{"id":29381,"date":"2025-10-03T09:45:27","date_gmt":"2025-10-03T01:45:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=oasis-news&p=29381"},"modified":"2025-10-01T09:55:52","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T01:55:52","slug":"slow-laptop-dragging-you-down-your-software-could-be-to-blame","status":"publish","type":"oasis-news","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/oasis-news\/slow-laptop-dragging-you-down-your-software-could-be-to-blame\/","title":{"rendered":"Slow laptop dragging you down? Your software could be to blame"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Reading time: 3 minutes<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Is your computer crawling at a snail\u2019s pace? A sluggish system can wreck your productivity and drive you up the wall. But don\u2019t worry\u2014there\u2019s a fix! Whether it\u2019s outdated software, too many background programs, or hidden issues slowing you down, identifying the cause is the first step to speeding things up. Ready to boost your computer\u2019s performance? Check out our quick tips below and get back to smooth sailing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disclaimer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our tips and recommendations are here to help you get the most out of your device, but a little caution goes a long way! Any updates, repairs, or tweaks you try are completely up to you\u2014and at your own risk. We can\u2019t take responsibility for any oops moments, like data loss or device issues, that might happen along the way. Play it safe: back up your data before diving in and don\u2019t hesitate to call in a pro if you\u2019re unsure. Your device deserves the best care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommendations:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Free up storage <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Use your Curtin OneDrive<\/a> to store your university files and consider using a separate cloud account with a cloud service to store files for personal use. This will free up space on your device.
See some options for personal backups for Mac<\/a> or Windows<\/a> computers, iPhone<\/a> or Android<\/a> phones.
Tip:<\/strong> \u00a0Still need space? Checkout the disk cleanup utility for Windows<\/a> or Mac<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close extra apps <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Too many open programs overload your Random Access Memory (RAM) and slow down performance. Close anything you’re not actively using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Startup programs <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Disable unnecessary programs that launch automatically when your computer boots. Use Task Manager (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac) to manage startup items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restart <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Restarting your device clears temporary files and refreshes system processes, often improving performance. Make it a habit to restart regularly, especially if your device feels slow or unresponsive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Update<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ensure your operating system, drivers, and software are up to date. But always check your device meets the requirements before updating to avoid compatibility issues. Not sure how to update your device, see the Australian Cyber Security Centres guidance here<\/a>. For Windows computers you may also want to update your drivers, see here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uninstall untrusted software <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Pirated software often comes bundled with malware and doesn\u2019t receive updates. Remove it and opt for legitimate programs for better performance and security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Run a malware scan<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Use antivirus software to scan for harmful programs that may be slowing down your device. Feel free to use your antivirus program if you already have one. Otherwise for Windows computers you can run a scan using the Windows Security App<\/a>. For Mac you may want to use a reputable antivirus company like Malwarebytes<\/a> to run a free scan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still slow?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As a general rule of thumb it is a good idea to upgrade your computer every five years. Some signs it might be time to get your device repaired, upgraded or replaced include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n