Why is My Computer Slow

Computers often start operating at a slow, stuttering speed that frustrates the hell out of users. And if you let such minor computer issues go unchecked, don’t be surprised if your computer stops working completely.

Typical symptoms of your computer running slow can be a slow start, freezing applications, system crashing down often or a slow Internet connection, just but to mention a few slow computer problems

So if you’ve been wondering of late and asking yourself “why is my computer slow?”...then I have some good news! On this page, I’m going to briefly explain to you why your computer is running slow, and what you can probably do about it:

 Why is My Computer Slow

• Hardware Issue

Is the slowness accompanied by noises from inside the CPU? Is the fan whirring slowly but loudly? Is the hard drive making "click" sounds? Is the DVD drive squeaking? Listen for hardware sounds, and if you pick up something, then it's likely there's a hardware issue.

• Too many open browsers

Do not open too many browser tabs at once. These can chew on memory and slow down computer speed. If your computer crashes while surfing, it could mean that there's an issue with your browser or the plugins. In such cases either reinstall the browser or update the plugins.

• Running too many programs

Too many programs running in the background can choke memory and slow up the computer, thereby causing your main programs to crash or run slow. If you're using Windows, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys at the same time. This will open up the Task Bar.

Close unnecessary programs and go back to work.

Note that some program will start running again when you restart your computer and if you don't want those programs to run, then either go to Start » Run » msconfig » startup and uncheck programs that you don't want to run in the background. If you don't need these programs at all, go to the Control Panel and uninstall them.

Read more about the 3 tips to optimize your PC if it's running slow.

Many folks run download programs in the background while at the same time as they are using their computer for other tasks. Downloading and installing programs can slow down the Internet speed along with computer performance. So, if you don't need the download right away, schedule those installations for later when you are not using your computer to run other tasks. Or simply just take baby steps and let alone the computer to finish its download and installations first!

• Outdated programs and drives

Not updating your operating system, drivers and software can also slow down your computer. Keep installing updates as soon as the vendor makes them available for download. Companies update operating systems, drivers and software to fix bugs, fill holes, improve performance or enhance functionality.

If you do not update these items regularly, it implies that you are using old and buggy versions that can slow down your computer, and even compromise on your personal information.

 Why is My Computer Slow

• Old-tired computer

Is your computer old? If yes, then it's likely that you do not have enough hard drive space or memory to navigate today's applications that require more memory and space. For example, Windows 7 needs at least 2 GB of memory. Even with this memory it takes quite a bit of time to initialize.

Old and unused .dll and shared files from uninstalled programs can also slow down your computer. These files remain in the operating system even after the software is uninstalled. Many .dll and redundant file cleaners are available, and you must use one to rid your system of such files.

• Why is my computer slow?

How often do you perform regular system maintenance and tune-up?

It's possible that your computer's crawling because the space is fragmented and lots of junk has gathered on the drive.

Go to Start » Accessories » System Tools and Defragment your computer and perform a Disk Cleanup operation. The Disk Cleanup tool will help you compress old files and remove unwanted files, including those that have piled up in your Temp folder. Maintain your computer at least once in a month.

Conflicting Windows device drives can cause crashes and slowdowns. To figure out device conflicts, you may want to boot your laptop/computer in safe mode, then go to Control Panel » Systems » Devices. Now, click on all device and check for red or yellow exclamation marks, which indicate driver conflict.

Determine drivers that are causing conflict and remove the redundant drivers. A software bug can also cause computer slowdown. Closely observe computer slowdowns. Do these happen when specific software is used? Look for telltale signs of computer slowdown.

 Why is My Computer Slow

Spyware, Adware, Trojans and viruses can severely slow down computers. Some viruses are so deadly that they can completely destroy applications making you format your hard drive and reinstall all programs all over again. The Internet is chock-a-block with these, which can come from anywhere - an untrustworthy site, freely downloadable software that seems safe, file sharing software, and other sources you may not even aware of.

To prevent from these malicious programs from getting into your system or removing them, you must be equipped with regularly updated Firewall, ant virus and spyware removal programs. These programs must keep running in the background at all times so that no one can break into your computer and cause havoc.

Some folks overload their computer with software that soaks up loads of memory. For example, designers may work with 2-3 graphic software at one time and then start wondering why their computer's so slow. They may even have a video playing in the background. This is also true of all computer users, including Mac users.

Now as a computer user, you are welcome to use as many software as they want at one time, but it is recommended that they install more memory to cope with software that takes huge graphics resources. These were the possible causes of slow computer speeds. Do not ever jump to conclusions and eliminate possibilities before figuring out the true ailment.

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