Optimizing Performance Flashcards
What is Disk fragmentation?
As you use your computer, files and data become fragmented and scattered across the hard drive. Fragmentation is where information becomes scattered across the hard drive due to normal day-to-day activities such as saving and deleting files. This fragmentation can lead to slower access times and decreased performance. Defragmentation rearranges fragmented files on a hard drive to consolidate them into contiguous blocks. This optimization enables quicker and more efficient access to data, ultimately enhancing overall system performance.
What is RAM?
RAM, short for Random Access Memory, is a computer’s hardware that temporarily stores data the operating system (OS), software programs, and other data need while the computer is running. It acts as the computer’s short-term memory, allowing the processor to quickly access information.
What is a the hardrive and how can you clean it?
Hard drives serve as the primary storage unit for a computer’s data, programs, and operating systems.
One of the critical aspects of optimizing your computer’s performance is ensuring that the hard drive is clean and organized. Over time, your computer accumulates unnecessary files and data that can slow its operation. The disk cleanup method removes unnecessary files, such as temporary files, system logs, and unused applications. By regularly performing a disk cleanup, you can free up valuable disk space and improve the overall performance of your computer. Most operating systems have built-in disk cleanup tools to remove these unnecessary files effectively.
What is the purpose of settings?
Adjusting various settings on your computer can significantly impact its performance. For example, optimizing power settings can help conserve energy and improve laptop battery life; regularly powering down the laptop at the end of the day prolongs its efficacy and durability. Understanding and tweaking these settings allows you to tailor your computer’s performance to meet your needs
What are some steps in routine maintenance?
-Updates/patches (OS/apps)
-Running antivirus/malware
-Startup processes (disable unecessary programs)
