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Tips to make a computer function more smoothly BY METRO Computers play an important role in daily life. Whether it's a handheld device such as a smartphone or tablet or a more tradi- tional desktop or lap- top version, computers are ubiquitous and vital to life in the 21st century. The daily reliance on computers is one reason why slow ones can be so frustrat- ing. No one wants to miss a work deadline or struggle to read or watch a news story on- line because of a slow computer, but users know that such sce- narios play out every day. Thankfully, slow computers are often easily fixed, and these strategies might help users' computers run more smoothly. Uninstall apps you don't use Applications use up memory even if they're not used. Unused apps and other programs also may be updated automatically, leading to computer perfor- mance issues that make it hard to do things quickly. Many comput- ers utilize apps that users are unaware of, so it's important that users familiarize themselves with such programs so they don't uninstall anything that is neces- sary for the computer to operate. Once that research has been done, users can then begin to uninstall apps they don't need or use. Install more memory Extra memory can go a long way toward helping a computer run more smoothly and with greater efficiency. Online tutorials on sites such as YouTube can instruct indi- viduals how to install RAM (random-access memory) on their lap- tops or desktops, and this quick and rela- tively simple step can be great for users who have seen far too much of the dreaded color wheel in recent weeks and months. Clear data from your web browser Another contribu- tor to poor computer performance is a lag- ging web browser. If websites are taking longer to load, the culprit could be a full cache, which includes files held as informa- tion about your internet browsing and viewing habits. Individuals who use the internet a lot but rarely empty their cache are likely dealing with lagging browsers that have nothing to do with their comput- ers. Computers are dif- ferent, but in general emptying the cache involves going into the settings of a user's go-to browser and choos- ing an option such as "empty cache" or "clear browsing data." If this is what's behind a com- puter's poor perfor- mance, users will notice an immediate improve- ment upon emptying their cache. Turn automatic startup off Many people may notice multiple pro- grams starting up when they restart their computers. Though some of these might be apps users utilize every day, others might be set to start up the moment the computer comes on, even if they're rarely used. In the latter case, users can adjust the settings on their computers so only those apps they use with great fre- quency open upon re- starting. Users also can improve performance by closing apps and internet tabs once they no longer need them. A slow computer can be incredibly frustrating. But a few simple strategies can help users improve computer performance so machines can run more smoothly. Davidon Homes from page 1 of hiking and biking trails, fishing, boating and picnic areas at the nearby Lafayette Res- ervoir Recreation Area. Highway 24 and BART are minutes away for easy access to all that the exciting Bay Area has to offer. With innovatively designed floor plans ranging from approxi- mately 1,748 to 2,732 square feet, Woodbury Highlands offers some- thing for everyone and every lifestyle. Select locations showcase beautiful views of tree-covered hillsides, twinkling city lights and spectacular Mount Diablo. Homes in the Diablo Terraces and Oakhill Flats collec- tion combine com- fort and luxury with single-level ease and convenience. Diablo Terraces consists of both two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath- room plans as well as three-bedroom, three- bathroom designs with gas fireplaces, covered balconies, and private two-car garages with elevators to lobby areas. Homes in our Oakhill Flats collection include three bedrooms, three bathrooms, covered balconies and private elevators from the lower-level garage with large storage/multipur- pose areas. Residents also enjoy a community clubhouse with full kitchen, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, sun deck, barbecue area, bocce court, fully equipped 24-hour fit- ness center, and walk- ing path to downtown Lafayette. For buyers seek- ing the space and autonomy of a single- family home, Davidon Homes is pleased to present Oak Park — an exciting new-home community of 34 beautifully appointed new homes in the heart of Pleasant Hill. Four lifestyle-friendly two-story plans range from approximately 2,900 to 3,360 square feet with up to five bedrooms and four- and-a-half bathrooms. Inviting great rooms include professionally appointed kitchens, casual dining/prep islands, dining nooks, cozy fireplaces and covered patios for gra- cious indoor-outdoor living. Select plans offer space for wine cellars, creative room options or ADU units with sitting areas, kitchenette, bed/ bathroom and sepa- rate entry — and all include a photovoltaic (PV) solar system. Located near High- way 24, Interstate 680 and BART, Oak Park provides easy com- muter access to the Bay Area's employ- ment centers. Schools, parks and sport fields are within walking distance, while the shops, restaurants, and amenities of Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek are just minutes away. Select homes at Woodbury High- lands and Oak Park are complete and move-in ready with quick close of escrow available. Beauti- fully finished and upgraded throughout, these quick-delivery homes provide the luxury and amenities of new-home living — without the wait for new-home construc- tion! Ask about our interest rate lock and buy down programs to make your new-home dreams come true in 2023. Content provided by Davidon Homes Paint Painting a space is an inexpensive im- provement that adds maximum impact. Paint can transform dark and drab rooms into bright and airy oases. Paint also can be used to cre- ate an accent wall or cozy nooks. Homeown- ers also can showcase their personalities with their choice of paint colors. Lighting Homeowners should not underestimate what a change in lighting can do. When rooms or exterior spaces are il- luminated, they take on entirely new looks. It's worth it to invest in new lighting, whether it's a dramatic hanging light over the dining room table or task lighting in dim spaces. Weatherproofing Improving windows, doors, weatherstrip- ping and insulation in a home can offer visual appeal and help home- owners save money. The initial investment may be significant, but those costs will pay off in en- ergy savings. According to One- Main Financial, space heating is the largest energy expense the av- erage American home- owner has, accounting for around 45 percent of all energy costs. Mudroom Turn an entryway into a more functional space with the addition of cabinets, benches or custom-designed storage options that perfectly fit the area. Cubbies and cabinets can corral shoes, um- brellas, hats, bags and much more. Accent updates Any space, whether it's inside or outside a home, can get a fresh look with new decora- tive accents. Invest in new throw pillows and even slipcovers for liv- ing room sofas. Use new tile or paint the brick on a fireplace in a den, then update the mantel with decora- tive displays. Purchase wall art that can bring different colors into a room. Change the cushions on deck fur- niture and buy color- coordinated planters. These subtle changes will not cost as much as full-scale renovations, but they can still help home- owners transform their homes. Renovations from page 2 H8 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001 Homes | Advertising Section