Make my computer faster

[Crucial_404]

Memory can make a computer run a lot faster. Anything else?  This forum is all about speed. Post your ideas and tricks to a faster, more responsive computer here.

[matthewsheeran]

WinPatrol and disable all of the boot-time autorun **bleep**... (except for intel graphics persistemce which is needed)

as you work it out you can enable or disable at will e.g.: Way to go! Improves performance both boot-time and in general and saves RAM.  (BTW: WinPatrol(.com) remembers whatever you have blocked (Adobe and Apple **bleep** especially) and re-applies the disabling whenever you upgrade the software (Adobe Acrobat and iTunes/Quicktime especaially).)  Most things are safe (stay away from Microsoft ones Winlogon Shell!) and in case you disable something that does automatic updating to keep a program safe then install, use and autostart SecuniaPSI for real vulnerability patch security!

[matthewsheeran]

BOTH are MUST HAVES that will keep your system running FAST and SAFE!!

[SAustn2]

I use "The TweakGuides Tweaking Companion" by Koroush Ghazi, it really helped my computer run smoother, start up faster and shutdown faster. It also helped me learn a lot more about how computers work. It's a free PDF download he also has an illustrated one which isn't too expensive. His website also has guides for different games,tweaking Firefox,installing video cards and drivers, etc... . The system guide took me about 2 or 3 days to finish but it really improved my PC's performance.

[targetbsp]

http://www.blackviper.com/2010/12/17/black-vipers-windows-7-service-pack-1-service-configurations/ to help you turn off services you don't need.

[norepli]

Here's another program for your consideration; however, I am recommending this program for ADVANCED USERS ONLY!

IMHO, this is the most comprehensive "startup evaluator" available today... and its free!

Download Autoruns for Windows v11.1

Please make sure you read the introduction thoroughly and also any related documentation to gain a full understanding of how this utility really works. You might also want to take a peek at their forum for some tips as well.

Here's an example of what I was able to disable on my bare-bones laptop that I just use for testing:

(Note that I have removed registry and program paths to make the image more readable)

Color Legend for the above:

YELLOW - Programs

GREEN - Gadgets

TURQUOISE - Shell Extensions

BLUISH GREY - Drivers*

*Windows loads a bunch of generic drivers that may/may not have applicability to your hardware so what you see disabled on my laptop are drivers that are not needed because I don't have the necessary hardware. Also, note that I have disabled a few INTEL and NVIDIA drivers and that is because I have an AMD processor, motherboard, and (internal) graphics chip.

Again, I will caution that this program is for ADVANCED USERS ONLY; however, I found it helpful in stabilizing my startup times and even shaving a few seconds off as well.

Enjoy but be careful!

norepli

[targetbsp]

Autoruns is the one I use too. The aforementioned WinPatrols looks similar but I've never tried it so dunno which, if either ie better.

[norepli]

I've tried the free WinPatrolToGo (portable version); however, I think you would have to buy the "plus" version to even come close to what Autoruns has to offer (notice the PLUS and PLUS REQUIRED tabs are optional).

[scorr]

My computer is 8 years old. It chugs along, even with 4G internet. Is it better to upgrade the memory or just get a new computer?

[targetbsp]

We'd need the model and/or specification of your current computer and what you use it for really to be able to answer that.