My computer is too slow!

[Waterwolf]

How can I reduce the amount of time it takes my computer to boot up -- without removing files from the hard drive?

[comeleon]

Both PCs and Macs have what is called a Start Up folder. Any applications or short cuts in that folder automatically start when you do an initial boot up. It is worth looking in the folder to see if there are objects in there that you don't particularly need. -- Another potential 'problem' is a virus checker. Some of these default to run at start up when you first install them. This isn't usually necessary and some of them are very slow.

[Nuala]

CPU AND MEMORY REQUIREMENTS A computer's CPU (central processing unit) processes data in 8-bit chunks. Those chunks, are commonly referred to as bytes. Because a byte is the fundamental unit of processing, the CPU's processing power is often described in terms of the maximum number of bytes it can process at any given time. For example, Pentium and PowerPC microprocessors currently are 64-bit CPUs, which means they can simultaneously process 64 bits, or 8 bytes, at a time. Each transaction between the CPU and memory is called a bus cycle. The number of data bits a CPU can transfer during a single bus cycle affects a computer's performance and dictates what type of memory the computer requires. Most desktop computers today use 168-pin DIMMs with 16, 32 or even 128 MB of memory which support 64-bit data paths. Earlier 72-pin SIMMs supported 32-bit data paths, and were originally used with 32-bit CPUs. When 32-bit SIMMs were used with 64-bit processors, they had to be installed in pairs, with each pair of modules making up a memory bank. The CPU communicated with the bank of memory as one logical unit. Interestingly, RIMM modules, which are newer than DIMMs, use smaller 16-bit data paths; however they transmit information very rapidly, sending several packets of data at a time. RIMM modules use pipelining technology to send four 16-bit packets at a time to a 64-bit CPU, so information still gets processed in 64-bit chunks. This was some background info on SIMM's & DIMM's because improving the performance & speed of your computer can be done by upgrading your present memory cards --> SIMM's or DIMM's

[ryszard]

As well as removing any shortcuts in your startup folder of your PC you can save more time by editing you msdos.sys file (make a back up first). Use your note pad to add the lines to [Options] "Bootdelay=0" and "Logo=0" This stops boot delays and the windows logo from being displayed.

[shanks]

but where is the start up folder thanks comeleon