ONLINE COMPUTER PERFORMANCE SERVICES AVAILABLE! So a few months off the shelf, and now your noticing your PC is slowing down? Optimizing your system performance is easy and is something that should be done from time to time. When you purchase a new computer, it will usually have bundled or pre-installed software applications on it. Most of these are provided by the manufacturer, and others are paid marketing applications such as internet services, and other trialware. What most people don’t realize is that these programs are often running every time you turn on your computer, also known as startup applications. Within the time you’ve had the computer, you’ve probably added a few programs you want which shouldn’t use to much system resources, but in conjunction with these other bundled programs and services, your going to notice a decrease in computer speed and response time. The best way to enhance your system’s performance is by removing unwanted and unnecessary programs and by disabling other programs that you don’t need running all the time. Some examples of computer manufacturer bundled applications include:
- Acer comes with e’Whatever’ applications like eDataSecurity, empowering technologies, eLock, and others.
- HP usually comes bundled with HP Health, HP advisor, HP Imaging, HPDJ, and others non-essential applications.
- Toshiba often includes Toshiba Service Station, Flash Cards, and other service related apps.
- Dell includes SupportSoft client connection software, Dell Support, and Dell Computer management applications.
Although these programs are not harmful, and sometimes can be useful, often they are only duplicating tools and functions already built into the Windows operating system and are just simply unnecessary.
Steps to optimize your systems performance:
Before you begin the process, you may want to see what programs are running on your PC and how much CPU and memory each one is using. Sysinternals Process Explorer is a great tool for this. Its like a Task Manager on steroids, with graphical representations of resource utilization. Download here. 
1. Go to add/remove programs. Uninstall any trialware and other applications you don’t need. In XP, it will also let you know the last time you used the program. Reboot as required.
2. It is also best to reduce the number of Internet browser add-ons running. Objects such as Browser helper objects, extra-buttons, and toolbars will also limit your system’s speed when surfing the web. You really only need one search bar. Use a reputable, unbiased source such as google, bing, or yahoo. Uninstall others.
3. You can also remove these add-ons via your web-browser. In Internet Explorer, you can go to ‘Internet Options’, ‘Search’ then click ‘settings’. Select the ones you don’t want and click ‘remove’.
4. In Internet Properties, delete your browsing history, temporary internet files and data as well. Select the Security tab and reset all zones to default level. 
5. Launch msconfig. Select the ‘services’ tab and click ‘Hide all Microsoft Services’. Uncheck unwanted startup services.
NOTE: Use caution! When in doubt, Google it! If your not sure what an entry is, find out before you disable it. It might be necessary for your computer or certain functions like network, audio, video display, etc.
6. Click on the ‘programs’ tab and repeat the process. Again, use caution. Reboot your computer as necessary. Bleeping computers has great information on individual startup processes. Remember, your not uninstalling these, only stopping them from running automatically. They are still available to use when needed.
7. Check Device Manager by running devmgmt.msc, and look for any device errors or warnings. These can often cause hardware interrupts and other issues. Uninstall erroring devices (Do not select delete). Windows will reinstall the appropriate driver if its available on your system. If not, you will need to reinstall from disk ro from the manufacturer’s website
8. Clear system restore by right clicking ‘My Computer’, selecting ‘properties’, then System Protection. Turn off system protection. This will delete all old restore points. Re-enable restore, then create a new restore point.
9. Run Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter available in system tools if necessary. Another, often over looked problem that will greatly reduce your PC performance is too much antivirus. If you have recently installed antivirus protection, make sure you removed any other security applications from your system. For more information see THIS ARTICLE.
