As much as tablets, smartphones, and laptops have taken over the world, the need for desktop computers isn’t going anywhere. While their market share isn’t what it used to be, many homes still have one somewhere, especially given how they can connect to large monitors or even multiple ones. No matter how much time you’ve spent with them, you might still stand to benefit from learning a few things. Hopefully, this article will either open your eyes to a few new tricks or at least refresh a few things you’ve forgotten along the way.
Make sure you always have an antivirus set up on your desktop. If you don’t, you’re putting yourself at risk of malicious software. That can rob you of sensitive personal information and even impact how fast your computer runs. Many programs are free, and you can schedule them to automatically update their virus definition sets and run sweeps.
If your computer is running slow, see if you can run MS Config from your start menu. Not every version of Windows has this, but if you do, you can see the number of programs that automatically start running when you boot up. Eliminate the ones that you don’t use on a regular basis.
Be careful with what pieces of hardware or components you buy if you want to upgrade your desktop. You can usually get more speed out a new processor, but only if it fits the motherboard’s socket type. Not every RAM chip is going to work in every motherboard either. Verify compatibility before you buy anything.
Make sure your desktop computer is part of your regular cleaning. It’s usually pretty easy to unscrew a case and pull it off, at least partly. Just use a can of compressed air to spray out dust. This keeps your machine clean and the fan can be fully functional.
If you’d like to add considerable speed to your desktop without buying a new one, there are four things you can look into from a hardware perspective. First, look into replacing the processor or overclocking it. Second, add a better video card with a bigger GPU, particularly if you are using onboard graphics. Third, add more RAM or replace your current chips with bigger ones. Fourth, add an SSD; a solid state hard drive can be used to run the operating system and primary programs at speeds that are superior to conventional platter HDDs.
Make sure you’re using the fastest possible connection options with your desktop. Ethernet ports are standard, but a WiFi card could let you go wireless and have fewer cables hanging around. You might even want to start using Bluetooth technology. Find out what options and technology your computer has. If it’s missing anything, don’t assume you need a new desktop though. Ethernet, WiFi, and even Bluetooth connectivity can all be added using expansion cards.
Keep this article in mind the next time you use your desktop if you’re not on it right now. If you recognize any of these tips as being useful, be sure you actually use them to make your life easier!
Gaming computers can get expensive. However, you don’t have to necessarily fork out too much money for every part. There are certain computer parts that you will want to splurge on when you are looking to build the