computer performance

[alan07]

my p.c runs ok, but i want it to generally run faster, what can i do? im not really all that clued up with computers. is there anything in the way of hardware that will increase its performance?

[Ethel]

Installing extra RAM can dramatically speed up your pc.

Scan your computer on this site

http://www.crucial.com/uk/

It tells you precisely what memory is compatible, and you can buy it off them or shop around.

Installing RAM is easy - 10 minutes from start to finish.

[Ethel]

Further, have you run your Windows XP clean up tools and defragged recently?

Also checked for spyware, trojans and other nasties?

These simple, free measures can improve performance.

[snagged]

As above... add more memory... and don't have too many different applications running at the same time...

[vehelpfulguy]

The performance of a PC is MAINLY controlled by the CPU you have and how much memory you have.

Other things can make small differences (faster hard disk, up to date motherboard, better grahpics card, re-install Windows etc).

As has been said, putting in more memory can help a lot, and is the single easiest and cheapest thing you can do to speed up a computer.

Of course if you have an old CPU you can put as much memory in as you want but you will always be held back by the old CPU.

Replacing the CPU is not so easy, and if you have an old motherboard you will not be able to put a new CPU in it anyway.

One other option is to buy a new System unit. I have seen these for sale for under �200 and it will speed up everything in one go.

I was in Staples the other day and saw a System unit from E-machines that was about �190 that had Windows pre-installed.

You buy it and use you existing screen, keyboard, speakers,etc.