If you've recently started using Windows 7 you may have noticed that it launches and runs applications quickly, particularly when first installed. However if you add or remove applications, surf the web or using different pieces of hardware attached to your computer, Windows 7 will launch and run slower over time. This article summarises some key tips to help you keep Windows 7 up to speed and covers Windows7 startup settings, disk cleanup, disk defrag, Windows Update, and use of antivirus and anti-malware software.

Windows 7 Startup
Windows 7 startup time is influenced by which programs you have installed, as many programs automatically add files to Windows startup settings during installation. To see these click the Windows button and in the lower search box type MSCONFIG and you'll see in the results pane the file MSCONFIG.EXE.

Double click this file and the System Configuration panel opens. Choose the Startup tab and you'll see all the items which launch when Windows 7 starts. You might recognise some names related to installed applications, and you can untick one or more of these to stop particular items launching on startup. It's best to only untick one or two at a time and then restart Windows7 to note the effect of the changes.

Disk cleanup
Once Windows 7 is running you can run the disk cleanup utility on a specific hard drive to eliminate unwanted files stored in different places such as in the recycle bin, temporary internet folders or temporary installation folders. To do this open the Computer shortcut, or choose Windows7 button, Computer. You'll see one or more icons representing each hard drive or external drive attached to your computer.

Right click on the main hard drive and choose properties. In the properties panel you see a blue and purple coloured pie representing used and free space. Then click the 'Disk Cleanup' button. Windows 7 will then estimate how much space can be freed on the drive. Take note that for large hard drives with lots of data this process can take quite some time. When you first use this utility you might like to keep to the default selections in the result panel, then click OK to make the deletions. Once you become familiar with the process you can scroll down the result panel and select other items in addition, such as temporary files. The result will be an increase in free space on the hard drive.

Disk Defrag
As you create, save, delete and move files on your computer, gradually filling your hard disk, Windows 7 saves subsequent files a little more slowly depending on available slots on the hard disk and often splits files up into pieces, storing the pieces in different places. Sometimes larger files, such as for images or videos, are saved in many pieces all over the hard drive, and this results in file fragmentation. As hard disks fill to over 80% capacity file fragmentation can occur for most new files, making file access time relatively slow.

If you run Disk Defrag Windows 7 can defragging the files on that drive so that most are put back together again in one continuous part on the hard drive, making file access much quicker. To defrag a hard disk, open the computer shortcut, right click on the main hard drive, and choose properties, but this time click the tools tab where you'll see the 'Defrag now' button.

Before you start defragging it's best to have all applications closed. For hard drives in excess of 200G capacity or so, defragging can take several hours, so this is one job you could run overnight. Just remember to set your power settings to leave the hard drive always powered. Once a disk defrag is complete Windows 7 file access speeds can be greatly improved resulting in faster startup and running of applications.

Windows Update
Microsoft do issue update to Windows 7 on a regular basis, so you might consider setting Windows 7 to receive automatic updates. This will mean that updates will be downloaded and installed as soon as they are available. Such Windows 7 updates are for additional features, security fixes or new software drivers for example. If you regularly surf the web, be aware that some web sites can take advantage of security loopholes and add or change files to your computer without your knowledge, which can amongst other things affect system performance. To configure Windows updates choose the Windows button, control panel, Windows Update, change settings, and select 'Install updates automatically'.

Anti-virus and anti-malware software
If you regularly surf the web anti-virus and anti-malware software is essential. It is equally important that whatever programs you use, you update them regularly, so that you are guarded against the latest recognised threats. Not updating anti-virus and anti-malware software can lead to malicious code being added to your computer, and again at the very least, system performance will be affected.

Conclusion
To keep Windows 7 in tip top condition you will reap the benefits from using MSCONFIG to control software starts ups, Disk Cleanup to eliminate unwanted files, Disk defrag to reduce file fragmentation and Windows Update to ensure Window7 has all the latest updates. In addition, installing and regularly updating anti-virus and anti-malware programs will help protect Windows 7 performance.

If you'd like to learn more about managing the Windows 7 operating system, or other applications, you might like to consider attending a training course. This can be a really effective way to increase your skills in a short time.