Optimizing Boot up Time (Part II)

Have you ever noticed when you log into your computer there is plenty of time to walk away and grab a cup of coffee  before you can start working? OR has the dreaded hour glass shown up when you are in the middle of a project? There are several ways you can optimize your boot up time and in general reduce your wait time throughout the day.

INTERNET EXPLORER TIPS

In today’s business world it is common to have Internet Explorer running in the background while you work on other projects, but unfortunately it can also cause your computer to respond slower.  The great news is that there are several simple solutions that can reduce your wait time.

Passwords

Do not store your passwords in Internet Explorer (IE), as this presents a huge security risk to your computer and any accounts which have stored passwords. The number one way people hack into computer and internet based accounts, like your bank account or accounts where you have used your credit card, is through IE cookies. Remember cookies store your personal information along with your passwords, which can lead to identify theft! The more hackers know about you, the easier it is to steal your identity.

Deleting Stored Passwords

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Go to tools, select Internet options.
3. Click Delete Passwords.
4. You will be prompted to confirm that you want to delete the saved passwords, click Yes.
5. Click Close.
6. Click OK.

Specialized Toolbars

Specialized toolbars such as the Google toolbar, Yahoo toolbar, and Ask.com toolbar can cause your computer to run slow as well. They will automatically check to see if there are any updates which will slow your computers processing time and boot up time. REMEMBER specialized toolbars are prohibited by IT policies and are audited for by Group IT.   If you one installed, please remove immediately.

Uninstalling Google Toolbar

1. Click the Options Icon dropdown arrow (looks like a wrench) in the far right side of the toolbar.
2. Click Uninstall…
3. You will be asked if you are sure you want to do this, click Yes.

WINDOWS XP TIPS

Automatic Updates

Upon installing many programs such as Java, Adobe, HP Printers, and Apple Software they will automatically check periodically for updates. Normally, they check once a week, but some will check when you boot up which makes your startup time slow.  Most programs will allow you to turn off Update Checking but each one is different.

Adobe Reader will allow you to manage your updates.

1. Click on Start, All Programs, and then Adobe Reader.
2. Click on Edit and choose Preferences or Ctrl +K.
3. Click on Updater.
4. Choose “Automatically download updates, but let me choose when to install them” or “Do not download or install updates automatically.”
5. Click Ok.

 

Disk Cleanup (at least once per month)

One of the easiest ways to optimize your computer is to clean your profile by using disk cleanup. Disk cleanup is a tool that helps free up space on your computer by searching your hard drive for any files that you can safely delete. You can use Disk Cleanup to:

• Remove temporary Internet files.
• Remove downloaded program files. For example, ActiveX controls and Java applets that are downloaded from the Internet.
• Empty the Recycle Bin.
• Remove Windows temporary files.
• Remove optional Windows components that you are not using.
• Remove installed programs that you no longer use.

Run Disk Cleanup

1. Make sure all your programs are shut down. On your desktop, double-click My Computer.
2. Right-click on Data (D:).
3. Click on Disk Cleanup.
4. When the Disk Cleanup dialog box appears, it will recommend what you should delete to free up space.
5. The most common areas to check are the Recycle Bin and Compress Old files. Check both of these and click OK.
6. You will be prompted to confirm your choice, click OK.
7. It will take a while to actually run the disk cleanup, it is best to do this at the end of the day or while you are at lunch.

We hope these additional tips help you to optimize the time it takes your computer to boot up.  To learn additional tips for Optimizing Boot Up Time, view the original post here.