Ten ways to speed up a slow PC

Summary: If your PC or laptop is running slow, it may be time to try one of these 10 tips: from clearing out the dust to upgrading your memory or even reinstalling Windows

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Uninstall programs

4. Uninstall everything you don't use
No, really, everything; browser toolbars, programs you forgot about, games you didn't finish. See that system tray in the bottom right stuffed to the gills? Thin it down.

Be sensible — leave things like Windows updates and hardware drivers. If you're not sure what something is, grab a friendly geek or leave it alone.

While you could use Windows's in-built uninstaller, something like IObit Installer will allow you to automate the process somewhat by queuing a whole lot of uninstalls at once.

For most Mac apps (Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite are notable exceptions), you can uninstall apps purely by dragging them from the Applications folder into the trash, and emptying it.

Image credit: Craig Simms/CBSi

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Topic: Hardware

Craig Simms

About Craig Simms

Focusing on PC hardware, accessories and business products, Craig Simms is responsible for identifying new opportunities for the reviews channels on CNET Australia and ZDNet Australia, to better serve the readers. He has written about a vast range of technology since 2001, covering the gamut from print to online, hardware to software, consumer to enthusiast, the gaming world to workstations.

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