Why
is my computer so slow -
A question a lot of
people ask me all the time!
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Many
people ask why is my computer so slow.
There are several reasons why your
computer could be slowing down. |
In
this article I will write about the most common reasons and some tips on how to
correct it. The following reasons apply to computers running all versions of
Windows.
1.
Virus and
malware- Virus’s will slow your computer down to a crawl or prevent it from
starting windows all together. Spyware and Adware will also slow your computer
tremendously. If you do not have Virus and Malware protection, GET IT NOW and
prevent yourself asking why is my computer so slow. Almost all makers of these
types of software will allow you to scan the computer while the program
installs. A really good program for malware is
AD-AWARE by Lavasoft. This is a free download, but they also offer a version
that you pay for. I have always found the free version works just fine. This
program is good to have even if you have an Internet Security program running.
If you already have virus software installed, make sure your definitions are up
to date. An out of date program is worthless since there are new virus’s coming
out almost daily.
2.
Another
reason you may ask why is my computer so slow is, Hard Drive Space- Is your hard
drive over 40% full? If it is, this can slow down your computer. If you’re not
sure, go into “My Computer” and see how much space is available and how much is
used. If you are running short on space you may be able to free up some space by
removing programs you no longer use. To do this click on Start-Control
Panel-Add/Remove Programs. You will see a list of programs installed. Just
highlight the one(s) you don’t need and uninstall them.
3.
Disk
Clean Up- Your computer store files from internet use, opening programs,
uninstalling programs, among other things. If you go into “My Computer” and
right click on your hard drive “ C “ drive and click properties. You will see a
tag at the top called “Tools” click on that and go to Disk Clean-up. Your
computer may take several minutes to compile a list. Once the list is up, make
sure you put a check mark for every box listed in there. Then simple hit OK or
Clean up.
4.
Defragmentation- Every time you open a program, install a program, uninstall a
program, save something, download something, or just surf, your computer becomes
more fragmented. Think of your hard drive as a file cabinet. If you take files
out, and put them back in the wrong spot, after a while it becomes very hard to
find the file you need. To fix this, again go into “My Computer” and right click
on your hard drive “ C “ drive and click properties. You will see a tag at the
top called “Tools” then click on “Defragment” This process may take anywhere
from 15 minutes to several hours depending on how it has been since you done it.
Remember your screen saver needs to be off and your computer cannot go into
Stand By so check your power settings before starting. If you running Windows
98, Me, or 2000, you cannot use your computer while this process is working.
5.
To avoid
asking why is my computer so slow you should also check Cookies- No not the kind
you eat. When you surf the internet your computer store Cookies and Temporary
Internet Files. A large amount of these will slow down your surfing, and in time
could also slow down you entire computer. To fix this open Internet Explorer and
click on Tools- Then Internet Options. You will see the tab for Deleting
Cookies, and Temporary Internet Files. While you’re there you may also want to
click the tab that says Clear Browser History.
This
should increase your performance and prevent you from askign why is my computer
so slow.
If you
are running an older version of Windows like 98 or ME, you may want to buy a
program called
Norton System Works. This program is great for fixing ActiveX files, and
cleaning your Registry.
You may
not understand what that means, but simply put, in the older versions of
windows, there used to be a lot of ActiveX files that would be corrupt and
therefore slow your computer down. Your Registry is basically the back bone of
Windows.
Everything you have ever done is in the registry. When you install or uninstall
a program, or type in a website, there is a remnant in the registry.
A program
that cleans your registry will clean up all that junk that doesn’t need to be
there. If you are still asking the question why is my computer so slow, feel
free to email me.
Kenneth
J. Wheeler
Back home from why is my computer so slow |
