Бесплатно

It’s a good bet your XP computer just doesn’t seem fast enough. There are a couple of things you can do about it. For starters, make sure you are regularly checking it for adware and spyware. That stuff can add a huge load on both the processor and even on your Internet connection. So start by using a program such the free one you’ll find here:

www.superantispyware.com

Note that there are both for-pay and free versions listed.

You may also need to add a bit of speed by bumping up your RAM. If you have less than a gigabyte then move to 2 gigabytes. RAM prices are cheap and - with the help of the manual for your computer, either printed or online at the manufacturer’s Web site, it’s easy to snap in the new chips.

A new video card can help at times too. Much of the computing that Windows does involves graphics. A more powerful card often adds speed. A relatively inexpensive card will usually be an upgrade for computers that are four years old or so. Keep the amount you spend on that old computer to a minimum.

Help for troubled computers

Some old computers have more serious problems than just a slowdown. They often freeze and generally act as weird as your strangest relative. The best remedy for that — this works for computers and not relatives — is starting over. Back up your data and then reformat the hard disk. You’ll then need to reinstall Windows from your installation disk, then install all your programs from their original disks, then restore the data from your backup.

If you go that route keep in mind that there are a bunch of gotchas. For instance, you need to make sure you have your original Windows installation disc as well as its activation code. You’ll also need installation discs for all your programs. And, before you start, make sure your back-up is good by trying to restore a few individual files before starting the reformat. If this entire process seems like too much for you, get help from a knowledgeable friend, or spend time Googling around to get precise instructions, or take it into a shop and have someone do all this for you.

Even for those who find the process easy, it’s still a time-consuming hassle, but it’s the best way I know to get rid of multiple problems quickly. The real plus here is that you don’t have to track down each problem. Instead, you just start fresh.

Look, if money is no problem, just replace that old computer. You’ll love Windows 7. And even a $500 computer will be world’s better than what you have. But, for those of you who want to get every bit of life out of your computer, these tips may let you use it another year or so.

Good luck with it. Meanwhile I’ll be in the garage. The wheels are darn near falling off my car but, I swear, there’s still life left in it.