Troubleshooting tips: Computer is running slow

Computers are great things for doing many tasks, often many at the same time but they need some help as well. Think of them as pets in a cage, imagine constantly feeding the animal and never cleaning the cage. This is similar to loading things to a computer and running it online but not claening up as you go. Evey web-page stores a cookie in the memory to say you have visited the site, every download takes space and almost every action takes up space. So one thing you have to do is clean up in order to let the computer run normally. Download crapcleaner for example, it does what it says on the tin, cleans out crap.

Also make sure you have a fully working anti virus program working as a virus may slow your computer, even before you know its there. Similarly have anti spy-ware and anti malware protection loaded, often both can be found in the same programme. The exact type you use depends on what you do with your computer. For basic usage most free versions of the protection software will be fine, if its for business or work use then consider paying for the better protection you will get,

There are some more complicated things that can cause programmes to slow the computer, virtually all of these are explained by the computers inbuilt help functions. In fact if you run inbuilt diagnostic programs and pay attention to any warning notices the computer will often tell you whats wrong as well as what to do. For example it may say add ons are slowing your computer. These are programmes that open when the computer starts up, the more trying to load then the slower it will be. You can choose to stop certain programmes starting immediately, they will then start when needed.

You may also see warnings about conflicts, basically they are two things stopping each other working fully. For example if you have 2 anti virus programmes running or two graphic card drivers running. Having extra protection programmes doing the same thing will do more harm then good. You need one programme running for each job, when running properly the computer will run properly as well. The programmes also need to be kept fully updated , download all updates when available so they work correctly. In reverse when you want to remove a programme make sure the whole thing is removed fully so no conflicts occur. Only remove a program if you are confident it wont affect the computers running.

Another thing that can affect the computer is its enviroment and its condition. Mke asure all air vents are clear and that the internal fans are running. If the vents get blocked the computer will over heat, slow down and then will eventually break down. Clear the vents with a light brush and a vacuum, an air duster might also help.

source by helium