Speed up your PC by spring cleaning with these tips

With the arrival of warmer weather, it finally feels like spring. Families have more on their minds than outdoor activities and flowers in bloom: It’s time for spring cleaning.

While you’re giving your home a deep clean, you may want to consider thoroughly “cleaning” your PC, too. Similar to houses that accumulate unwanted items all year long, computers are loaded with documents, photographs, music and other files that cause systems to run slower. Bill Murray, a tech whiz at C-Net Systems, a computer repair and retail store in Shelby Township, offers the following tips for storing your valuable data and making your PC run faster. 

1. Before doing any cleaning, back up all files. Most backup plans involve saving to an external hard drive or an online service “in the cloud” so that files are not lost.
2. Clean up your files, documents, pictures, music and videos. Go through the folders where your files are saved, including My Library, My Documents and Desktop. Also, carefully go through and clear out My Downloads, as this folder frequently builds up excess installers and unnecessary files. Review the contents of each folder to ensure all files are saved in the proper folders, with descriptive file names.
3. Run a Disk Cleanup by right clicking on your C drive and clicking the Disk Cleanup button. You’ll need to check the boxes for what to clear out, including downloaded program files, temporary internet files, offline webpages, debug dump files, and the recycle bin, and then click OK.
4. Clean up internet browsing history and files. Go to Start, Control Panel, and Internet Options. On the first tab (General) you can go into Browsing History and click the Delete button. Check your temporary internet files, cookies, and history; delete them.
5. Defragment your hard drive. Defragmenting recognizes all the data on your hard drive so it is easier and quicker to access, resulting in less gaps between files. Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 are all configured by default to do this. It is important to note that you should not do this on a Solid State Drive (SSD) as it is unnecessary. You can run the Disk Defragmenter by typing it into search or going to Start, All Programs, Accessories, and then System Tools.
6. Physically clean the computer inside and out. Shut the PC off, unplug it, and wipe the outside of the computer with a dry cloth to remove all dust. Using a can of compressed air, carefully spray the fan and keyboard of your computer to remove all dust, pet hair and other debris that may have wedged its way into your computer.

Once you’re done, enjoy a faster-running and clean machine!

C-Net Systems is an IT Company located in Shelby Township, serving Southeast Michigan and beyond since 1998 with one simple goal: provide quality IT services and solutions with a “get it done no matter what it takes” approach. Services include professional onsite IT Support, 24/7 monitoring and maintenance, offsite backup, managed firewalls and SPAM filtering, network and server leasing, remote support, onsite computer repair for businesses and homes, flat rate drop off computer repair services and more. http://www.CNetSys.com  | Facebook  | @CNetSystems