Originally Posted by
Tarq57
Slightly off topic, but I agree with uninstalling Sygate firewall. Nothing wrong with it, as far as I know, but Windows firewall is generally adequate, in combination with a good AV, and prompting for the running of any scripts in the browser.
Off topic? I'd not have mentioned it if I thought it didn't have an effect (despite many here understanding I have a deep-seated dislike of 3rd-party firewalls).
It's my assertion that the firewall software will inevitably end up firewalling essential internal Windows processes that communicate between each other via the IP stack, and the slowdown you notice are the relevant services waiting and then timing out. Left long enough or with a wrong enough configuration (or having a nasty enough software shim to remove) and it'll knacker your PC enough to require a rebuild.
Incidentally, whilst my first reply was brief (but to the point), I would also add an SSD will speed up things enough to make you feel the laptop's rejuvinated (this is because the hard drive, being a moving part, has to move physically to retrieve or send the data to/from the platters, and is hence the slowest component in a PC).
Ignore all of these "tune up" pieces of software. I've yet to see one that'll make a significant difference unless your system's borked already. Uninstalling all the hardly-used software you've loaded the PC up with in the past would help, as would surveying what programs are running in the taskbar and under the startup items.
However, all that said, remove the firewall s/w first and see whether it makes the bulk of difference
Originally Posted by
OFSO
I'm with jimt...sleep or hibernation instead of a shutdown and restart. Fact is I only do the latter when there's an update to install which requires it or when I'm away for a few days, otherwise it's sleep every night.
Incidently I have the central heating radiator permanently off in the office (hence the name "office"...er hat, coat) and in winter the PC & periphs stay on and keep the room above freezing.
Sleep/hibernation has never worked properly in Windows XP. It only started being semi-useful in Vista onwards (but still has the ability to mess with your networking based upon what components are in your PC).