to give you the smooth and safe computing experience.

    By: Morganbenl Computers> Softwarel Apr 26, 2011
    Aaron Siegel

    In this article we discuss the technologies and applications involved with smartphones. Laptop vs Smartphone, who will win?

    By: Aaron Siegell Technologyl May 12, 2008 lViews: 966

    There are varied ranges of mobile computers available for PC users across the nation. You have ample options to choose from. This article gives you a comprehensive account of the different mobile computers.

    By: Mak Dickersonl Computers> Hardwarel Nov 09, 2011

    An in depth look at the new MMORPG from Blizzard Entertainment known as Diablo III, a long awaited release for Diablo fans.

    By: swtorman90l Computersl Jun 01, 2012

    Most small businesses take advantage of computer technology, and it certainly can make things a lot easier for everyone within the business when you do so properly. Unfortunately, there are also a number of different problems that can occur as a result of the technology that you are using.

    By: Jesus Mattsonl Computersl May 31, 2012

    For any restaurants, it is very important to have vigilant end to end point of sale and service. If someone is new to the business of making and serving meals, it's very important to have a clear cut observation on point to point service to sale.

    By: Jack Authorsl Computersl May 30, 2012

    Small business financial software plays a vital role in the operations of an organization especially the small enterprises. This is where you get the opportunity to keep the record of all the financial activities that are occurring in your organization.

    By: Chris Alexanderl Computersl May 29, 2012

    Wireless is one of the best ways in order to get internet to a laptop or a computer, but if you want to sell wireless items in the US or Canada, you need to be sure you pass the wireless testing and you get the FCC certification to prove it.

    By: Jack Bandyl Computersl May 29, 2012

    All The Things You Need to Know About The Game Including Equipment Like Bats, Gloves, Cleats, Uniforms and Pants, to Drills, Tournaments and The Various Organizations, Like Dixie Youth Baseball

    By: kimberly valeriol Sports and Fitness> Baseballl Feb 28, 2012 lViews: 104

    I'd like to sell my property quickly as I am about to be repossessed from the London property, so what can I do?

    By: kimberly valeriol Finance> Real Estatel Feb 22, 2012

    It's incredible how fast new parents to be move from enjoyment regarding the prospect of having their very first baby, to mild panic regarding all the new baby stuff they quickly want!

    By: kimberly valeriol Home and Family> Babiesl Feb 21, 2012

    Women these days are more mindful in using hair accessories to improve their own hairstyle. There are actually numerous varieties to suit your needs. It can certainly bring charm on your wedding ceremony or even make an impression on colleagues on casual get-together or just simply keep your hair tidy on your own normal everyday activity.

    By: kimberly valeriol Beauty> Hairl Feb 01, 2012

    It is true that majority of the local areas offer great job opportunities. The morale of the employees working in different companies is remarkable. This is very noticeable once you visit the exact workplace of the companies.

    By: kimberly valeriol Careers> Career Managementl Jan 29, 2012

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast