Is installing a lot of programs slow down a Notebook PC

[sahaHP]

I am using HPg6-1004TX. I have a lot of Program installed ( nearly 150 ) on my laptop. Is it slowing down/will slow down my laptop? Thanks in advance!

[HPSAwizard · Accepted solution]

Definitely!     Especially if the program is launching a process whenever you start Windows.   I would suggest using Control Panel to uninstall any programs you are no longer using. 

[sahaHP]

Please tell me how many programs are enough! My machine has 640GB HDD,4GB RAM.It runs on Windows 7 Home Basic.Out of all programs majority of them were installed by HP(during tune up) or by Windows.Hence I can't decide about these programs whether they are useful or not!

[HPSAwizard]

Updates from HP and Microsoft are important.  

Drivers should not be removed. 

If you are not sure what it is then it is best to leave it.  

Have you added applications?  

[sahaHP]

I have only installed some browsers,media players,download managers and couple of softwares for my astronomical studies.they are nearly 45-50 in numbers.I have nearly 75% of free space in my HDD.

[HPSAwizard]

You are fine.   You have plenty of HDD space.   If you notice your PC is running slow, you may want to check the startup programs and remove the programs that are running in the background.   Also watch out for browser add-ons and malware  Otherwise you should be in good shape.  

If you are not using Norton Anti Virus, you should uninstall it.   I strongly recommend using Microsoft Security Essentials which is a free download from Microsoft.   Also apply all of your Windows updates and do not install any software from an unknown source.   This will keep your PC safe and secure.  

[sahaHP]

Thanks for your valuable suggesions.I am completely novice in computer world.Learning each day.so please resolve my following queries

1.I am using escan internet security suite( as suggested by computer reseller).Is it OK?

2.Can i partition my C-drive with preloded Windows 7

3.What is prefereble-sleep,hibernation or shutting down?

also

give me some advice to run my machine at its best!

Thanks again!

[sahaHP]

Thanks for your valuable suggestions am completely novice in computer world. Learning each day.so please resolve my following queries

1. I am using escan internet security suite( as suggested by computer reseller). Is it OK?

2. Can i partition my C-drive with preloaded Windows 7

3. Which is preferable-sleep,hibernation or shutting down?

also

give me some advice to run my machine at its best!

Thanks again!

[HPSAwizard]

1. I am not familar with Escan.  I do know Microsoft Security Essentials works.  Also Microsoft has the most to gain from securing Windows and assuring you the best experience.   It is also the most comaptible with other applications.

2. You can partition the C dirve.   I am not not sure why you would want to do this.  Maybe you can provide more info.

3. I use both.   I use Sleep first.  After a set amount of time I allow the system to go into hibernate.  

THe best tip I can give you is to watch out for Malware.   Only install Software from known secure sources.  

Also, make sure you use your notebook on a hard surface with the vents clear from obstruction.  

Otherwise have fun!

[sahaHP]

As i mentioned earlier i have 640HDD in my laptop! It is divided into 3 drives Local disc C(292 GB), Recovery Disc D (13.8 GB) & F ( 289 GB). Initially it was only C & D. F was later created by the HP reseller from whom i have bought the product. He said it can't be farther partitioned for some issue with the OS and warranty!

Now my big C-drive just contains program files. I am not putting any other files there. So you can understand it is almost useless for me also keeping program files and other files doesn't seem a good idea.Hence i want a local disc C exclusively for program files of may be of size 100GB.

as you can see being a novice i might be missing some crucial facts.

I am looking forward to an expert advice.

THANKS!