I recently bought my first laptop used from a friend of mine who really tricked it out. He is very knowledgable but we use the computer for different things.The computer is so slow to load, and it is mostly due to our wireless internet service. I get it free so I’m not complaining. But I want to boost my performance with what is in my control.

My taskbar (down by the clock) shows 10 icons all the time. I have been told that this bogs up the computer. Trouble is, I don’t know what I need, and what I can shut off, perhaps even remove from the computer. I figured out how to hide them when they are inactive, but I’m not sure that hiding makes any difference in the processing speed if they are all working in the background. After I figure out which ones I want to come on automatically, and which to activate as needed myself, I would like to change the settings so they don’t keep coming back on and slowing things down. What should I do? Thanks for your help!
Southernbelle, you are my geek in shining armor. I appreciate your quick and thorough answer, I did what you said and things are much speedier. For the other techies in the house, I’m sure I will have other questions about the unchecks and reactivating certain ones. For now, however, the question is closed and southernbelle will get 10 well deserved points. Thanks again!
Southernbelle, you are my geek in shining armor. I appreciate your quick and thorough answer, I did what you said and things are much speedier. For the other techies in the house, I’m sure I will have other questions about the unchecks and reactivating certain ones. For now, however, the question is closed and southernbelle will get 10 well deserved points. Thanks again!