Resources - Technology Tips

Improving computer performance: Disk Cleanup, Defragmentation, Spyware
July, 2009

As we use a computer (opening and closing software programs and files, visiting different websites) the memory of the harddrive becomes fragmented. The unused portions become separated by chunks of in-use memory, so that the blocks of unused memory become smaller and more numerous. This adversely affects computer performance. Also, an amazing number of temporary files, cookies, and unwanted spy routines can end on on the computer, further reducing performance.

There are several things you can do to clean up for your computer: clean the disk, defragment the disk, run spyware checking software, and delete temporary files in your web browser. The following instructions are geared toward a Windows computer. Similar steps can be performed on an Apple computer.

Note that some of these steps can take a very long time to complete (possibly several hours), especially the first time.

1. Disk Cleanup:
   1. Open the Start menu and select All Programs
   2. Select "Accessories"
   3. Select "System Tools"
   4. Select "Disk Cleanup"
      
      
2. Disk Defragmentation:
   1. Open the Start menu and select All Programs
   2. Select "Accessories"
   3. Select "System Tools"
   4. Select "Disk Defragmenter"
      
      
3. Clear cache in Internet Explorer 7:
   1. Start Internet Explorer
   2. Open the Tools menu
   3. Select "Internet Options"
   4. Under Browsing History click "Delete"
   5. Click "Delete all..."
   6. Click "Yes"
      
      
4. Spyware:
   • Install "Spybot" software and use it to check for problems and clean them out, and for "immunization" to reduce future problems.
   • Download SpyBot, http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
   • SpyBot Tutorial, http://www.safer-networking.org/en/tutorial/index.html