Efficiency is vital when running any healthcare estate, but when you’re trying to keep your patients healthy, the last thing you need is to be slowed down by your computer.
Computers have an undeniable impact on productivity, and since almost everything, from accessing patient records to booking treatments, is done using a computer, it is important to give your computer some TLC so it doesn’t let you down
Computers have an undeniable impact on productivity, and since almost everything, from accessing patient records to booking treatments, is done using a computer, it is important to give your computer some TLC so it doesn’t let you down.
Most people can relate to the feeling that you only get when waiting on slow technology, and waiting for a slow computer is no exception.
A recent study by Crucial.com found that the average Brit’s patience with slow technology lasts 60 seconds before we start to get irritated.
Among the top things that cause people most grief are frozen (47%) and slow computers (40%).
Thise data highlights the struggle we have with slow computers, something that can sap efficiency and be very time consuming.
Anyone who owns a computer has, at some point, had to deal with it slowing down. It’s a familiar problem, but how do you solve it?
We’ve outlined eight practical tips to speed up a slow PC and improve the reliability of computers used on any healthcare estate.
1. Upgrade your software
Regular updates by software vendors address security glitches and enhance their products.
Vendors may come across several issues with their programmes once launched to the public.
Updating your software means that you will get the best performance out of your computer and will stay protected against viruses and cyber attacks.
2. Clear your cookies and cache
Your browser tends to hold on to everything you do, from looking at emails and browsing on the web to using online banking.
Cookies are helpful, they store usernames and passwords from particular websites, but they can also cause problems on your PC.
The cache is used by internet browsers to speed up page loading, which is great, but this process saves itself as a file on your computer.
This folder will build up over time and will eventually slow down your computer.
The best thing to do is to clear all your browsing data, cache, and cookies regularly to prevent this from happening.
Most browsers will have a Settings menu, in which you can clear cookies and cache.
3. Get rid of bloatware and unwanted programmes
When you purchase a PC, you expect it to arrive with a clean slate.
However, PC vendors include a variety of software that offer tools which end up clogging up your computer.
If you find programmes installed that you’ve never used before this could be bloatware.
Bloatware can significantly slow down your system and take up storage space.
In most cases you can easily uninstall programmes that you don’t want right from your control panel and declog your computer of bloatware.
4. Virus scanners
You should run antivirus programmes regularly to check for viruses and other malware, as they will significantly slow down your computer and can lead to security faults.
Make sure your antivirus software is always up to date, schedule regular scans, and only have one version installed as two can slow you down.
5. Limit start up applications
One of the reasons why some PCs take so long to boot up is the number of applications included in the start-up when your computer is turning on.
Many of these programmes will run in the background but can still slow down your computer.
You can easily disable programmes you don’t need on start-up using Task Manager on Windows 8 and Windows 10, which identifies programmes that have a high impact on start-up and can be disabled.
For older versions of Windows, you’ll need to search for MSConfig and make the change within the System Configuration tool.
6. Defrag your hard drive
‘Defragging’ – what does it actually mean?
Hard drives have spinning parts which have data stored on them. As this data builds, the hard drive can become overloaded and ultimately slows down the performance of your computer.
Most operating systems have a disk defragmentation programme that easily allows you to boost the efficiency of your PC.
The programme will re-organise your data so that your computer performs better. If you have an SSD installed, defragging is done automatically.
7. Max out your memory
Almost everything your computer does (turning on, moving the mouse, opening and running Word, typing, and more) requires the use of memory.
Older computers struggle to keep up, but a memory refresh can perk it back up to its old self.
Installing memory might seem intimidating – but no computer skills are necessary and it’s as simple as replacing the batteries in your TV remote.
8. Install an SSD
Slow, outdated technology not only wastes time and money, but it can be incredibly frustrating.
Unlike regular hard drives, solid state drives (SSDs) have no moving parts.
Replacing an old hard drive with an SSD enables near-instant load and boot times, so your computer can power on and immediately load apps – enabling you to get more done.
It might seem tempting to take your computer to a repair shop and have an IT pro install an SSD, but it’s an unnecessary added cost – especially when you can install an SSD yourself.
There’s plenty you can do to avoid being slowed down by your PC when at work, and the last thing you want to happen is for your computer to freeze when you’re doing something important
There’s plenty you can do to avoid being slowed down by your PC when at work, and the last thing you want to happen is for your computer to freeze when you’re doing something important. So, when things do slow down, consider trying the above tips to give your PC a refresh.
