- 1). Avoid multitasking while using your computer. Every process and program that you have running on your computer requires RAM. If you open several different programs and windows at once, it strains the RAM and increases the chances it will fill up and cause lag. Whenever you are switching from one task to another, close the program you aren't going to be using.
- 2). Cancel unnecessary processes on the taskbar. The taskbar on Windows XP displays various processes that are running in the lower right hand corner of the screen. To cancel a process, right-click on an icon in the taskbar and select the appropriate option to close it. (Options will vary depending on the program; common options include: close, cancel and exit.)
- 3). Cancel unnecessary processes using the task manager. The Windows task manager can be called up by holding down control, alt and delete at the same time. If you click the "Processes" tab, you can highlight any process and click "End Process" stop it running. You should aim to cancel processes run by programs that you have installed yourself are not essential to your system; don't cancel a process if you don't know what it is.
- 4). Prevent unnecessary startup items. When your computer starts up, it boots up certain programs and services immediately, which slows down the start up and uses up RAM. By turning off unneeded startup programs like instant messengers and video player applications, you can increase speed. Click "Start," "Run," type "msconfig" into the run box and click "Ok." Click the "Startup" tab and then uncheck any startup process that you want to prevent from running and then click "Apply."
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