What Makes A Computer Slow?

I needed to know that anyone could get their computer running fast without it freaking them out.

Most PC users let problems linger. The thought of dealing with computer issues freezes most people up! How much of this describes how you handle your PC problems:

Your computer repeatedly crashes or freezes and panic sets in - but all you know to do is restart and restart again

Those frustrating error messages keep showing up - and you just keep hoping they go away.

It takes a lot longer than it used to for programs to load - you've tried reloading the software but nothing changes

You have problems losing files. Now the rage is setting in. Look out below!

Worse yet - You get the greatly feared "Blue Screen of Death." It's too late. Might as well send your PC to that computer junk pile in the sky.

The good news in all of this - yes, there is good news - it doesn't have to be this way anymore.

I see you've got yourself a computer and, apparently, you're wondering why your computer is running really slow. There are many factors that come into play when a computer is running slow. This article will briefly look into the most common reasons a computer runs slow. Let's get started shall we?

You've got a virus

A common reason a computer runs really slow is you have a virus or many viruses. The only way to deal with that is to run a virus scanner such as AVG Free, Norton, McAfee, Panda, etc. If you don't have any anti-virus, definitely do a google search for AVG Free and install it asap. If these viruses are too pesky and you just can't get them out, it may be time to back up your data and reinstall Windows.

You've got spyware/adware

Probably the second most common reason a computer runs really slow. Spyware and adware run all sorts of different things on your computer to collect your information, browsing habits, etc. If you have enough of them on your computer, it adds up to one really slow computer. Install and use A-Squared anti-adware to remove these. If you are feeling lazy, fire up Internet Explorer and go to ewido.net and perform their free online scan. Works like a charm.

You need more memory

This is by far the biggest one with Windows based machines. Your computer is running really slow simply because it doesn't have enough memory to get the job done. A computer likes to store the activities its currently working on inside of your memory (or RAM, same thing). RAM is way faster than your hard drive, so it makes sense. It temporarily stores the data into RAM and allows quick access. When you have too little RAM, your computer has to use the hard drive to access the data, and as such, runs really slow. How much RAM do you need? If you are running Windows XP, you want at least 512MB to maintain a smooth experience. If you're looking at Windows Vista, grab at least 1GB. If you aren't sure how much you currently have, right click the "my computer" icon and choose "properties." You should be able to see system information.

You have too many things running in the system tray

This goes hand in hand with needing more RAM, but another common cause. Close out all the programs in there you don't need. I'd suggest stopping some of them from starting on boot up. To do so go to start > run > type "msconfig" (no quotes) and a window will pop up. Click the Startup tab and look through the items, unchecking anything you don't need to start up. If you aren't sure what it is, leave it alone. But ask yourself, do I REALLY need this program to start every time I boot up? It will greatly help your computer out.

Those four reasons are by far the most common reasons a computer would run really slow. Run the virus scans, spware/adware scans and stop unneeded things from loading. If that doesn't fix the speed issue, check the amount of RAM you have, as it is likely the culprit. You can likely add more RAM. If you're unsure how to do this, there are many articles out there about it, or you can contact your local PC repair shop.

There are other reasons your computer is running slow! Visit my website for Part 2 of this article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Carney

Do you ever face the problem where you computer starts to become sluggish or slow in its processing? Computers are supposed to be machines and should be able to do what man cannot possible do, maintaining a peak performance everyday. If not, what is the point of having one then? What we need is a machine, a computer that can help us store our data, our plans and work and can churn out whatever we need at the snap of a finger. But as the years go by, it seems as though the snap of the finger now has changed to become two snaps, and with time, more snaps are needed.

What do we do then, when we can no longer have our information that we need instantly? There are a couple of methods or ways that one can implement to improve the speed of their computers.

Upgrading your RAM

Our computer's RAM determines the amount of memory that it has and ultimately the speed it can process at. Upgrading your RAM is as good as saying you want to improve the speed of your computer. However, it is not free of charge and comes with a cost. Given that upgrading your RAM is becoming more and more affordable these days, you may feel that it is a good idea to upgrade yours right now; however remember that it would be useless if you upgraded your RAM only to find that your computer is still slow due to other reasons. Thus think twice and be sure before you purchase a new RAM.

Clear the Registry

Each computer comes with something called the registry that not many people know of. The registry is an important part of your computer as it stores crucial information that has to do with the login users and also which applications are allowed to access the computer. With time, the registry gets clogged with unnecessary garbage and loaded with numerous false entries that only serve to slow the speed of the computer. As such, it is a good practice to regularly clean out your registry. How to get one is simple! Go to the Web and search for one, each will cost about 30 dollars, cheap and effective. A good buy indeed!

De-Fragmentation

Search for de-fragmentation in your computer system through the search function and carry out de-fragmentizing. This may sound too technical for some of us, but it simply means to arrange the data in your computer in a much more organized and efficient fashion as to speed up it's processing. Think of it as messy room compared to a tidy room. It would definitely be easier to walk through the room that is neater than the other. With the same analogy, a neater computer would process better than one that has yet to be sorted out.

There are many other ways to help solve the problem of slow computers, but those mentioned above are cheap and hassle-free. Also, they only take a short amount of time to be completed. But do take note that if all else fails; it is wiser to seek council from a technician who will certainly be able to help you out even more.

Logan Albright is an authority on troubleshooting computer problems at http://www.pcaholic.com where he helps thousands how to optimize their computers through a proper computer check up. Click Here to speed up your pc for free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Logan_Albright