1.Defragment Your Hard DriveIf you don’t know how to findyour defragmentation utility,search “defrag.” It should beyour first result. With WindowsXP, you must first analyze yourHard Drive (select Drive C).Then, it will tell you whether ornot you should defragment. WithVista, just click “defragmentnow.”

2. Disk CleanupThis program can also be found by searching “DiskCleanup.” WARNING: Make sure you do not delete files

you may need/want later! Files you may NOT want to delete include but are not limited to Hibernation Files and Thumbnails. If you delete the Hibernation Files, your computer will not be able to hibernate unless you reinstall those files! Thumbnails are not permanently deleted, but if you erase them, you will have to wait or them to load next time you want to see those thumbnails.

3.Upgrade Your RAMGo to the Start Menu, RIGHT click on “My Computer” or

“Computer,” and then select “Properties.” Vista will display your RAM next to “Memory (RAM)” and XP will display near the bottom right of the window “X.XX GB of RAM” If you have less than 1 GB of RAM for XP or less than 2 GB of RAM for Vista, you might want to consider buying some larger chips. Look up your computer make and model on www.crucial.com to find the part number for the RAM you need. However, DO NOT BUY THE RAM FROM www.crucial .com! You will pay too much! Instead, go to www.newegg.com to buy your RAM. Search the part number (i.e. DDR2 PC2-6400) and choose the amount you’d like. Crucial.com will tell you the maximum amount your computer can handle. If you don’t feel comfortable installing the RAM yourself, ask a computer-savvy friend or take it to a professional. However, the RAM requires no software installation and auto-recognizes and updates when you install it, so it’s pretty easy to do.

4. Install and Run an Anti-Virus Program If you do not already have an active

anti-virus program, (an expired subscription

doesn’tcount) AVG is widely considered one of

the bestfree anti-virus programs. You can also

pay for anupgraded security suite from AVG or

anotherprovider like McAfee. Also, you can

downloadSymantec from a link provided in the

bottom leftcorner of your “Student” tab in URSA. There are a few important things

to remember when using an anti-virus/anti-spyware/anti-adware/etc. program:

* Update your definitions. This protects you

from the most recent threats.* Occasionally do a Complete Scan of your

system.* After scanning, don’t forget to REMOVE the dangerous software! Follow the instructions in your removal program until you see a confirmation of removal.

5. Decrease the Number of Programs that Open Automatically on StartupUnless you instant message A LOT, change the settings of your IM programs so that they don’t open on startup. This can usually be done in “Properties” or “Options” in the program’s toolbar. You can do this with any program, but Instant Message programs are some of the most common startup clutter. If you don’t use the programs at all, uninstall them by going to the Start Menu, then “Control Panel,” then “Add or Remove Programs.” Then, click “Uninstall” or Change/Remove” next to the program you wish to uninstall.

6. Make Sure Your Computer Isn’t Running Too Hot

If you have a desktop, make sure it has room to breathe and get rid of heat. Make sure you don’t block the fan! If you have a laptop, consider buying a cooling pad if it tends to run hot.

By Lee Freeman

University of Northern Colorado Housing and Residence Life