Computer performance is defined as the amount of valuable work a computer system accomplishes with a given time. It is estimated in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and speed of executing programs or instructions. Hence, when you wonder why your device is slow while other times it has been working effectively, several factors could contribute to this issue. Some of them include CPU, RAM size, the hard disk space, speed, kinds of graphics being used, and whether your computer is multitasking. Hence, it is crucial to acquire knowledge on the several aspects that affect computer performance to avoid delays while it is in use.
In this digital era, owning a computer has become a common thing. Most activities are tackled digitally; hence, we all rely on computers while working, schooling, or entertainment. These machines consist of many components that work together to make lives more productive and fun. Therefore, the speed of the device you are using in daily operations depends on the capabilities of the individual components.
Additionally, if you are in the process of purchasing a new computer, learning how the parts of the gadget work will assist in understanding why bottlenecks occur; thus, making wise purchasing decisions for the computer requirements you want. Keep in mind that the specifications of a computer directly affect the results it gives depending on the tasks you are performing.
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What Affects Computer Performance?
#1 Clock Speed
While learning about the world of computers and electronics, you may come across several terminologies. One of the standard terms is CPU which is an acronym for the central processing unit. It is defined as the logic circuitry that responds to and processes a sequence of stored instructions called a program. Also, the CPU has its speed which is also known as Clock speed. Clock speed is how it executes instructions or the frequency at which the central processing unit processes data. Also known as clock rate, it corresponds to how many instructions cycles the CPU can deal with in a second. Speed is measured in millions of cycles per second or megahertz (MHz). If the clock speed is fast, then the performance of your computer will automatically be affected positively.
Otherwise, the computer will carry out the processing functions slower than expected when the clock speed is low. Your device typically has a maximum clock speed which is set by default. But it is possible to change this speed in the gadget’s Basic Input/Output System to make your machine run faster, and this process is known as overclocking. Keep in mind that when a CPU is forced to work more quickly than it should, it might overheat hence lowering the performance as it executes instructions. Therefore it is advisable to buy a computer with a clock speed that rhymes with the quantity of work it handles in a day.
#2 Hard Disk Space
A bigger space in your hard disk will improve the performance of your computer. Otherwise, a small area results in slower performance on your machine. It is the same as an ordinary office cabinet where you place all or some projects for safekeeping and tracking the ongoing projects. Keep in mind that a drive filled with data uses most of the memory, leaving less memory for electronic file handling. However, there does not exist an exact number of gigabits that should be installed for effective performance.
Besides, the amount of space left untouched determines is the one that how fast your computer will operate. Also, the capacity of your drive and the type of disk being used affects the space left for the operations to take place effectively. An old drive will require you to maintain more free memory than a newer hard disk.It is recommended for an HDD(hard disk drive) to keep 10 TO 15 percent of it empty to spare virtual memory and temporary files.
Note that it creates a file on your drive for the overflow tasks when your RAM becomes full. For hard disks that have been used for an extended period, leave more extra space for better performance. If it is an SSD(Solid State Drive), a 25% space is better. Always remember that a computer tends to slow down when the hard drive fills up. Therefore, you should remove all the files that you no longer use. If you have a massive collection of movies and music, consider transferring them to an external drive or DVD backup. Also, your computer has a windows tool known as Disk Cleanup, which you can use to go through your laptop removing all unnecessary files. Also, remove the unwanted programs to leave more room in your drive for proper performance.
#3 Size of RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is referred to as the active component of a computer. It allows your machine to perform many tasks such as browsing the internet, running applications, playing different online and offline games, and loading applications. Also, RAM can store data that the device is currently using and retrieve the information temporarily after storage. Keep in mind that an enormous RAM size is more effective compared to a small Random-Access Memory. A small-sized RAM results to slow system performance while normal computer activities are taking place. Notably, if your gadget has many applications running concurrently, it will tend to do the tasks sluggishly since your run will become overwhelmed.
An instance is when you turn on your computer and open a spreadsheet, but before it opens, you log in to your Gmail account to check your emails. In this case, you will use memory in different ways. Hence, when various applications are running on your PC and find out that your gadget is unresponsive, upgrade the RAM to increase its performance. Remember that the memory in your computer is like a desk that allows you to work on various projects; hence, the larger the desk, the more documents or folders you can have at a given time. As a rule, the larger the size of your RAM, the better the computer performance, and switching from one task to the other becomes easier.
#4 Defragmentation of Files
Defragmentation is the process of finding and consolidating files into one location in a drive. With this process, windows explorer will access files faster, and new files are less likely to become fragmented. Note that fragmentation makes your disk do extra work that affects the performance of your computer. When saving files, a PC breaks them into pieces and keeps the information in various locations on a hard drive, making it slow to access data since it requires extra memory to read the data. Therefore, the disk defragmenter in windows rearranges these data so that your drive can work more efficiently. It regularly runs on a computer using a schedule though you can also analyze and defragment your disks manually.
Thus, it is critical to run speed checks and optimization to speed up your computer loading time. Additionally, this procedure takes care of annoying pauses when you are busy and require quick access to a folder or software. Hence, a disk defragmenter might take few minutes or an hour to complete depending on the size and degree of fragmentation in your drive. However, the results will improve your computer performance, and you can still use it when the procedure is taking place.
#5 Number of Processors
A processor determines how fast a machine can run. Hence, a faster processor is considered better for applications such as video editing and gaming. Their effectiveness is measured by how quickly they get data from your computer hardware to the monitor or the screen that displays information. Therefore, the processors that have more than one core bring an added advantage to improving the computer’s performance; since they can perform numerous tasks simultaneously.
