Hi everybody today we are going to talk about what to do with a slow computer. We all have issues with our computers slowing down from time to time at some point in time. Sometimes, all that is needed to remedy the problem is to simply reboot the computer. this action will usually help the most when you have been doing a lot of work, especially with graphics or games. The reason for this type of slowdown is usually because a program that you are using is not handling the ram properly. A well written program will normally release the memory it is using either while you are using it or when you shut it down. Some programs have memory leaks that can cause the system to bog down because it is using too much ram (memory) on your computer. When you reboot the system, the memory is released and you begin again with a clean slate. If this happens on a regular basis, you might want to choose a different program to do the job you are trying to do or if you must use the offending program, you can install a utility such as Tune-Up Utilities to help manage the memory leak. Choosing a better program for the job is almost always the better choice.
There are often other reasons why a system might run slow. Sometimes it is due to hardware problems. If the computer is a laptop, overheating can often cause the issue. You should check your fans to be sure they are all working properly. It is also a good idea to get some canned air and blow out the ports where the air enters and leaves the laptop. If your computer is a desktop, you will have to remove the side cover in order to access the area where the fans where in order to remove the dust. If after performing these steps the system is still not running faster, the problem may be related to software issues.
When a system runs slow because of software problems, a good system cleanup is in order. The first steps would be to clean the browser cache in internet explorer. You can easily do this by going to your control panel, open internet options and under browser history click the delete button. A pop up will open and you will be able to choose what to clean. Be sure to always at least clean the browser cache. The other options are totally up to you. Remember that cleaning the cookies may erase your stored passwords on the next log in so be sure you have your passwords written down.
In addition, you might also want to shut off running programs at start up. You can do this with a small Windows utility called MSCONFIG. You can access this utility several ways but the fastest and easiest way is through a simple hot key. Look on your keyboard in the lower left side for a key that looks like the Windows symbol. This is called the Windows key. This key can be used to quickly perform many tasks when used with proper letter key. For our purpose, we are going to use it to open a RUN box. While holding down the Windows key, quickly tap the R key and a RUN box will open on your computer.In the box type MSCONFIG and hit OK. This will open the system configuration utility. Go to the START UP tab and from there, you can choose what programs you want to run when the system starts. Uncheck anything that is not needed and hit APPLY and OK. You will be prompted to reboot the system.
If after these steps you still have a slow computer, it would probably be a good idea to get a professional cleanup by a qualified tech. A professional knows exactly what to look for and will be able to get better results. No two computers are the same and what is good for one may not work on the next. Windows is a very complex maze of files and commands and believe me, there is lots that can go wrong.
