We’re frequently asked the question “Is our computer still up to the job, or should we get a new one?”, and it’s a good question.

The problem is that the answer is different for everyone. Someone doing a heap of video editing needs a (much) more powerful machine than someone who is checking their email and surfing a few web pages.

The second problem is most people have very little idea of how fast or powerful their current machine is, and what it might need to perform better.

Lets answer that second question first. In What version of Windows am I running? we learnt how to bring up the “System Properties” page (hint [Windows] [Pause Break]) and have a look at the appropiate section (Computer in XP, System in Vista)

How much is enough? For “Normal” home or basic office use, Any Pentium IV or Celeron above 1.7GHz with at least 1Gb of RAM will run Windows XP happily enough. If you have Vista then you will be wanting at least a Core Duo 2.0GHz with at least 2Gb of RAM. If your needs are greater, you will need a faster processor, and possibly more RAM.

Can I upgrade my computer? The short answer is yes. Most of the problems people have with slow computers is caused by not enough RAM. 512Mb is not enough to make any reasonable use of XP and even 1Gb is not enough for Vista. Extra RAM is cheap, and only takes a few minutes to install. Upgrading the processor is more difficult, and usually not worth the effort. Check back soon for another article on finding out which type of RAM you have in your machine.

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