My computer is running slow. How can I speed it up?

Question

I've got a 80Gb Hard Drive and a 256MB memory, not sure about anything else as I'm not that good with computers. I mainly try and watch DVDs and download some files but nothing major. Can anyone help?
Thanks

Answer 1

One of the most common things I hear from people ( I work on hi speed internet support ) is complaints about slowness.

most of the time all it is is that they have a computer such as yours.. 256mb ram isnt that much anymore. and several programs are launching at boot up.
Before you even try to do anything like browse on the internet or watch a movie you already have most of that 256mb ram already in use.
Soon as you try and do something your system is choking trying to keep up.

HD fragmentation, as well as a huge redundant registry from intalled and deleted programs has an effect but not that much.

Now spyware and possibly viruses CAN be a problem.
However if the only problem is you are running low on resources and people tend to hear about spyware/viruses so they run out buy and install some security software well..
guess what you did...

You bogged down your system even more because now its running that security software in addition to all the other junk you had running.

I didnt check the links others put up. But the BEST thing you can do is take a little time to educate yourself about the basics of this.
BeLIEVE me you will be so happy you know how to take care of this stuff and ya know...
We live in a computer world and you are going to have to either know how to fix this stuff or end up paying someone who does.. and it isnt cheap.

Oh lastly you can add more ram to that computer I suggest you take it to at least 512mb you will enjoy those movies much more.
Its not expensive.

Sorry for the answer being so long but I thought it might really be useful.

Answer 2

The first thing to do is try trace the problem........... for that the simplest way is to do a system optimisation scan by going to http://www.pcpitstop.com/pcpitstop which will show you everything you need to know about your computer, whether anything is acting up, where you can make improvements, etc.

You don't say which version of WINDOWS you are running, for instance Windows XP needs at least 512MB to run with all features switched on................ so I'd say it might be an idea to upgrade your PC's memory (mine is currently running 1GB - 1024MB of RAM, and you wouldn't believe how much better things run)............... so if you've got alot of XP features turned on, it might be an idea to shut off some non-essential Windows XP Services (Start > Run > MsConfig - click on the "services" tab).
examples include:
- Server
- Workstation
- Windows Firewall (if running ZONEALARM Firewall instead)
- Uninterruptible Power Supply
- Windows Time

If you're still running Internet Explorer to peruse the Internet and download stuff, try switching to Mozilla Firefox as I (and many others) have found that runs alot faster on slower computers + slower connections (and though of course you don't need to have a slow computer or slow connection to run it, as it works great on all computers)
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Make sure your computer is free of Viruses...... if you ain't got any Anti-virus or AntiSpyware software on your computer, then I recommend installing both "Anti-VIR Personal Classic Edition" + "Spybot: Search & Destroy" available from:
http://www.free-av.com/
http://www.safer-networking.org

Finally, make sure you've done regular hard drive maintenance by running ScanDisk / Disk Checker + Defragmenter at least every couple of weeks.

Answer 3

You could do with 512 mb RAM, Windows XP uses 256 mb by itself! You may also want to check for spyware, theres a list of software on my 360 blog (click my picture and follow the link on my profile page).
- Uninstall any programs you no longer need, and delelte any old files. Back up others to cd or an external hard drive and delete them to free up space.
- Install Ccleaner and use the Issues tool then the Cleaner tool.
http://www.ccleaner.com
- Run Winpatrol and use it to stop all your programs loading on startup as they are all using memory; leave Windows and your security software
http://www.winpatrol.com
- Defragment your hard drive from Start - programs - accessories - system tools - disc defragmenter. Leave the machine while it runs.

That will speed it up!

Answer 4

Do some cleaning up like previous responders have said. Also, take your machine online to www.crucial.com for a free review of your particular machine and recommendations about RAM. More RAM will certainly help to speed things up, 256mb is really small.

Answer 5

I think there must have some regsitry errors and spyware in you PC to slow it down.
You need to try a registry cleaner to clean you PC.
Every time you install and uninstall software on your computer you create junk in the registry.You need to scan and clean your PC with registry cleaner.It is a powerful and useful tool to elinimate to the clutter and junk that builds up in your PC's registry from installing and removing programs, creating and deleting files and surfing online.Without regular system tune–ups, it's very likely your computer will slow,crash, full of error messages,leaving you with a costly computer–mechanic bill and lost data.
There are some comparison and review of registry cleaners
http://www.registry-cleaners.info

You can download and scan your PC for free. ,

Answer 6

Does it run that slow before?
If it doesn't, then you'll need to manage the files in your computer. Defrag, scandisk, virus check, disk cleanup to delete unneccesary files, and others. Perhaps would consider to buy more RAM. with that big hard disk capacity, you need at least 512mb of memory.
If it does as slow as before, then buy new computer.

Answer 7

well if you surf the internet then after a while your temporary internet files build up you must delete them go into tools then internet options then click on delete files also run your spyware and anti-virus programs as you may have some thing eating at your system

Answer 8

download Advanced Windows Care from IObit

Answer 9

Unless you know you have a good Firewall and anti-virus running, then you are infected with virus/worms.

If you have Norton anti-virus, then it's the anti-virus that's slowing things down :-)...

Answer 10

http://speed-up-windows-pc.classes.cnet.com/

they have a free online class telling you step by step on how to clean up and make your computer run faster.