|
Hardware
Memory
Insufficient RAM Memory means that your
computer will make use of temporary disk space instead. Disk
space memory (called virtual memory) is much slower so your
computer slows down. If you have added new programs or changed
how you use your computer, you may need more memory. Computers
running Windows XP need a minimum of 256MB and 512MB is recommended.
If you use a photo editing program like PhotoShop or if you
often have many programs open simultaneously you will need
more. You can find out how much RAM you have by going to
Start>Control Panel>System. It's shown on the bottom
of the first page.
Adding memory requires that you buy additional memory (of
the right kind) and open your computer box. Good instructions
on this are usually included in the manual that came with
your computer. Otherwise, you might want to get help!
Hard Disk (C: Drive)
Disks can have problems although they are usually rare in
recent years. However, it is still a good idea to make regular backups.
Check Disk
Before you do anything , you should check your disk for errors.
The Microsoft utility to do this is chkdsk. Go to Start,
Run and type chkdsk in the dialog box. If you prefer, Type
chkdsk /F (note space) to automatically fix the errors
- but this time you'll be told it can't run now but you
can ask it to run the next time you turn the computer on.
Note that this is a fairly long test.
De-Fragment
The most common issue talked about is the need to De-Frag(ment)
the disk to improve disk access times. This is much less
necessary than some people will tell you. Although heavy
users should De-Frag about once a year, it is only useful
more often if your disk is approx. 50% or more full. To
De-Frag, go to My Computer, right click the
C: Drive (it probably has a name like "John's Hard
Drive" but will include (C:) after the name), select Properties,
then Tools then De-Fragment Now... .
Also available under tools is Error Checking.
This is the same as the chkdsk above.
|
