There comes a time when it takes Windows twice as long to boot as it once did. Then you realize that the collective heft of all the links, files and programmes on your computer is weighing things down and slowing everything. That's when it's time to figure out some new tricks and check out a few applications designed to get things back on track.
"Anyone who works a lot with their computer, regularly saving larger files and routinely installing and uninstalling tools should clean off his hard drive more often," advises Bettina Seute of German telecommunications portal Teltarif.de.
And don't just focus on the collections of pictures, videos and songs cluttering things up. A lot of the problems stem from the programmes that run in the background.
"Big collections of data all by themselves don't lead to slower system operations," says Manuel Fischer, head of the software department at German technology industry association Bitkom. Ten years ago, defragmentation was the standard answer to a slow computer, primarily because files stored on drives were not in large chunks, but spread in small pieces across multiple segments.
"If users save a lot, overwrite, delete and install again, then there will be data gaps on the hard drive," says Fischer. The more unorganized the hard drive, the longer it will take the computer to access linked data. As far as that goes, defragmentation still makes sense for older systems.
But newer systems can get by without that treatment.
"Since Windows 7 there's no need for an extra defragmentation programme, since Windows has a built-in automated system that takes care of that all by itself," says Dirk Kuchel of German computer magazine Computerbild.
Apple users can also live without defragmentation.
"But anyone who has worked with a Mac for a long time should regularly check the access rights and get them repaired if necessary," recommends Seute.
There are usually other factors slowing down newer machines.
"It's more important to check the autostarts now and again," advises Fischer. Type msconfig into your Windows command line and then pick Systemstart to see which programmes and services automatically start up with the operating system.
In the same vein, check out the Task Manager every now and then by typing Ctrl-Alt-Delete to see which programmes are automatically running in the background.
The fewer programmes that are active, the less strain on memory and processor and, consequently, shorter start-up times.
Cleaning up your desktop can also cut the amount of time startup takes.
Over time, temporary data will also block up memory.
"A lot of programmes offer to automatically delete data after a preset amount of time," says Fischer. Those usually mean histories, including those for browsers.
Add-ons are another potential source of problems.
"Check from time to time whether included add-ons or plug-ins for that browser are actually used and deactivate them if there are any doubts," suggests Fischer. Add-ons can be removed with the settings menu. In general, only install add-ons that are necessary.
There are some applications that can save users a lot of cleaning-up time since they track down data trash and remove it.
"Free tools are often adequate for private use," says Seute. Those include CCleaner and Advanced SystemCare for Windows.
"The freeware tools like CCleaner and OnyX are also available for Macs and can help to get rid of unused files," says Seute. She also recommends taking larger seldom-used files and collections and storing them on an external drive.
Don't rely on tools to do this for you. These tools can save time during clean-up, but they don't find everything, she warns.
"Users should search through their PC manually for files and programmes that can also be removed."
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