So your computer’s a few years old, and it’s not running as well as it used to. Unfortunately, this happens over time but if you’re not ready to give up on your old computer just yet, these tricks can help you get it running better.
Perform regular maintenance
One of the first things to do is a maintenance check, to make sure nothing's causing your PC to slow down. You've probably got a built-in virus scanner, but if not you can get a good one online for free. If it’s just getting old, then this won’t make things start running super-fast, but it will make sure everything is working at its best. When it comes to an older machine, every little helps.
Use lighter programs
Some programs, like iTunes, are very big and use a lot of an older machine’s power to run. Older machines can struggle under the demands of these programs, so it’s worth checking if there’s an alternative. If you’ve got an iPhone, you’ll need iTunes to sync your devices, but when it comes to playing music, using a program like Spotify can really speed things up.
Use older programs
When there isn’t a ‘lightweight’ version of the program you want to use, there might be an older version. These are usually smaller programs than their newer versions, because they have fewer features. For example, if you don’t have the minimum system requirements to run Photoshop CS5, you can find a copy of CS4 and use that instead. Usually, the older version will be cheaper too, which is always nice.
Install a lighter operating system
One of the easiest ways to improve performance is to install a new operating system altogether. If it’s not something you're familiar with, we suggest looking up a tutorial, or doing some research first, because it can completely change the way you work. The upside is a major speed boost. Linux is a popular choice, but you’ll want to find something that suits your needs.
Upgrading your hardware
If you’ve got a bit of money to spend on improving your computer, but don’t want to buy a new one, then upgrading the hardware is a good option. It’s not always possible on certain laptops and desktops, but you should still be able to upgrade the RAM and the hard drive as a minimum. RAM can give you a boost in some areas, but you’ll see the most benefit from upgrading the hard drive to an SSD (solid state drive).
Repurposing old kit
There’s a few things you can do to keep your old computer in use. The smaller it is, the more options you’ve got. An old laptop could be repurposed into a kitchen helper, being used for videos or recipes while you’re cooking.
Alternatively, you could turn it into a networked FreeNAS (Free network attached storage) box. This is basically a storage box that’s attached to your network, and any computer on that network can see the files on the NAS. It’s a great option for bigger households, or just when you don’t want to store a bunch of external drives.
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Perform regular maintenance
One of the first things to do is a maintenance check, to make sure nothing's causing your PC to slow down. You've probably got a built-in virus scanner, but if not you can get a good one online for free. If it’s just getting old, then this won’t make things start running super-fast, but it will make sure everything is working at its best. When it comes to an older machine, every little helps.
Use lighter programs
Some programs, like iTunes, are very big and use a lot of an older machine’s power to run. Older machines can struggle under the demands of these programs, so it’s worth checking if there’s an alternative. If you’ve got an iPhone, you’ll need iTunes to sync your devices, but when it comes to playing music, using a program like Spotify can really speed things up.
Use older programs
When there isn’t a ‘lightweight’ version of the program you want to use, there might be an older version. These are usually smaller programs than their newer versions, because they have fewer features. For example, if you don’t have the minimum system requirements to run Photoshop CS5, you can find a copy of CS4 and use that instead. Usually, the older version will be cheaper too, which is always nice.
Install a lighter operating system
One of the easiest ways to improve performance is to install a new operating system altogether. If it’s not something you're familiar with, we suggest looking up a tutorial, or doing some research first, because it can completely change the way you work. The upside is a major speed boost. Linux is a popular choice, but you’ll want to find something that suits your needs.
Upgrading your hardware
If you’ve got a bit of money to spend on improving your computer, but don’t want to buy a new one, then upgrading the hardware is a good option. It’s not always possible on certain laptops and desktops, but you should still be able to upgrade the RAM and the hard drive as a minimum. RAM can give you a boost in some areas, but you’ll see the most benefit from upgrading the hard drive to an SSD (solid state drive).
Repurposing old kit
There’s a few things you can do to keep your old computer in use. The smaller it is, the more options you’ve got. An old laptop could be repurposed into a kitchen helper, being used for videos or recipes while you’re cooking.
Alternatively, you could turn it into a networked FreeNAS (Free network attached storage) box. This is basically a storage box that’s attached to your network, and any computer on that network can see the files on the NAS. It’s a great option for bigger households, or just when you don’t want to store a bunch of external drives.
High quality HP HD04XL Laptop Batteries in UK for HP Envy Spectre XT 13-2120tu 13-2021tu 13-2000eg
AC14A8L Laptop Batteries Acer V15 Nitro Aspire VN7-571 VN7-591 VN7-791
ACER AS10D81 AS10D71 AS10D51 AS10D75 Battery for Acer eMachines D440 D442 D443 E443 D528 D530 D642 MS2305
High quality ASUS A41N1501 Laptop Batteries in UK for ASUS GL752VL GL752VW N552VX N752VW N752VXASUS ZenFone 2
LENOVO 45N1070 45N1071 Laptop Batteries for ThinkPad X1 Carbon 3444 3448 3460
45N1741 Battery For Lenovo ThinkPad T550 T550s W550 W550s
FUJITSU FMVNBP213 FPCBP331 FPCBP347AP Laptop Batteries in UK for Fujitsu LifeBook A532 AH532/GFX
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