Laptop Essentials: Software Solutions for a Faster Laptop

As our laptops age, we complain about them getting sluggish. Start-up takes longer, files open slower, programs don't run, they walk. But what most of us do not do is actually fix the problem. We complain instead and decide it's time to replace our 2 year old laptop. Well, here are some free programs that can actually improve the speed of your laptop and save money from buying a new one.


This section is for PCs btw. A Mac section will be written soon.



Defraggler by Piriform

Defraggler is a free defragmentation program by the guys at Piriform that scans and defragments your laptop or PCs hard drive extensively. It works faster than the included Windows defragmentation program as well. Fragmentation occurs when files are loaded and unloaded, used, moved, and renamed (among other things). When fragmentation occurs, it takes the hard drive a longer time to read and open files because the actual physical memory fragments of the file is scattered all though out the drive. Defragmentation fixes that, thus a faster hard drive. You can get Defraggler here.

CCleaner by Piriform

Another free software from Piriform, CCleaner is a cleaning device that cleans out all the unwanted junk in your laptop or PC. It scans system files, program history, temporary internet files, as well as other sections of your hard drive. It also has a registry scan and repair function to fix registry files (Wikipedia: "The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems"). With this tool, junk and other files that clog your hard drive space can be cleaned up and cleared. You can get CCleaner here.

Notebook Hardware Control by Manfred Jaider

Notebook Hardware Control is a free optimization program written by a guy named Manfred Jaider. It essentially allows you to control and optimize the performance of your laptop including processor performance, graphics performance, power consumption and output, temperature and fan speeds, and if your HDD is applicable, a temperature reader for your HDD. If you want to get the most out of your laptop, this is the way to go. Get Notebook Hardware Control here.

Game Booster by iObit

Game Booster is a free program that optimizes your laptop or PC for gaming performance. It stops the function of some processes (such as Windows 7 transparency) to optimize your system for gaming. It also allows the defragmentation of game files. 

To quote the site: 

"It works by updating hardware drivers, downloading essential gaming tools, tweaking system settings for gaming, defragmenting game directories, temporarily shutting down background processes, cleaning RAM, and intensifying processor performance."

The normal version is free but the pro version is a paid app. Learn more about Game Booster here.

The first three programs are essentials, while the last one is for gaming enthusiasts. So there you have it. Try these out and see the performance gain on your not-so-old still reliable computer.

Laptop Essentials: Longer Laptop Life

Laptops are popping up everywhere. Before, only those rich enough can afford a laptop (an HP NC6400 Core 2 Duo 1.6 GHz with 160 GB hard drive space cost P99k). But now, laptops from all price ranges are being produced by various companies. I used to tell my friends that almost all consumer products these days are increasing in price, except for laptops. People can get laptops for as low as P12k for a basic netbook and P20k for a starting full-sized laptop.

But no matter how affordable laptops are, we must all still be able to protect them from wear and tear, as well as possible accidents such as dropping and spilling liquid on them. Besides, if you plan to get a new laptop, selling your old one will be easier and will pay much more if it's taken care of and in tip top shape.

This article will serve as a guide on the things you need in order to protect your laptop.

• A Laptop Sleeve/Case

• A laptop sleeve is useful in preventing scratches from accumulating on your laptop. These can also protect your laptop from minor bumps, especially at the corners. It would be best if your sleeve is made of memory foam or any shock absorbing material, as well as a lint free or smooth inner surface. 
• A laptop case offers more protection from a laptop sleeve. It can range from being an attache case-like case or a messenger bag-like case that allows space for a few pens, papers, and other small things. I do not consider laptop cases as full laptop bags though, but some can be a substitute for a bag. Laptop cases provide shock protection, and some even provide drop protection to a certain extent.
• Some examples:

Sleeve for Macbooks: Moshi Muse

 Sleeve for PCs: Case Logic

Case for Macbooks: Moshi Codex
(I personally use this, and this will protect your Macbook from drops and bumps while allowing full use of the ports)

PC case from Belkin

One of the few options from Case Logic

• A screen guard
• Screen guards protect the display of your laptop from scratches and markings, especially the ones made by the keyboard. These may not prevent finger marks or smudges but having a screen protector makes them easier to clean. Here are some examples:

CAPDASE provides screen guards for Macs and PCs for many makes and models. Check the online catalog here. They have stores in SM North EDSA and SM Megamall

If you cannot look for your model/screen size or you are looking for something much cheaper, check out CDR-King for their cheap screen protectors. Check their catalog here. Braches can be find almost anywhere. Be warned: since CDR-King provides cheap products, people flock to these places. Prepare to line-up.

• A keyboard protector
• Most probably one of the most ignored and thus one of the dirtiest parts of the laptop: the keyboard. A keyboard is a headache to clean, especially with all those nooks and crannies. A liquid spill on your keyboard can also cause hell on your laptop. Getting a keyboard protector can prevent these, as well to avoid getting grease/oil in your keyboard (if you haven't noticed that yet). 
• Finding good keyboard protectors are tricky though, especially for PCs. Find something that fits your keyboard well, provides good dust and spill protection, and does not compromise typing comfort.
• Some examples:

CDR-King claims to have keyboard protectors for different brands of PCs as well as for different sizes. However, I am not sure about the quality of the product. Better call them (don't rely on the info posted in the website) to check out if they have the item before going to a store. Check the catalog here.

CAPDASE also provides keyboard protectors, although for PCs I am not sure of the availability here in the Philippines. I suggest for Macs do not get the ones with "holes" or what they call "heat vents". They do not really help with ventilation and they allow dust to enter the keyboard. Mac catalog here. PC catalog here.

I've been using this one. It's the Moshi Clearguard MB. Super thin, super transparent, and super cool. Does not disturb your typing experience. Check out the Clearguard.

• A good bag
• Students are always on the go, and sometimes a laptop case isn't enough to substitute for a full blown bag. If that's the case, then one must choose a good bag to keep one's laptop as well as other papers and school material. There are a lot of bags out there, but make sure they provide padded support for your laptop as well as security and anti-slash material. Students usually go for the sleeve + bag combo. In my case I use my Moshi Codex with my North Face back pack
• I highly recommend getting a backpack for your laptop. It provides an easier way to carry it around, as well as a discreet way off doing so. Also, some backpacks provide rain-proofing, so that's a plus. Backpacks may not be stylish, but they are functional and provide discreetness and security.

There you have it. Essential items to hopefully extend the life of your laptop. There are also other stuff such as protective films/stickers, palm rest guards, crystal cases for Macbooks, and all that stuff. But those are just little extras. By having the things listed here in the guide, you can be confident that your laptop can be protected and last longer than expected.