Print Websites Without Images
When you're printing information from the Web, ads and graphics will slow down the process. If you need to print a page, first look for a Print link; clicking on one will typically reformat the page without extras. Otherwise, you can manually disable the graphics.
In Internet Explorer, pick Tools, Internet Options. Click the Advanced tab, and scroll to the Multimedia section. Uncheck the box to Show pictures.
In Firefox, choose Tools, Options, and click the Content tab. Uncheck the box to Load images automatically.
In either browser, click the refresh button to reload the page without the images, and then choose Print. Afterward, toggle the Tools settings to restore the graphics.
Add RAM to Your Printer
High-end printers have shared design concepts with PCs for decades. You'll find a CPU, a networking interface, RAM, and other parts in laser printers starting at about $400. And just as with a PC, ample RAM can boost a printer's performance, so you should see if you can add more.
First, look up your printer's specs at the manufacturer's Website or through a Web search. If you want to download a PDF manual, search for something like "specific printer name manual", which will often lead you to the company's site. Note that some companies refer to "memory" instead of "RAM."
Now that you know whether your printer can take additional RAM and its maximum capacity, determine how much it currently has. Open the printer driver. In Windows 7, pick Control Panel, Hardware and Sound, Devices and Printers. Right-click your printer, and pick Printer Properties.
You might have to dig around to get the details--various printer manufacturers provide this information in different locations in the software. If you don't see it in the driver software, check back in the manual.
Give Your Smartphone a Boost
Every day, avid smartphone users push their devices to the limit with downloads, Web browsing, and multitasking in various apps. All of that activity can lead to frustratingly sluggish phone performance. Smartphone slowness is mainly related to two things--limited memory and a drained battery--though other factors are involved, too. With some routine phone maintenance and the help of apps and accessories, you'll have your smartphone running as fast as it did on the day you bought it.
Clear Your Call Log and Old Texts
When was the last time you deleted your call log? It doesn't take up a ton of memory, but it does still eat up precious space. Old text messages, too, consume space, so unless you're holding on to them for sentimental reasons, delete as many as possible. Clear your call log and older texts about every ten days; set a calendar reminder if you're the forgetful type.
Clean Your Apps and Photos
If you're like most smartphone users, you've downloaded apps and games, and then eventually ignored most of them. Vampire games, apps that change the color of your BlackBerry trackball, and even old pictures you took all tend to lose their novelty with time. iPhone owners are especially prone to this problem, as the App Store has a universe of cool (and completely useless) apps. You don't want the phone's nonexpandable memory hogged by lame apps. Look through your apps and downloads occasionally, and delete any that you don't use. You could see an immediate speed boost.