A computer central processing unit that has more than one processor tends to be fast. Keep in mind that each unit is called a core that contains an Arithmetic Logic Unit, control unit, and registers. Most of the computers in the market have two(dual), four(quad), or even more cores. Notably, CPUs with multiple cores have more power to run many programs that are being operated within the same duration.
However, doubling the number of cores in your computer does not double the device’s speed since CPU cores have to communicate with each other through channels. Thus, the process of communication between cores uses some of the extra speed. But, increasing the number of processors leads to a rise in system performance, making it easy to carry out computer-related activities.
#6 Hard Disk Speed
Speed is the item that measures how fast or slow your computer can complete a task given a particular duration. Therefore, your hard disk speed is the rate at which materials or content is read and written on it. Note that hard disk speed varies since the manufacturers are different. Other factors that affect the rate at which your drive works are the drive type and the usages. In other terms, when its speed is high, it will tend to portray a faster performance of the computer, and when it has a low speed, your device will function slowly.
Keep in mind that your drive does not affect how fast a processor runs. But, it is among the components of the computer known for slowing down operations; since it leaves the processor waiting for more information. Therefore, the hard drive is the data bottleneck that slows everything down when its speed is low. Note that a fast hard drive takes less time to send data to the processor.
#7 Multiple Running Applications
Multitasking affects the performance of your computer; because memory will be used to support more than one application. Note that this is different from when one application has the memory all to its self. In today’s digital world, it is possible to do a million things at once. While you prompt your computer to perform different tasks from various programs, the processing speed will lower, thus slow the process of switching from one application to another. Keep in mind that some software comes preset to install updates without warning you. Many are programmed to load automatically upon starting up. When three or more applications are updating simultaneously, the procedure will drag on your computer’s processing rate; when you fire the machine on and extend the issue throughout the day.
Please take a look at how many programs are running and how often you apply them. Notably, the more running applications you run, the more connections you have to your device, which bogs it down. Thus, make a habit of shutting down or canceling the applications you are no longer actively using. Also, get used to opening one browser window to avoid leaving tabs open in different browsers. If you open software and realize it is not needed, thoroughly uninstall it from your gadget.
#8 A Full Recycle Bin
A recycle bin is temporary storage for files and folders that you delete and is represented by a trash can icon on your desktop. Every time you hit Delete, files do not get deleted instantly; but instead, they get moved into a holding area in the drive. Folders could be removed permanently or restored to their original places from this location; if they were deleted by mistake. When your trash bin is filled, it impacts the speed of your computer, especially if your drive is running out of space. Therefore, once the recycle bin is, your computer will take longer to locate a file, and your computer will experience a low performance.
Therefore, if you regularly delete data from your computer, it is crucial to empty the recycle bin after a certain period. Also, you should check the trash bin for any vital content before clearing it. Removing files from your computer recycle bin adds room to your hard drive, which in return speeds up the device performance. Notably, storing many gigabits in the desktop, where the trash can is located, slows down the machine when handling tasks. Additionally, you can reduce its impact by controlling how much it can hold. Right-click on the bin and choose properties. Then type a number on the box that appears equal to the megabytes you can spare. ( such as 8000 for 8 gigabytes)
#9 Computer Maintenance Practices
Computers work well when they are taken care of by the owner. Note that you could have the best device, but you may not get the results you want without regular IT maintenance and servicing. Even the latest model of a PC requires a checkup or upkeep after a while. Therefore, it is vital to update any hardware or software to help the computer run better or fix problems. Also, by making regular updates, patches, and tests, you ensure your device is safe and up-to-date and works to maximum efficiency. Remember that computer problems can pop up at any time; hence servicing reduces IT support costs by fixing issues before or during the scheduled maintenance date.
Antivirus software is perfect for any PC. While maintaining your computer, make sure you update the antivirus to enhance technology-related security and improve the machine’s performance. Malware and other viruses can expose your computer to identity theft and actions that will lower its performance. Thus, any warning given by antivirus software should be considered since it can cause issues if not taken care of on time. Other maintenance practices include clean-up of old files and shutting down your device regularly. Notably, maintenance practices help keep your gadget system working fast and effectively.
#10 Cache Memory
Caching refers to a minor and temporary form of memory created to store data accessed more quickly than usual. There are three crucial forms of caching. A CPU cache is a high-speed memory in the Central Processing Unit to hold the information needed frequently; it significantly impacts the system performance. A disk cache is located in a drive and stores data being sent or received by the hard disk for a short period. Web cache is a small area where images and pages from the world wide web are held for some time and allows users to load information from their computers over a slow internet connection.
Notably, the cache makes things run fast and easier on your PC. However, too much of it could affect the performance of your device by slowing it down. It also implies the temporary internet files, which affect the speed of loading web pages. Therefore, if you often do a lot of internet browsing, your computer will operate sluggishly. In your windows, open the browsers, one by one, and open “Internet Options,” where you should delete the “Browsing History” section. Clearing cache helps in increasing the speed at which your computer will handle operations.
Wrap Up
Several factors affect the performance of your computer. Whether you are using a Mac or PC, eventually, it will slow down due to some issues. Thus, it is vital to understand what might impact your device, either it is an external or internal source. Lethargic laptops and desktops are regular unless a new computer which after some time can start being sluggish. Notably, this is brought about by everyday activities, including running programs, filling up the hard drive, or surfing the internet. Thus, to improve how your device is working, you must control its events; and this article will help you understand and achieve a high-performing machine.