Computer Problems......?

Question

I have computer that is slower than Christmas. I was wondering what I could do to make it faster? I can get on the internet but, its slow any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

John

There are many many reasons for a computer getting slow. The information you need to know is this:

Was it always slow? If yes - you probably need more memory.

Did it just start to get slow lately? Need to clean out the internet cache files or computer temp files.

How old it is? If it is more than 4 years old - you probably need a new one.

Are there any other weird symptons? Another problem could be zapping your resources.

How do you connect to the internet? If it's dial-up it will stay slow forever! Go to DSL or cable.

Is it just slow on the internet? Try to turn off graphical images while browsing - they eat up a lot of bandwith when surfing.

Was it slow just recently after visitng a number of sites? You could have a virus, or a bad case of mucho spyware eating up your bandwith.

OK -- these are just some of the things to look at. For 99% of the time, I have found that most people need to clean out their browser cache or computer temp files. These are always bad culprits that eat a lot of speed away from a computer. If this sounds like your issue, look for a freeware product called "Empty temp files." It does a wonder of a cleanup and should help you.

Hope this info helps you.

Answer 2

If your virus/spyware free, there are a couple things you can do get your computer working faster. If you using your laptop for normal stuff and not gaming. You got a good setup. You don't need more RAM you just need to perform a few maintenance task.

Firstly, if you haven't cleaned your registry in a while. This is necessary. Your registry holds all the information regarding updates, installs, un-installs etc. Each one of those events has a key. That key needs your PC's resources and free space. So, if you clean your registry, you make more resources available for speed. Do a registry scan if you got more than 20 errors you should clean it.
http://www.delete-computer-history.com/what-is-the-best-registry-cleaner.html

2. Clear your Windows cache files, this is your temporary file. It can grow up to a large volume and stop your computer from using RAM properly. In a sense slow it down by preventing it from using free space.Here is how:

1. Quit Internet Explorer, Firefox, or any other web browser
2. Click Start, click "Control Panel", and then double-click "Internet Options".
3. On the General tab, click "Delete Files" under Temporary Internet Files.
4. In the Delete Files dialog box, click to select the "Delete all offline content" check box , and then click OK.
5. Click OK.

3. Manage your startups. Your excess CPU usage is due to too many programs running in the background. You can cut these to barebones by alter your msconfig. Here is how:

1. Open your Start menu.
2. Click Run
3. In the command screen type "msconfig.exe"
4. In the "system configuration utility",click either "service" or "startup" tab
5. Uncheck all programs that your are no longer using.
6. Click "OK"

Other great tip is increasing your virtual memory to simulate more RAM. This will give you a bit more resources for multiple program use or CPU heavy programs. Check the link to alter your virtual memory spec.

Hope this link helps. Shows you how to do everything step by step. You should get a least 60% more resources and speed if you follow the tips.

Answer 3

Well, there could be a few problems. Here is what I think:

1. Upgrade the Computer's RAM --> This can help fix the sluggishness of the computer

2. contact your ISP --> It is usually not your computer that is the problem, but your ISP. Tell them,and have them take a look

3. Defrag the Hard Drive --> It will take some time for it to complete, but when it is done you'll notice an increase in perfomance

Answer 4

All advice given has been correct. I would also suggest seeing what programs are running in the background, eating up cpu cycles. If you have multiple programs that load on boot, not only will it take much loger to boot and turn off, but it slow your pc down as well. I would get Startup Advisor, it is a free program easily found online, and it will let you tailor what programs you wish to have start and run on your boot up. I let nothing start on my computer except anit-virus and gpu driver.
In my case it is Mcafee and Nvidia. Nothing else. So I have super fast boot, 99% idle process, and fast shutdown. If you run xp, you can hit ctrl/alt/del to see what is running and what the cpu usage rate is. 99% idle process is great, it means nothing is running, which is what you want to see.

Answer 5

It depends on several things like how old your computer is, and if you are using a slow modem or a fast, high-speed connection.

But if you have an old computer and/or it's gotten much slower all of a sudden, then you probably have spyware.

I've tried this free spyware program:
http://www.superantispyware.com/

Answer 6

run disk cleanup and then disk defragmenter.

if disk defragmenter gives a error that files need to be fixed before it can continue then goto run and type cmd then in the dos window type chkdsk/f it will say it cant run so say yes, then restart, it will be forced to run, let it check the files and repair any if necessary.

if it defrags just fine you can also right click on my computer, goto properties and click on advanced and settings button in the performance section and choose best performance circle then go to the bottom of the list and check back in visual styles and common tasks in folders. then apply and ok. that will make all the menus come up instantly instead of teh stupid fade in and fade out.