I'm older and intimidated by this technological world. For example, my computer works slower than it diid befo

Question

I have verizon computer service. At first, it was very speedy. Now, it's slower than the service I had with earthlink. Where do I start?

Answer 1

Gerry,

My dad is very new to computers and would not feel comfortable trying some of the very good tips given by others here. So, this site is very, very good for new people on computers. They have free videos with complete step by step instructions to help you. I think you will like it:

The main web page is:

http://www.pcnineoneone.com/

This FREE 7 video section deals with checking your system and optimizing it. It is simple and VERY GOOD.

http://www.pcnineoneone.com/training_videos/

I do suggest downloading Adaware, which is a free tool to check for spyware and adware on your computer. It is also very simple to use:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php

I am assuming you are using a PC rather than a MAC and that you are running Windows XP.

Best wishes,

Polly

Answer 2

My BODY works slower than it did when it was new too. Fact is, that like our bodies, our computers get bogged down with junk. Viruses, spy-ware, you name it. Here are some generic tips that I am sure others will also suggest:

Make sure you have an anti-virus program running. Symantec's Norton Anti-Virus, is good as is Trend-Micro's product. There are several others.

You might also add a free program such as Spy-bot to scan for spy-ware.

No anti-virus/spy-ware program is 100 percent effective. Be cautious about what you open in email and what you download.

Finally, if your computer is slow in general, you may have added some program that is running in the background and you don't even know it. You can press CTRL-ALT-DEL (all at once) one time to see the applications and processes currently running and taking up memory.

Answer 3

It's not verizon, ti's the spyware/malware on your computer. If youve got verizon DO NOT use their security. Use the good one your comp came with. RUN IT in safe mode. NOW uninstall the redfllag software on your system, this is a HUGE source of slowdown. These are programs that SOUND good, but either are poorly written or contain a payload. (AOell, Bearshare, banzai buddy, weatherbug, limewire, smileys, free screensavers, webshots, hotbar, etc). Next, go to your startup menu and uncheck unneeded items(go to google, type in the process, for example ehtray, it will tell you that its a valid program, but not needed in startup do the same for each item.) hit apply, close and reboot. This is NOT bad hardware on your computer, and not bad verizon, this is bad stuff you downladed. Just cuz its free does not mean its good

Answer 4

It could be a variety of reasons for the slowness.

Download, update and run these programs in sequence (not at the same time)

Spybot S&D (free version requires manual updating)
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
AVG AntiSpyware
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/20/lng/us/tpl/v5
Adaware from Lavasoft (free version requires automatic updating)
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php

Then you should also clear your cache. An easy program to use is ATF Cleaner which will clear all old history, cookies, Java cache, etc.

http://www.atribune.org/content/view/19/2/

If you have a lot of running prgrams, that could also impact the system performance. Resource heavy programs include security suites, Microsoft Office, Games, Photoshop, etc.

Answer 5

Make sure your antivirus software is up-to-date. Empty your temporary internet cache and delete cookies, defragment your hard drive, all easy stuff you might try first. There's tons of free anti-adware programs like Spybot online that get rid of unwanted downloads that slow performance, or if you'd like you can buy something relatively cheap at your nearest Walmart. There are professional computer repair stores that can do all this for you very cheaply. If you don't have DSL or cable internet, get it. You'll be amazed at the difference over dial-up.

Answer 6

This is tendency I have always observed over the years.

If you load too many programs, open lots of programs at the same time, access memory hungry programs etc....

Keep some spare room (10%) on your hard disc and have as much RAM as you can.

If the computer crashes (so slow it don't work at all), rebooting may be the only option.

Answer 7

Download Adware SE, it usually helps to get some bugs our of the computer, its a free program too so that makes it even better.

Answer 8

You may have Spyware/Adware and or Viruses. Try AVG's free virus scan (search AVG in google) and download (Spyware Doctor)...good luck

Answer 9

your computer is like a car,
it needs maintanence and tune up after a while of use..

ad ware for spywares..
also some software needs to be uninstall because you are not using it or just not neccessairy..

Answer 10

that sucks