Improve Old Netbook Performance - 3 Simple Ways

Re-purposing Obsolete Netbooks

The consensus today is that netbooks largely failed to meet expectations. Initially, they presented an appealing proposition: a budget-friendly laptop alternative in a compact form factor.

However, their performance proved inadequate for many users, hampered by slow processing speeds and limited functionality.

The Problem with Netbooks

Beyond their sluggish performance, netbooks often suffered from small screen sizes and compromised build quality.

Consequently, a significant number of these devices are now gathering dust, representing a potentially wasted investment for their owners.

Extracting Remaining Value

If you find yourself in possession of an unused netbook, several strategies can help you recoup some value from it.

Consider these options to breathe new life into your device and avoid complete obsolescence.

Potential Uses for Old Netbooks

• Dedicated Server: A netbook can function as a small-scale home server for tasks like file storage or print sharing.
• Lightweight Travel Companion: Despite their limitations, they remain highly portable for basic tasks during travel.
• Educational Tool: They can be repurposed for children's learning, providing a safe and controlled computing environment.
• Retro Gaming Platform: Install emulators to enjoy classic video games.

These suggestions offer ways to utilize a netbook even if it's no longer suitable for mainstream computing tasks.

By exploring these alternatives, you can maximize the remaining utility of your original investment.

Enhancing Windows Performance and Maximizing Screen Real Estate

Numerous netbooks were initially equipped with Windows 7 Starter Edition, often struggling to operate it efficiently. If your netbook runs Windows 7, performance can be significantly improved through a few straightforward adjustments.

Optimizing System Speed

• Minimize Startup Applications: Employ a startup manager, such as the one integrated within CCleaner, to disable unnecessary programs launching at boot. Reducing the number of automatically starting programs frees up valuable RAM. On slower netbooks, each prevented startup can yield a noticeable improvement.
• Prioritize Lightweight Software: Opt for applications designed for minimal resource consumption instead of their more demanding counterparts. Consider Sumatra PDF as an alternative to Adobe Reader, and foobar2000 as a lighter music player than iTunes. For basic document creation, Abiword presents a viable alternative to Microsoft Word.
• Browser Configuration for Efficiency: Tailor your web browser to function optimally within its constrained environment. Limit the number of browser extensions installed, as these can consume significant RAM and CPU resources. Enable click-to-play plugins to prevent Flash content – including advertisements – from slowing down your system unless actively requested.
• Leverage ReadyBoost Technology: While ReadyBoost may not provide substantial gains on modern systems with ample RAM, it can offer a considerable performance boost on RAM-limited devices like netbooks. Simply insert a USB drive or SD card and select the ReadyBoost option when prompted; Windows 7 will utilize the drive as a caching mechanism.

Further Reading: Improving Netbook Speed with an SD Card and ReadyBoost

Furthermore, maximizing the utility of your netbook’s limited screen space is crucial.

Related: Ten Methods for Customizing Your Windows Taskbar

Maximizing Screen Space

• Taskbar Placement Optimization: Determine the optimal location for your Windows taskbar. Positioning it along the left or right edge of the screen expands the available vertical space for applications and web pages. Alternatively, utilize the auto-hide feature to keep the taskbar concealed when not in use.
• Browser Interface Simplification: Reduce clutter by hiding unnecessary browser toolbars through a right-click menu option. Pressing F11 within most browsers toggles full-screen mode, allowing the current webpage to occupy the entire display. Press F11 again to exit full-screen mode.

Revitalize Your Netbook with a Lightweight Linux Desktop

Initially, netbooks were designed to operate with streamlined Linux operating systems. However, Microsoft quickly began offering netbooks pre-loaded with Windows XP, as Windows Vista proved too resource-intensive. Subsequently, Windows 7 also became a common choice.

Consequently, devices intended for efficient Linux operation were often sold with Windows 7. This necessitated the installation of antivirus programs and other software typically associated with the Windows desktop environment.

The netbook market ultimately experienced a decline, largely due to the performance issues caused by these heavier operating systems.

If your netbook currently runs Windows, you have the option of installing a lightweight Linux distribution at no cost. Several Linux distributions are specifically designed to rejuvenate older hardware. For example, Puppy Linux can function effectively even with as little as 256 MB of RAM.

Furthermore, Puppy Linux can be executed directly from a USB drive, bypassing the limitations of a slow hard drive. A lightweight Linux system can significantly improve the performance of a netbook struggling under the demands of Windows 7 and its associated security software.

Repurposing Your Netbook: A Second Life as a Server

Perhaps you've deemed your netbook obsolete. While the initial purchase seemed promising due to its affordability, it may not meet your current computing needs alongside a more capable laptop. However, discarding the netbook entirely isn't necessary.

Despite being inadequate for demanding desktop applications, netbooks possess processing power exceeding many embedded systems. This makes them suitable candidates for transformation into a server within your home network. Consider utilizing it as a network-attached storage (NAS) device by connecting an external hard drive.

Further possibilities include establishing a media server accessible to other devices on your network, creating a dedicated file backup location, or even operating a continuous BitTorrent client. Acquiring a netbook solely for server purposes isn't advisable, but repurposing an existing one presents a viable option.

Server Software Options

Users proficient in Linux can readily convert a netbook into a server by installing an operating system such as Ubuntu Server Edition and configuring the necessary software. For those seeking a simpler setup process, specialized software distributions like FreeNAS are available.

These distributions are specifically designed for creating and managing network servers, streamlining the configuration process and offering user-friendly interfaces.

It's important to acknowledge that inherent limitations of netbooks – including cost-reduced construction, subpar displays, and ergonomically challenged keyboards – cannot be fully rectified. Nevertheless, strategic adjustments can unlock residual utility.

Ultimately, giving your old netbook a new role can prevent electronic waste and provide a useful service within your home network.

Image Source: Clive Darra on Flickr