As techies, we love to show off our gadgets and computers, but even more than bragging about them and putting them on display, we enjoy using them the most. Of course, since the operating system is essentially the brains of the machine, we often find ourselves tinkering with tools, settings, and commands to fix and optimize performance as needed. Most of us know about anti-virus suites and other basic software that can protect or enhance your computer, but many overlook a few simple things that can really take your OS to the next level. With that said, here are four things you can do to boost speed and enhance aesthetic appeal:

4 Must-Have Operating System Enhancements for 2017

Custom Background

The first thing you and everyone else will notice when logging in is the background or wallpaper. The majority of computer owners have no problem opting for a premade wallpaper that has already been used by hundreds of other people. But as true techies, we want our computers to be one of a kind, so custom backgrounds are our preference. Plus, using a background creator to produce a custom wallpaper can be loads of fun, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Custom Theme and Start Menu

Once you’ve created a good background for your OS, why not compliment it with a nice skin and start menu adjustments to suit your workflow? If you’re using Windows 10, you might find that the Classic Shell app is a great way to revert the start menu to the Windows 7 look while also adding your own special touches like custom button icons. Regardless of your personal preferences, there’s no denying that almost anything looks and work better than the default appearance and functionality.

Defrag and Disk Cleaning Utility

Now that you’ve handled the aesthetic aspect, it’s time to consider the performance essentials. Installing and using the defrag and disk cleaning utility is something every computer user should do to prevent sluggish operation, errors, and other problematic issues. If you’ve been noticing that it takes a while for files to load and processes seem to hang a lot, it may be time to run a defrag. If you don’t already have a tool that can do this, you need to download one ASAP.

Extra RAM

Finally, perhaps the most powerful enhancement for an operating system would be a boost in RAM. Although this would involve adding a few extra sticks of RAM, which would entail learning the installation process for that part, it is definitely worthwhile for any serious techie who wants to get the most out of their machine.

Making Your Computer Yours

In the end, your computer is essentially an extension of your mind, so it makes sense that you would want it to be a unique individual in cyberspace just as you are in the real world. The tips above can get you started on customizing your OS, but there are still plenty of other things to research and explore. Remember, you will get out of it what you put into it, so explore as many other operating system enhancements options as possible!