Log on as the computer's administrator or owner. Click on the computer's "Start" button. Click on "All Programs" and select "Accessories." Choose "System Tools" and click on "Disk Cleanup." The scanning process starts automatically. When the cleanup process has ended, a pop-up window will appear. Check-mark all file option boxes. Click "OK." A second window will appear asking for permission to delete the selected files. Click "Yes" to start the deletion process. Disk Cleanup removes temporary files that can slow programs down.

Shut down any other programs running on the computer before starting SketchUp. Programs running in the background, such as Internet Explorer, compete for the computer's CPU power and memory resources. Older computers with limited RAM and a slower CPU will have problems running multiple programs at the same time because of the computer's limited resources.

Make sure the computer has enough RAM, free disk space and a compatible graphics card. The majority of user problems can be traced to RAM and graphics card issues. SketchUp is designed to work with most computers. However, there are system requirements that must be met if the SketchUp is to operate at smoothly.

Select the correct template for the project. When the program starts, the user must select a template for the drawing. SketchUp offers a number of options ranging from engineering templates that use the metric system to Google Earth modeling templates meant for use with Google Earth. Select the "Simple Template" for basic drawing. Simpler templates put less strain on the CPU and require less RAM.

Click on "Windows" and select "Styles." A pop-up window appears that allows the user to edit the appearance of the drawing being created. Within the window are three tabs. Choose the "Edit" tab. Check-mark the box labeled "Edges." All other boxes should remain unchecked. At the bottom of the window is a drop-down menu. Choose "Default Styles." In the window below the drop-down menu, pass the cursor over each icon until "Simple Style" is reached. Click on this icon. Close the window and proceed with the project.