If you’ve ever wondered why you have a slow PC, you’re really talking about your “PC performance.”  PC performance is how well a computer does the work it’s designed to do, compared to the time and resources that should be needed to complete a desired task.

The most common way to measure your computer’s performance is to look at three things: CPU processing times, how much memory it uses, and its bootup times.

The CPU is the “brain” that powers the computer and executes or “processes” everything a computer does, from playing games, surfing the Internet, doing word processing, and more. CPUs have become more powerful and less expensive in recent years, and most PCs can easily perform common tasks without slowing down your computer. However, too many unnecessary or hidden programs running at the same time can slow down your CPU.

Memory usage is another important part of PC performance.  While programs, files and other important information are stored on your PC’s hard drive, your computer also relies on a different kind of memory called RAM to actually help run programs.  More programs running at the same time on your PC means more memory gets used up, and this can slow your computer down.

Bootup time, or how long it takes your PC start up, is another key part of assessing computer performance. Often considered a major annoyance by PC users, glacial bootup times are often caused by too many unnecessary or hidden programs running as your computer starts up.

Every little thing can impact PC performance, but luckily there are tools out there like PC TuneUp Maestro that can help simplify the task of running your computer more smoothly.

Computer crashes can be stress-inducing. While the Windows operating system has improved in leaps and bounds over the past few years, your computer may still “crash” and shut down without warning, leaving nothing but a blank screen and the disquieting question of whether or not something important you’ve been working on has been erased forever.

Often, the culprit responsible for a crashed computer is not the operating system or the software. Instead, “hardware” such as the computer’s hard disk, CPU or even the power supply may fail. Sometimes, though, a computer virus can be to blame.

The end result is the same: your computer crashes, and important files, photos, and music collections can be lost, as well as software programs that can be expensive to replace.

Luckily, you can protect yourself by “backing up” your computer. Just by backing up your computer’s system files, it’s actually possible to restore your system to a specific point in time. Windows uses system files to run your computer to control software programs such as your word processor, internet browser, or photo manager. Over time, it’s possible for system files to become “corrupted” or damaged,  and this can affect the stability of your PC as well.

So, to protect against hardware errors, viruses, and corrupted files, all of which can crash your computer, it’s a good idea to regularly backup your Windows system so you can restore it to how it was before it crashed. It’s also possible to set up multiple “restore” points.

It’s a computing “best practice” that applies to both professionals and home users alike. However, if this sounds complicated, why not give PC Tuneup Maestro a try?

3. Speed up application start up time

These are just 3 simple tricks to speed up Windows, and there are plenty of other ways to optimize your PC’s performance.

To keep on top of these special Windows tricks and features, PC TuneUP Maestro features a full suite of tools, all designed to help you enjoy your using your computer more by enhancing your PC’s performance, stability and speed.