Recommendation for a slow laptop - another OS maybe?...

[Moish]

I have a Dell mini-laptop - model Inspiron Mini 1018 with a Windows 7 Starter OS, N455 1.66GHz and 1GB of RAM.
Since the day I've first used it, it has been extremely slow.

It takes softwares a long time to go up, opening a video with Media Player Cassic can take almost 40 seconds, browser windows are annoying, and I actually can't watch any Youtube videos since it is so slow it's stuck every half a second (not buffering, just stuck)

It seemed weird to me that Dell would manufacture and sell such a thing, and tought it might be just the way mini-laptops are, but after seeing it wasn't like that with other laptops, it guess it's just mine.

Would you maybe reccomend something I can do to get a better use out of this thing? maybe lower the OS to XP, or maybe there's a "lighter" version of W7 or W8?...

Thank you in advanced.

 

[indianacarnie]

You could try these to help speed up your machine. We have many excellent tutorials here at the forums, just click on the link. : http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11728-optimize-windows-7-a.html

With those spec.'s though you can't expect blazing speed.

 

[Ztruker]

Upgrade the RAM to 2GB, that should help. Crucial has a 2GB SIMM for $27: Computer memory upgrades for Dell Inspiron Mini 10v (1018) Netbook from Crucial.com

 

[badger906]

more ram as suggested and an SSD will certainly give it a kick up the perverbal.

 

[andrew129260]

I don't think anyone has considered the obvious.

1.) Is the pc Infected?

2.) Do you have lots of toolbars?

3.) What security software do you use? Are you running more then 1 antivirus program?

4.) Try the windows performance troubleshooter.

Click start rb: then type Control panel. Click system and security. Under action center, click troubleshoot common computer problems. Under system and security again, click check for performance issues, as well as run maintenance tasks.

 

[gregrocker]

Most tech enthusiasts would never run the bloated factory preinstall, choosing instead to do a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. Everything needed to get and keep a perfect install is in the blue link.

I believe Media Player Classic is a spyware nest, as are most 3rd party Media Players. I would stick with WMP and the other recommendations in the tutorial.

Especially important is when you download anything to guard against sneakware which helps pay for freeware by spying on you and eating up your resources. Make sure all Add-Ons in browser are disabled except for Flash, maybe a Reader helper.

To know if you need a RAM upgrade, open the Task Manager and click on Performance tab to watch the RAM and CPU graph as you work. You can also install the CPU meter gadget to do this. Rightclick Task bar to get Task Mgr, rightclick Desktop to get Gadgets.

If you peg out the RAM or CPU while multi-tasking then you'll know you are up against their limitations. If RAM pegs way before CPU then you can use a RAM upgrade, which Ken provided for you above.

Finally regularly scan your system with Malwarebytes and SUPERAntiSpyware.com - Downloads free scanners which will help keep the malware out. Decline their free trials so you can only use their scanner. However chronic infection can be prevented by adding MBAM Real Time protection in addition to Microsoft Security Essentials which you should already be running for best performance.

 

[dperecky]

Not sure if the tutorials referenced mention these simple steps. If not...

-Start | Computer | Right-click on C: drive | Properties, then in | General | tab, click on 'Disk Cleanup' button.

-Start | Computer | Right-click on C: drive | Properties, then in | Tools | tab, click on 'Defragment Now'. Then click on 'Error-Checking', 'Check Now' button.

-Go to the Dell website and update any and all drivers that are for your laptop and are written for Windows 7.

-This is debatable- update and/or use a different internet browser. I use IE11 most of the time. Seems pretty quick.

HTH

ETA:
Along with what Andrew said, go to Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Computer Management | Event Viewer to see if there are any glaring repeatable errors going on in your system.

 

[Sir George]

I have a Dell mini-laptop - model Inspiron Mini 1018 with a Windows 7 Starter OS, N455 1.66GHz and 1GB of RAM.
Since the day I've first used it, it has been extremely slow.

It takes softwares a long time to go up, opening a video with Media Player Cassic can take almost 40 seconds, browser windows are annoying, and I actually can't watch any Youtube videos since it is so slow it's stuck every half a second (not buffering, just stuck)

It seemed weird to me that Dell would manufacture and sell such a thing, and tought it might be just the way mini-laptops are, but after seeing it wasn't like that with other laptops, it guess it's just mine.

Would you maybe reccomend something I can do to get a better use out of this thing? maybe lower the OS to XP, or maybe there's a "lighter" version of W7 or W8?...

Thank you in advanced.

Minimum specs are listed at the following site;

Windows 7 system requirements - Microsoft Windows

I would suggest upgrading the ram regardless of the OS you choose.

 

[whs]

The best bang for the buck would be a SSD - if it fits and can be easily installed in the disk bay. This one for example is very good (I own one) and does not break the bank.

Mushkin Enhanced Chronos MKNSSDCR120GB 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - Newegg.com

And to transfer the OS have a look at this:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/149969-ssd-install-transfer-operating-system.html

 

[Sir George]

The beat beat for the buck would be a SSD - if it fits and can be easily installed in the disk bay. This one for example is very good (I own one) and does not break the bank.

Mushkin Enhanced Chronos MKNSSDCR120GB 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - Newegg.com

And to transfer the OS have a look at this:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/149969-ssd-install-transfer-operating-system.html

OT, but what does "Beat beat for the buck" mean. I'm just curious.

 

[gregrocker]

Agree you'd want at least 2gb RAM on there first, then compare your install with the one in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 since you may have the bloated Dell factory preinstall on there which can be replaced going from one of the worst installs to the best.

 

[whs]

OT, but what does "Beat beat for the buck" mean. I'm just curious.

Sorry, a typo. It was supposed to mean: ' Best beat for the buck"'. I will correct it.

 

[andrew129260]

OT, but what does "Beat beat for the buck" mean. I'm just curious.

Sorry, a typo. It was supposed to mean: ' Best beat for the buck"'. I will correct it.

I think you mean, best bang for the buck

 

[whs]

OT, but what does "Beat beat for the buck" mean. I'm just curious.

Sorry, a typo. It was supposed to mean: ' Best beat for the buck"'. I will correct it.

I think you mean, best bang for the buck

Yeah, that sounds even better. Too difficult for a German with all those sayings, LOL