| Mr. Fixit's PC Upgrade and Repair |
| Performance Tips |
Regardless of which Operating System you use or the type of system you have, these are the most common tips to improve performance. Plus, there are
additional tips to boost performance for Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.
additional tips to boost performance for Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.
Add more memory
The RAM is the main area the system uses to run programs. The System also uses a Page File (aka Virtual Memory) in conjunction with the RAM to improve
performance. If the system is running low on RAM, the OS begins to send background programs to the Page File, including the OS itself, to free up RAM to
run more active programs. The Page File is stored on the hard drive. The more the Page File is used, the slower the system becomes. You can increase
performance by adding more memory for programs to run and reduce the need for the page file. The maximum amount of memory depends on whether
Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit and the motherboard's limitation. Click here for more information.
Install on the faster hard drive
The hard drive stores all of your programs, data, and the OS. The faster the hard drive can read and write data the better your PC will perform. If you have
multiple hard drives, install programs on the faster hard drive. If you want to replace or add another hard drive click here for more information.
Update Device drivers
A device driver is software used to communicate between the OS and the Hardware. Be sure to have all device drivers up to date to insure that known bugs
are fixed to help keep the Operating System stable.
Update Windows
As you have seen by now Windows does require many updates. The updates fix problems with the OS whether to fix a bug or provide a security patch. Keep
Windows up to date with the latest Service Packs and security patches to insure the OS runs smoothly.
Update BIOS:
The BIOS is the core of the PC. It maintains all of the hardware configurations including the Real-Time Clock. BIOS doesn't require an update unless the
Manufacture needs to fix a problem with the motherboard. Keeping BIOS updated insures proper functions on the motherboard. Check with the manufactures
web site for possible update. BIOS updates are not common but do happen from time to time.
Update CD/DVD drives Firmware
Not many people know that CD/DVD drives use firmware which is similar to BIOS. The Firmware is most common in CD/DVD writers. The firmware instructs
the drive how to write to Recordable and re-Writable Disc media. If you are experiencing problems burning discs, check with the drive's Manufacture for a
firmware update.
Replace the battery
Believe it or not, there is a battery inside your computer. It is a button cell battery, usually a CR2032. It will last from 3 to 5 years. Its function is to supply a
trickle charge to the NVRAM, or CMOS, which contains vital BIOS settings and configurations that help the computer components work in harmony. This
battery also serves the Real-Time Clock (RTC). The RTC is basically the computers 'watch'. All software depends on the RTC for warranties, subscriptions,
etc. If you are noticing the Time and Date are inaccurate often, especially the Year, this is a good sign the battery is bad and needs replaced. Click 'Upgrade'
for instructions to replace the battery.
The RAM is the main area the system uses to run programs. The System also uses a Page File (aka Virtual Memory) in conjunction with the RAM to improve
performance. If the system is running low on RAM, the OS begins to send background programs to the Page File, including the OS itself, to free up RAM to
run more active programs. The Page File is stored on the hard drive. The more the Page File is used, the slower the system becomes. You can increase
performance by adding more memory for programs to run and reduce the need for the page file. The maximum amount of memory depends on whether
Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit and the motherboard's limitation. Click here for more information.
Install on the faster hard drive
The hard drive stores all of your programs, data, and the OS. The faster the hard drive can read and write data the better your PC will perform. If you have
multiple hard drives, install programs on the faster hard drive. If you want to replace or add another hard drive click here for more information.
Update Device drivers
A device driver is software used to communicate between the OS and the Hardware. Be sure to have all device drivers up to date to insure that known bugs
are fixed to help keep the Operating System stable.
Update Windows
As you have seen by now Windows does require many updates. The updates fix problems with the OS whether to fix a bug or provide a security patch. Keep
Windows up to date with the latest Service Packs and security patches to insure the OS runs smoothly.
Update BIOS:
The BIOS is the core of the PC. It maintains all of the hardware configurations including the Real-Time Clock. BIOS doesn't require an update unless the
Manufacture needs to fix a problem with the motherboard. Keeping BIOS updated insures proper functions on the motherboard. Check with the manufactures
web site for possible update. BIOS updates are not common but do happen from time to time.
Update CD/DVD drives Firmware
Not many people know that CD/DVD drives use firmware which is similar to BIOS. The Firmware is most common in CD/DVD writers. The firmware instructs
the drive how to write to Recordable and re-Writable Disc media. If you are experiencing problems burning discs, check with the drive's Manufacture for a
firmware update.
Replace the battery
Believe it or not, there is a battery inside your computer. It is a button cell battery, usually a CR2032. It will last from 3 to 5 years. Its function is to supply a
trickle charge to the NVRAM, or CMOS, which contains vital BIOS settings and configurations that help the computer components work in harmony. This
battery also serves the Real-Time Clock (RTC). The RTC is basically the computers 'watch'. All software depends on the RTC for warranties, subscriptions,
etc. If you are noticing the Time and Date are inaccurate often, especially the Year, this is a good sign the battery is bad and needs replaced. Click 'Upgrade'
for instructions to replace the battery.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |