Probably 10 years ago, Microsoft published a “white paper” on how Windows could be made faster.  First, preferred, and best option?  Faster hardware.  To that end, I will list the 2 most likely ways to improve your existing computer’s speed.

First is the RAM or memory in your computer.  If you have little of it, or if your device has slow RAM, then replacing it or adding to it is a very reasonable low-priced option.

Second is replacing the hard drive storage with a solid state disk (SSD).  This requires that a knowledgeable person with the right software and equipment (yes, me…) clone the existing hard drive to the new SSD.  The resulting speedup can give tremendous results.  I have seen computers start in less than a half minute whereas previously they took 2 minutes – a 75% reduction.

If you like the way your computer is currently setup but find it too slow, these options can be less expensive then buying a new machine and setting it up.  For example, for my 5 year Apple laptopI bought an SSD for $203 and faster ram for $103 – instead of purchasing a new computer for over $2,500.

If you are buying a new computer, then find out whether you can purchase an SSD for it – and in particular, ask if you can purchase one that comes from Intel.  (There are reported problems with many others not present with Intel’s.)

I have had a rash of problems recently with laptops, all related to batteries. If you use a laptop, make sure it’s plugged into the wall overnight – if it’s not, it may go to sleep, and be impossible to wake up the next morning, or it may discharge completely. If you are thinking about buying a laptop, check that the battery is easily removable.

If your laptop does not turn on, try removing the battery, plug it into the wall, and try again. How long will a laptop battery last? 2 years is not atypical. Be aware though – a battery can become non-functional very quickly (I’ve seen one go in as little as 2 days). Batteries Plus on Route 9 is an excellent resource if you need a new one.