Most my work is database / web-based stuff, but once every few weeks I'll work on a home workstation. The most common issue I'll run into is a slow computer. I'll always check obvious the hardware issues first (is the hard-drive full, is the memory over taxed....). Most the time, however, I find the existing hardware would adequate for the clients needs if the machine wasn't overwhelmed with unnecessary services & software that has accumulated over the years. If the client has all their original installation CDs, I'll backup the system, reinstall the OS, and then reinstall only the necessary software. Most clients, however, have lost at least some of their software, so a reinstall is not an option. At this point I'll start uninstalling unnecessary software using Add / Remove Programs (appwiz.cpl) and deactivate unnecessary services using msconfig. Unfortunately, my approach to uninstalling programs and deactivating services is not especially systematic. Is there a good article out there that provides a general framework for this process? I've also considered some of the computer "cleanup" software, like SpeedUpMyPC, but at first glance, it seems to be more of a gimmick than a worthwhile tool. Is there "cleanup" software that's worth using?
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