Computers #1: Performance is what matters!

I have been seeing this from ages. My friends always go for any gadget that has more features. I can understand its the human tendency to go for more. Incorporating more and more features is one of the marketing and business strategy. Here is the catch, you might have seen laptop that offers more features with lesser price. But on the other hand you might have also seen that some laptops tend to have lesser feature and higher price. I’m absolutely not saying to buy the laptop with less features giving a higher price. All you have to do is think if your decision is right about getting that particular laptop. I’ll be covering in detail how to choose a laptop. But for now, I’m dealing with how to maintain an existing laptop to give better results and performance.

Laptop performance is usually based on the CPU and the RAM. This does not mean that having a high end processor and infinite amount of RAM could boost up the performance. There are certain things the end-user should take care of. Here are few of the most important ones:
1) Make sure your PC/Laptop is properly ventilated.
2) Avoid any dust particle contacts. (Clean you PC regularly. Make sure that its dust-free)
3) Avoid any wet finger contact. Typing using wet fingers can effect the internal circuitry if by any chance the water gets into the PC.
4) Never plug in or out the adapter of the laptop when bootup is in process.
5) It is always advisable to power from the adapter rather than battery. Use battery when it is absolutely necessary.
6) Never block the CPU or GPU fan ventilation.
7) Minimize keeping the laptop on your lap or any cloth-like materials (Including bed, sofa, cushion carpets, etc). This is to avoid the dust being pulled in by the ventilation fan. More over keeping the laptop on your lap can cause health hazards. Keep the laptop on a solid surface like table.
8) Handle the keyboard and track pad with caution. Hitting the key hard can cause poor responsiveness.
9) Do not install un-necessary software
10) Avoid JRE. Install it only if its absolutely necessary
11) Avoid visiting Java based website that might trigger JVM.
12) Defragment your PC every 6 months
13) The Master drive (which contains the OS) should be having just 45% more space than it is required to install the OS.
14) Do not install any software on your master drive.
15) Turn-off Wireless (like WiFi, Bluetooth, etc) when not in use.
16) Turn-on Bluetooth only when it is absolutely necessary
17) Do not “DELETE” any software. Go to “Uninstall” option and remove the software.
18) Do not touch any System files (Usually under the OS folder)
19) Clear the cache and temporary files atleast once in a month.
20) Do not visit untrusted websites
21) Keep the brightness of the monitor less whenever possible.
22) If the program doesn’t respond, do not try closing the program or using end task, instead wait for the program to respond for sometime. Use end task only if it is absolutely necessary.
23) Do not use “End Process” for any programs that is linked to the OS
24) Run only the programs/software you want to run. Do not run multiple programs
25) Opt for browsers that allows the user to use the “Tab” feature.
26) Do not install high-end antivirus that is designed for professional purpose unless you are using your system for professional reasons. Install home edition instead.
27) Scan any disk or downloads before executing or copying to avoid any Trojans or viruses
28) Do not install any drivers which are not safe. Make sure that you are installing the right drivers. contact customer care or check with few forums before you proceed.
29) Make it a habit to turn-off the computer for atleast 1 hour every week.
30) Avoid scratched Media disks (Floppy, CD, DVD, BD, etc)
31) Disable browser pop-ups
32) Run a complete scan atleast once in 6 months.
33) Avoid Pirated Operating Systems. Use a legal version.
34) Avoid Dual or Multiple OS installation if the PC is not powerful.
35) Virtual Machines slows down the system a lot.
36) If screen savers are used, increase the time-out.

Hope this article helps you a lot to boost your system performance. If I have missed any. Please point me out. I own 3 Desktops and 3 Laptops. And I have never happened to face any problem till date. An this cannot be because of luck! All I have to say is “Respect the PC and the PC will respect you!”

Advertisement