I recently fixed my television after part of its panel was damaged by a high voltage surge. Before taking it to a technician, I suspected it was a minor issue that wouldn’t require a significant expense. I explained what had happened, detailing how the generator malfunctioned, allowing high voltage to damage the TV. Even in that state, the TV would still turn on, although it would shut itself off after a few minutes. I figured a quick fix was all it needed.
So, I took it to a local technician. He popped open the back of the TV and, with what looked like effortless expertise, did a few quick checks with his ammeter. The whole process took less than ten minutes. Then came the quote – a number that made my heart sink. It seemed outrageous, but I was stuck. I needed the TV fixed, and fast. It made me think: if I had the same knowledge and tools as that technician, I could have probably fixed it myself and saved a bunch of money.
It’s the same story with IT or computer technicians. They have specialised knowledge – sometimes it feels like they’re guarding trade secrets – and that knowledge has a real impact on what they can charge. In this article, I will share four tricks that can enhance the speed and performance of your computer. As you know, knowledge is ineffective if not applied. By the end, I encourage you to try these tricks and see how much faster your computer can become.
However, I want to emphasise that the tricks and tips I share are for educational purposes only and should be approached with caution. While these tips may work for some individuals, results can vary. Always consider your own situation and conduct thorough research before implementing any advice. Safety and responsibility should always be your top priorities in any endeavour.
Malware Scan with Microsoft Safety Scanner (MRT)
On your computer, press the Windows + R shortcut, and it will open a window to “Type the name of a program, folder, document, or internet resource”. Here, type MRT and click OK. This image you see below will be displayed. It is your computer’s native antivirus. Click “Yes”, and then “Next”. Do a quick scan, and it will fix and check for all types of threats and malware on your computer.
Clean Up Temporary Files
Press “Windows + R” again, and this time type “%temp%” and click OK. This will open the “Temp” Folder (see image below), and you can select everything and delete it all. These are only temporary and useless files. Temporary files (.tmp) are created by software to store information temporarily. Removing them can free up space and improve your PC’s performance. A cleaner storage drive runs faster and more efficiently.
Manage Startup Apps
Press “Control + Shift + S” to open the Task Manager. Click on the Startup Apps tab. Here, you’ll see all the programs that start when you boot your computer. You can disable those ones you don’t use.
Repair System Files with System File Checker (SFC)
Press Windows and type “CMD“, it will bring up the “Command Prompt” application, which is a text-based interface (see image below) allowing you to run various system commands directly on your computer, often used for advanced system management and troubleshooting.
Now right click on CMD, to select run as admin. Here, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter to diagnose or repair system files. This will repair all the corrupted and buggy files on your computer.
Conclusion
These four simple tricks can significantly improve your computer’s speed and performance. By regularly scanning for malware, clearing out temporary files, managing startup programs, and repairing system files, you can keep your machine running smoothly and efficiently.
While these steps are generally safe and effective, remember that it’s always a good idea to research further and proceed cautiously, especially when dealing with system-level commands. With a little regular maintenance, you can keep your computer in top shape and avoid those frustrating slowdowns. So, give these tips a try, and experience the difference a little TLC can make in your computer’s performance. You might even find you don’t need that IT technician after all!
