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The Acer Aspire One is a small Windows notebook designed for users who primarily browse the Internet. When your Aspire One starts lagging or running slowly, speed its performance and efficiency by disabling unneeded features, installing more RAM, replacing outdated software, and more.

Part 1
Part 1 of 9:

Disabling Startup Applications

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  2. This prevents applications you don’t use from automatically running in the background after your computer starts up, leading to slowness and lagging.
  3. Going forward, these processes will no longer run automatically following startup. [1]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 9:

Disabling Performance Options

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  1. These options control visual effects and performance features, some of which could be clogging your system.
  2. For example, disable the feature labeled “Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing” if you don’t wish to see animations when minimizing windows. [2]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 9:

Enabling Manual Services

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  1. Windows automatically starts services such as IP Helper and Print Spooler upon startup, even when not needed.
  2. Going forward, these services will only start at your command. Examples of services you can disable are Diagnostic Policy Service, Print Spooler, and Distributed Link Tracking Client.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 9:

Disabling McAfee

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  1. Most Aspire One models come pre-loaded with McAfee antivirus software, which runs in the background at all times to keep your system protected from malware and viruses.
    • Consider installing another security program that consumes fewer resources, or stick to visiting websites you trust to avoid malware and viruses. Disabling McAfee antivirus security software makes your computer more vulnerable to malicious software and third parties.
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Part 5
Part 5 of 9:

Turning Off Sounds

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  1. This opens the Sounds menu. By default, Windows plays sound effects that use system resources when performing actions such as closing programs and restarting.
  2. [3]
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Part 6
Part 6 of 9:

Installing More RAM

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  1. This tells you how much RAM is already installed in your computer.
  2. Alternately, visit Acer’s official website at http://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/drivers to access the manual. For example, if your computer supports up to 3.5 GB RAM and one GB is already installed, you can install 2.5 GB additional RAM.
  3. Install extra RAM on your own , or hire a computer technician to install it for you. Following installation, your computer will run faster and more efficiently. [4]
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Part 7
Part 7 of 9:

Installing Windows Updates

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  1. This opens the Windows Update menu. Windows automatically installs updates as they become available, unless you disabled this feature at an earlier date.
  2. Windows will search for the newest software updates from Microsoft.
  3. Your computer will download and install available updates. [5]
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Part 8
Part 8 of 9:

Replacing Outdated Software

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  1. Chrome is currently the fastest browser available on Windows computers, and speeds up loading time. Uninstall Internet Explorer , Safari, Firefox, and other browsers, and start using Chrome. [6]
  2. Applications that rival Microsoft Office Suite are now available online and free of charge so you can avoid installing extra software. For example, use your search engine to find photo editing software to replace Microsoft Photo Editor, and consider using Google Sheets instead of Microsoft Excel.
  3. If you’ve been using programs you installed on your computer several years ago, visit the developer’s website to locate newer versions of the same software that consume fewer memory and resources.
    • Alternately, search for similar versions of the same program from other developers and manufacturers. For example, if using antivirus software that consumes too much memory, search for reviews of new antivirus software from another developer that consumes fewer resources.
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Part 9
Part 9 of 9:

Removing Pre-Installed Bloatware

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  1. This opens the Control Panel window.
  2. This displays a list of all programs installed on your system. Acer Aspire One models come pre-loaded with unneeded programs known as “bloatware” that cause lagging and slowness.
  3. This removes the program from your system. [7]
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      • Use antivirus security software to search your Acer Aspire One for malware and viruses before following any other steps to speed up your system. This helps identify whether your computer is running slowly due to security threats and malware.
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