Why is my computer running slow?

If the CPU is old and you are trying to run more advanced programs, or programs that are graphics intensive, then that will always slow down your computer. The only solution then is an updated computer. Don’t try to update the motherboard, and various cards. That would be more expensive than a new one.

Barring this being an old computer… You either have 1.)way too many programs starting up at launch, or 2.) too many programs set to automatically check for updates, or you have 3.) spyware (or a virus) that is chewing up your cycles and bandwidth.

NOTE: I have Windows XP so some of these may have to be modified for Vista 1.) Click START button, click RUN, type ‘msconfig’ and click OK. Click ‘Startup’ tab everything with a check mark is set to automatic start on launch. You will have to research what you want to start on launch, just know that if you unchecked something, you can always come back here and re-check it. Also know that unchecking does NOT remove anything, it just doesn’t automatically launch. NOTE: never uncheck your defenses - anti-virus, firewall, etc.

2.) Turn off the auto check feature for most programs (if you can) except for defenses. Actually many of the auto checks may be turned off in step 1 above. Note that every time a new program is added to your computer, it thinks that it is the most important one there is and it will set itself to go out and find updates - if you allow it. And sometimes even if you don’t. I have a two-way firewall that can be set to stop all checks for updates ( except for it’s own! Of course!!)

3.) Make sure your defenses are up to date. Run a complete sweep with all your defenses. If you do not have anti-spyware programs, get a couple. These all have free versions as well as more robust paid versions. Go to http://download.cnet.com/windows/ and get two or three of the following: SpywareBlaster ; Ad-Aware ; Spybot : Search and Destroy All of the three are free - also this site is a VERY trusted site IMHO. If you do not have anti-virus (and why not?) You can get a good free one called AVG Anti-virus. (The free version is pretty good, but I do not believe it will run in the background like a paid-for anti-virus will.) NOTE that you do not want to have multiple anti-viruses running on your computer because they will conflict with each other. You can, however, have several anti-spyware programs that you run one at a time.

If these steps don’t work, you may have to reinstall your operating system - but this is an extreme step as it will reformat your hard drive and wipe out EVERYTHING ON THE DRIVE. So you will have to make back-up copies before taking this drastic step. And if you do, check all your backups for spyware and viruses so you do not reinfect your computer. This is typically what a shop does if it can’t get results from step 3.) above.

Good Luck!!