Disabling Startup Applications
Click the Start menu and type “system configuration” into the search box.
Select “System Configuration” from search results.
Click on the “Startup” tab, then remove checkmarks next to processes you don’t want running after startup. This prevents applications you don’t use from automatically running in the background after your computer starts up, leading to slowness and lagging.
Click “OK.” Going forward, these processes will no longer run automatically following startup.
Disabling Performance Options
Click the Start menu and type “system” into the search box.
Select “System” from search results, then click on “Advanced system settings.”
Click on the “Advanced” tab, then click “Settings” under Performance. These options control visual effects and performance features, some of which could be clogging your system.
Remove checkmarks next to options as desired, then click “OK.” For example, disable the feature labeled “Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing” if you don’t wish to see animations when minimizing windows.
Enabling Manual Services
Click the Start menu and type “services” into the search box.
Select “Services” from search results. Windows automatically starts services such as IP Helper and Print Spooler upon startup, even when not needed.
Double-click on each service in the Services window and change its Startup Type to “Manual.” Going forward, these services will only start at your command. Examples of services you can disable are Diagnostic Policy Service, Print Spooler, and Distributed Link Tracking Client.
Disabling McAfee
Click the “Start” menu and select “Program and Features.”
Right-click on the installed McAfee software and select “Uninstall.” Most Aspire One models come pre-loaded with McAfee antivirus software, which runs in the background at all times to keep your system protected from malware and viruses. Consider installing another security program that consumes fewer resources, or stick to visiting websites you trust to avoid malware and viruses. Disabling McAfee antivirus security software makes your computer more vulnerable to malicious software and third parties.
Turning Off Sounds
Click the Start menu and type “sound” into the search box.
Click on “Sound” in search results. This opens the Sounds menu. By default, Windows plays sound effects that use system resources when performing actions such as closing programs and restarting.
Click on the “Sounds” tab, then select “No Sounds” next to Sound Scheme.
Remove the checkmark next to “Play Windows Startup sound,” then click “OK.”
Installing More RAM
Click the Start menu and type “system” into the search box.
Select “System” from search results.
Note the value next to “Installed memory (RAM).” This tells you how much RAM is already installed in your computer.
Refer to the user’s manual for your Acer Aspire One to determine the maximum amount of RAM it takes. Alternately, visit Acer’s official website at http://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/drivers to access the manual. For example, if your computer supports up to 3.5 GB RAM and one GB is already installed, you can install 2.5 GB additional RAM.
Install extra RAM on your own, or hire a computer technician to install it for you. Following installation, your computer will run faster and more efficiently.
Installing Windows Updates
Click the Start menu and select “All Programs.”
Select “Windows Update.” This opens the Windows Update menu. Windows automatically installs updates as they become available, unless you disabled this feature at an earlier date.
Click “Check for updates” in the left pane. Windows will search for the newest software updates from Microsoft.
Click “Install updates,” then type the administrator password if prompted. Your computer will download and install available updates.
Replacing Outdated Software
Replace slower Internet browsers with Google Chrome. Chrome is currently the fastest browser available on Windows computers, and speeds up loading time. Uninstall Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, and other browsers, and start using Chrome.
Replace software packages with Web-based applications. Applications that rival Microsoft Office Suite are now available online and free of charge so you can avoid installing extra software. For example, use your search engine to find photo editing software to replace Microsoft Photo Editor, and consider using Google Sheets instead of Microsoft Excel.
Replace outdated programs with newer, more lightweight versions. If you’ve been using programs you installed on your computer several years ago, visit the developer’s website to locate newer versions of the same software that consume fewer memory and resources. Alternately, search for similar versions of the same program from other developers and manufacturers. For example, if using antivirus software that consumes too much memory, search for reviews of new antivirus software from another developer that consumes fewer resources.
Removing Pre-Installed Bloatware
Click the Start menu and select “Control Panel.” This opens the Control Panel window.
Select “Uninstall a Program.” This displays a list of all programs installed on your system. Acer Aspire One models come pre-loaded with unneeded programs known as “bloatware” that cause lagging and slowness.
Click on each program you don’t use or recognize and select “Uninstall.” This removes the program from your system.
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