Three Simple Steps to an Efficient PC

Last week, we kicked off our new "Tech Tuesdays" series with advice on maintaining your Mac. This week, we're turning our attention to the needs of the PC user. Read on to learn how to give your sluggish Windows machine a performance boost.

Keep your computer running efficiently through proper maintenance. Here are three simple steps for your PC.

1. Remove Windows Update Temp Files. Windows Updates are important to install on your computer because they keep your computer's software current. It provides some security against new known threats and is also essential for the operating system to clear itself of files known to cause errors. After a while, however, these files accumulate in your hard drive and take up storage space. To remove old files, follow these steps:

• Go to your main hard drive [typically your (C:) Drive]. Place your cursor anywhere in the box, then right click and select Properties. In the General tab, click on Disk Cleanup. Click Ok. Then, click Delete Files.

2. Defragment Your Hard Disk. Defragmentation is a process that lowers the how much storage space there is between files and organizes the index sequencing. It does not delete your files. It makes it easier for windows indexing to locate your files and open them. To defragment your computer follow these steps:

• Go to your main hard drive [typically your (C:) Drive]. Place your cursor anywhere in the box, then right click and select Properties >Tools > Defragment Now > Configure Schedule > Check Run on a Schedule > Weekly > Pick a day and time > Select All Disks.

3. Scan for System File Errors. Lastly, before restarting your computer, use the System File Checker (SFC) to repair missing or corrupted system files.

• Go to your main hard drive [typically your (C:) Drive]. Place your cursor anywhere in the box, then right click and select Properties. In the Tools tab > Select Error Checking Scan > Check Now > Start >Schedule Disk Check. (This will start next time you restart your computer).
• Additionally, Windows 7 or Windows Vista: Click then in the Search box, type CMD > find CMD in the list > right click on CMD >run as administrator, type: SFC /SCANNOW
• For Windows 8: Click + Q, then in the Search box, type CMD > find CMD in the list, right click on CMD > run as administrator, type: SFC /SCANNOW

After you have completed the steps above, restart your computer, and that's it.

Remember: Old files do not slow down your computer. It's the number and type of running processes and software that slow down your computer.

To view the original article, visit the Tech Helpline blog.