|
How To Keep Your Computer Running Smoothly
September 26, 2011 |
How to keep you computer running smoothly depends on how well you manage some key areas on your computer. Mainly this article focuses on Windows computers but some topics like cleaning can apply to any computer system. Key maintenance areas are:
How to organize your desktop.
A desktop with just a few icons can load much faster that a desktop with hundreds of icons. Start-up times are much faster with a desktop with only a few icons. Take a few extra seconds to move items to their respective folders and off the desktop. In Windows 7 there is a folder called “My Documents”. Under this folder sits other folders Windows automatically creates for you as part of the installation process. These folders are called “My Pictures”, “My Music” and others. Use these folders to hold respective desktop items. Feel free to create additional folders if needed. Storing items here is more efficient and will be easier to find items later when needed. As of this writing Windows 8 is not out yet(beta only). The desktop is entirely re-done so this may not apply. More to some later regarding Windows 8.
Cleaning
Your computer depends on good air circulation to cool the Central Processing Unit (CPU), Mother board, Hard Drive and other internal electronic components. If your system is dusty this can prevent good air flow and thus make your system components run hotter and may eve cause a shorter life span. Computer fans are usually are the first to pick up dust. A quick and easy way to clean the fan is to blow off the dust using compressed air. Sometimes you can purchase compressed air cans on sale for $1.99 per can.
There are many programs that can tell you the temperate of your CPU Core, Hard Drive and other internal components. These are handy programs that let you know if your computer is getting too hot. Sometimes under a heavy load you can see the temperatures rise with increased usage. These programs are easy to install. Basically download and follow the instructions.
| |
My favorite is SpeedFan:
At the time of this writing SpeedFan 4.44 is the latest version. SpeedFan is a very powerful tool and allows you to adjust many settings. Unless you really know what you are doing I would suggest you not modify any settings.
|
As you can see by following the red arrow in the picture below according to SpeedFan my GPU is on the hot side. Also indicated by the flames!