Ask the Experts Q3: Why is my computer running slow?
Lilydale Yarra Valley Leader
Ask the Expert Q3: Why is my computer running slow?
A: There are several reasons why a computer will start to feel slow. The first and easiest to fix is Disk Fragmentation. Fragmentation is caused when files are changed and deleted on your hard disk. This causes windows to jump from one part of the disk to another to collect the contents of just one file. Defragmenting is easy, goto Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Disk Defragmenter. Decreased performance combined with the disk light always on or excess noise may indicate serious disk problems. Get these checked by a profeessional.
In many computers, slowness is caused by the fact that you have simply overstretched your computer, and you are using it for a lot more things than you used to. Check how much memory you have by going to Start>Control Panels>System. 512Mb of RAM is a realistic minimum, but for many computers, an extra 1Gb (1024Mb) can cost as little as $154 plus installation (around $44)
Another major cause of slowness is Viruses and spyware. See last months Q&A or visit http://www.techdoctor.com.au/software/ to see some software available for cleaning your machine
Registry overload is another common cause of computer sluggishness, especially if you have installed and uninstalled a lot of programs (especially all those games the kids put on). Every program seems to leave a bit of itself behind in Window’s registry, the place where it tries to keep everything about your system in order.
Having too many background processes (usually represented by all the icons in the system tray, down beside the clock) can really slow your system down, as each of those programs is using up memory and processor time. It’s best to have a good hard look at each one and decide if you really need it or not.
For more information
see http://www.techdoctor.com.au/slow/ or call The Tech Doctor 1300 TECH DR -
www.techdoctor.com.au