Having a slow computer can be one of the most frustrating things in the world. This can be doubly hard if you are using your computer to work remotely, or are using it to complete coursework or are even having a remote interview. The last thing you want is a computer that is prone to freezing and crashing. Sometimes we may just buy a new computer, but this is not always the best solution, it certainly is not the most environmentally friendly one. You are far better off discovering ways to enhance your computer in the here and now to make it quicker and more efficient. Here are a few solutions for you:
Uninstall Unused Programs
Having a computer filled up with old programs that you never use is a great way to slow the performance. Sometimes we download something and use it one or two times, and forever it remains, filling up space on the hard drive. Also, when you purchase a computer, you will see that there are several programs installed that you never use. All you need to do is navigate to the add/remove program section of your control panel and delete or uninstall all these programs. You may need to install a new program for your remote interview, so having less competition on the hard drive is an added benefit.
External Storage Options
Try to avoid overfilling your hard drive. If you have less than 15% space, then you really need to consider freeing up some space. Why not transfer any old picture or video onto an external hard drive, or use cloud storage. A computer should not really be used as an old picture database, as this uses up a lot of space for something that can easily be transferred elsewhere. If you then need more space to download things during your interview, you will have the space to do so.
RAM
If you have a desktop PC or even a laptop you could consider purchasing a new piece of RAM. There are a lot of options when purchasing extra RAM, so ensure you do your homework.
Disable any Auto-launching Programs
When your computer starts up, does it take an awfully long time to get going? Well, it could be because you have too many programs that automatically open as soon as the computer is switched on. Additionally, they will continue to run as background processes for the duration of your time on the computer. The majority of these serve no purpose. The best thing to do is disable any programs which are primed to launch on startup. Some programs actually allow you to stop this in their properties. However, you may need to use the task manager under the startup tab to disable others.
Use System Tools
Any budding tech interviewee should know how to use their Operating systems disk clean up and maintenance tools, like a disk defragger. So before your interview, ensure you have used these tools to keep your computer running quickly and efficiently. They also ensure that the disk has no issues and the files are saved in the most orderly fashion. Have a look and see what options you have in your control panel. If your Mac is particularly slow, click here for more details on how to speed your computer up. Anything you can do to prevent computer issues during a tech interview is an absolute must.
Your Camera and Microphone
It is best you do a little test run before the big day. The last thing you want to discover is that your internal camera and microphone are faulty. It may be a good idea to speak to a family member or friend over Skype just to practise. If there are any issues, you can adjust the settings, or you have the time to buy an external microphone or camera., Perhaps you can get one that reality enhances your look too.
Get Dusting
Allowing dust to build up in your computer is a serious no-no. Dust can clog up the innards and cause the hardware to be overhead, which can prematurely end the life of your computer and it can hinder performance. Opening a desktop computer should be relatively simple to do, and once you have it open, just blow away all the dust, especially off the fans. For laptops, use some compressed air and blow inside the vents. The last thing you want is your computer to conk out during that all-important tech interview. That would definitely mean you do not get the job.