Computer Bytes - No. 16 How do I improve the performance of my computer? The performance and speed of your computer can degrade with use. One cause can be the fragmentation of the hard disk drive. This situation occurs when you remove programs or data thus creating blank spaces on the hard disk drive. These blank spaces are randomly filled in when you add a new program - meaning your computer has to search the hard drive for scattered bits of information to complete a function which takes more time and slows you down. Performing a disk defrag on your computer does nothing more than organize information on the hard disk. One key to improving the performance of your computer is to follow a good maintenance program including performing a Scan Disk and Disk Defrag on a regular basis. Due to the difference in programming for Windows Vista and XP we will not be addressing maintenance for those programs, however, if you are using Windows 95, 98 or ME the following steps should help to get you through a Scan Disk and Defrag. In my opinion, running a Scan Disk before doing a defrag is always a good idea. A Scan Disk will search not only the physical disks but also the files in your computer for errors. On completion you will then be given choices for fixing any errors found or you can select to have them fixed automatically from the start options (recommended). A Scan Disk is accomplished by the following steps: 1) From your desktop screen click on Start, 2) Click on Run and Type in the following - scandisk. If given an option, check 'thorough' and be sure to check 'Automatically Fix Errors' now if you want. Now you just sit back and wait for an 'OK'. Before starting the defrag you may want to set your screen saver to 'None' as this will speed the process. To begin the Disk Defrag for Windows 95/98/ME follow these steps: 1) From your desktop screen go to Start, 2) Open Programs, 3) Go to Accessories, 4) Go to System Tools, 5) Select Disk Defragmenter, 6) Select the drive you want to defrag, 7) Click Settings button and select the options you want and click OK to start Since it can sometimes take a few hours to run a defrag on your computer, you can set your computer to do this maintenance automatically based on a schedule of your choosing. Having maintenance performed during the night leaves your computer free for use during the day. Be sure to leave your computer on when you have set your Wizard to run these two basic maintenance programs. And since it may take a while for the programs to complete their actions, you may want to have your maintenance begin in the early morning, ie 4:00am or earlier so as not to interfere with the daily use of your computer. This is a very general overview of how to run a scan disk and defrag but hopefully the above actions will keep your computer operating as quickly as it was when you first started using your computer. For more detailed information on Scan Disk and Defragging check the Internet or review your Operating Systems Users Guide. Moncrief Web2 Home Page Moncrief Web Design Computer Bytes Index Web Design | Search Engine Optimization | Site Maintenance & Management | Request Information | About Us ~ Sample Sites Send Us an Email | Home Page Copyright 2007 MWD. All rights reserved. Computer Bytes articles may not be reprinted, published, quoted, copied, or used in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of David Moncrief.