|
|
Why Is My Computer Running So Slow ?
If your computer is running really slow, you may be able to pinpoint the problem and fix it.
There could be a single issue or multiple problems plaguing your computer.
Maybe you just need to run some maintenance utilities to organize your system.
5 Key Items that will slow your computer down:
Any combination of these can make your computer run slow.
You may need to run multiple checks to identify the problem or problems.
The best way to keep your computer from running
so slow is proactively.
Prevent problems before they start.
Run maintenance utilities often and don't allow infections to occur.
Suggested Maintenance Items
These utilities tend to be most effective in situations where the computer has gradually slowed over time.
Files that are no longer needed should be (safely) removed from your system to allow it to operate more efficiently.
The best part is, these utilities are already on your Windows Computer and will cost you nothing (other than some of your time).
If you run them on a regular basis, your computer may run more smoothly.
Disk Cleanup - If you have a cluttered hard drive,
this
utility will do a lot in a short amount of time.
It will clear . . .
Downloaded Program
Files
Temporary Internet
Files
Offline Web Pages
Recycle Bin
Setup Log Files
Temporary Files
WebClient/Publisher Temporary Files
It will also Compress Old Files and Catalog Files For
Content Indexing.
You can perform any or all of this with a
single cleaning.
To run disk cleanup:
Click your Start button.
Mouse over All Programs, Accessories, System Tools.
Click Disk Cleanup.
Select the drive you want to clean up. (Typically C:)
Click OK.
Wait for your drive to be analyzed.
Select the actions you want to perform.
Click OK.
(Leave the More Options Tab alone unless you are an advanced user.)
Depending on when you last ran this, it might take a while.
Don't cancel it. Let it do its job.
Disk Defragmenter - This can correct your fragmented files and folders.
Click your Start button.
Mouse over All Programs, Accessories, System Tools.
Click Disk Defragmenter.
Select the drive you want to Defragment. (again, Typically C:)
Click the Defragment Button.
This will take longer than the disk cleanup but it will indicate its progress for you.
Again, don't cancel it. Let it do its job.
Don't try to do other things on your computer while these
utilities are running. It will only make it take longer.
You should also disable your screensaver before defragmenting.
(If anything changes on your hard drive, defragmenter will restart.)
You might be impressed with how much of a difference these two utilities can make.
If you don't notice an improvement, or only a slight difference, you may have a more specific problem.
Isolate The Problem.
If you have current antivirus software, for example, try running a complete scan of your system. This will let you rule out a virus as your culprit for now.
It could still be a new virus. Some infect computers before there is an antivirus program to catch them. But again, if your virus definitions are current and your scan doesn't find a virus, you probably don't have one.
If your virus scan comes up clean, you might check for spyware next.
Using the same conditions as we did with the virus example above, if you have current antispyware software, run a complete system scan to check for any spyware or adware that might be on your PC.
Once you have eliminated viruses and spywares as the source of your
problem, move on to your registry. Scan your registry for errors
and clean or optimize any issues you encounter in your registry.
Eliminate The Problem.
If you don't have utilities with current definitions, you might want to take advantage of the Free Software that is available.
Some will even correct problems that you have.
The main thing to remember with these types of programs is that most are not automatic.
You have to keep the software updated and do the scans yourself.
They are manual, and while they are helpful to locate and correct issues, they are not necessarily the most effective prevention tools.
Prevent Future Problems.
The best solution for these problems is to prevent them from happening.
If you scan, detect and remove a virus, trojan horse, etc., it won't necessarily undo the damage that may have already been caused.
Allowing a malicous program to reside on your computer for even the shortest period of time can lead to a catastrophe.
This is especially true if you use you PC for online banking, bill paying, or making online purchases.
Set your security utilities to update and scan by themselves.
Make sure you leave time in between settings so you don't have multiple utilities trying to run at the same time.
You might not like to leave your computer on, but it's a lot easier to keep it running smoothly if you don't have to do everything manually.
Compare Antivirus Software Bundles.
|
|
HELP CENTER
|
|
|
|
|
|
UTILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
MALWARE INFO
(What Is...)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Running ProgramsMicrosoft Windows Services can be used to start, stop, and configure virtually all of the programs that may be running on your computer.
This not for everyone and it is time consuming to go through each of these items one at a time.
As always, it's a good idea to create a system restore point before you make any changes here.
To view or make changes to your Windows Services,
open your,Control Panel,Administrative Tools,Services Shortcut.
Or try clicking Run from your start menu.Type services.mscClick OK
If you're not sure what something means or what something does, you don't mess with it.
Research what the processes are at:
TaskList.org
For a comprehensive list of processes running in your computer.
It can also be used as a resource to help you determine if your computer is infected with spyware, adware or viruses.
Running both a
Registry Cleaner and a
Spyware Remover will help you keep your computer from running too slow.
This is something to consider, especially if you're concerned about your antivirus software slowing your computer down.
Stuff Every Computer User Should Know -
The Ordinary Computer User's Maintenance Manual
This Manual Is For You!
|
|
