Simple Steps to Speed up Your Computer: Part 2
Last month we looked at ways to speed up your PC by removing programs from startup and cleaning up temporary files. This month we’ll help speed up your PC by removing unwanted programs. Most computers come loaded up with applications from the manufacturer that you likely don’t use. Uninstalling these programs can speed up your computer and eliminate some annoying pop ups.
A Word of Warning
Be careful what you uninstall. If you aren’t sure about something, leave it alone or use Google to research before you decide to uninstall it. To get started click on the “Start” button and go to “Control panel.” If you are using windows 8 move your cursor to the upper right corner of the screen to bring up the “Charms Bar,” click on “Settings” and you will find your control panel there. Once you are in the control panel, look for “Programs and Features” or “Uninstall a Program.” Once you click “Uninstall a Program” you will see a list of all the programs on your computer. To uninstall a program double click on it and follow the prompts to remove it.
What programs should you uninstall?
Start with removing the software that is from your PC manufacturer. For example if you have a Toshiba laptop you will probably see a long list of programs starting with Toshiba such a Toshiba App Place, Toshiba Assist, Toshiba Disk Creator and so on. These can all be removed. If you own a HP computer the HP Support Utility can be particularly annoying. Uninstall it and kiss those popups goodbye!
The next category of program to uninstall is called “potentially unwanted programs” these are programs that sneak in when you install other legitimate programs that you actually want. “Ask Toolbar” is a perfect example, which often comes bundled with Java. While you need Java for many websites and applications, you need “Ask Toolbar” for absolutely nothing. If you see anything from “Ask” in your programs list, uninstall it.
It is also safe to remove: McAfee Security Scan Plus; any programs that you didn’t install that claim to speed up your PC such as PC Optimizer, PC Speed Boost, RegClean Pro, and MyCleanPC ; Driver Detective; My PC Backup and 24×7 Help.
Getting rid of these programs will speed up your computer and get rid of a lot of annoying popups and warnings that make using your computer a frustrating experience.