Computers are designed to be fast, and most new computers are much faster than the ones they replace. This is mostly due to ever improving technology. However, over time, you may notice your computer running slow and becoming much more sluggish whilst performing basic every day tasks.
There are many reasons for a computer to start running slow; sometimes they slow down gradually over time. Other times, they suddenly become slow. This article lists 10 common reasons for computers to run slow.
1. Your Hard Drive is running low on space. Run Disk Clean-Up, also consider moving some of your Music files and Pictures on to CD's, then delete them from your computer to free-up some disk space.
2. Malfunctioning hardware. This could be the hard drive, the processor (CPU), Memory Modules, Video Card, the Motherboard, or any number of other components including external components. There is usually some warning if a piece of hard ware is failing, such as frequent error messages or your system keeps shutting down suddenly or freezing.
3. Heat. This is a major cause of computer component issues. Ensure your PC has adequate ventilation. If possible, add a second internal cooling fan and clear all vents of fluff & dust.
4. Low system resources. Resources mean Memory. Add more RAM or free up some hard drive space, or both. More RAM is the quickest and usually most effective way to increase your computers performance.
5. A program has become corrupt. Sudden slowness is often caused by some corrupt program. Try disabling some of your programs, particularly non-Windows programs, and see if things improve. The programs will become active again, next time you start your PC.
6. Viruses can also slow your computer down. They can infect files or consume resources. Open your Anti-Virus program and under Scan Options, choose Scan Whole Computer.
7. Too many programs installed, all eating up resources. Uninstall programs you don't use. Use the ADD/Remove utility, found in Control Panel to uninstall programs.
8. You have more than one security suite. It sounds like a good idea to have more than one security suite installed, you get double protection. But what you get is double trouble, with each security suite fighting over your computer's resources, leaving very little for you.
9. Too many programs automatically running on Start Up. Review your start up programs and disable any utilities you don't need. This will free up RAM and disk space.
10. You have too many USB devices plugged in. Try unplugging everything but your Mouse and Keyboard. If things noticeably improve, plug the other devices back in one-at-a-time, until you find the one that is slowing everything down. If this happens, then either the device is faulty or the drivers have not installed correctly.
By David Snowdon
David Snowdon has been working with Computers since 1980. You may be able to fix your PC right now, here LOW VIRTUAL MEMORY.
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