Computer running slow?
There could be any number of reasons why your computer would be running slow.
- Slow CPU (Central Processing Unit)
- Overheating CPU
- Insufficient amount of RAM (Random Access Memory)
- Insufficient amount of Free Hard Drive space
- Virus, Spyware or Malware infection
Possible Solutions
Slow CPU
It may be time to consider retirement, for your computer that is...
Technology is always improving. Almost every month we see new computer systems on the market that can do so much more than its predecessor. In keeping up with these new systems, software programmers make new programs or improve existing programs to utilise the latest in technology. It may be, the program you are trying to install or operate has been programmed to work on a machine with more resources than your current system.
If you would like assistance in selecting a new system that best suits your needs, call us on or send an enquiry.
Overheating CPU
Most processors are designed to operate between 60°C to 80°C but known to reach temperatures up to and beyond 90°C. It is best to keep your processor as cool as possible.
The more programs you run simultaneously on your system increases the operating temperature of you CPU.
You can help your system stay cooler by cleaning it out regularly. You will usually find, inside your desktop computer, quite a collection of dust. This dust can be cleaned from your system, but it is a very delicate operation and must be done in the right conditions.
IF YOU ATTEMPT TO CLEAN YOUR COMPUTER, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE IT COMPLETELY UNPLUGGED FROM ANY POWER SOURCE!! Ensure you are wearing an antistatic wrist strap and have it grounded. This is to protect the sensitive circuitry from the static you accumulate, simply by moving.
Insufficient amount of RAM or Hard Drive
Your computer uses RAM (Random Access Memory) to store data temporarily for quick and easy access when it's needed. If your computer uses the available amount of RAM, most modern computer systems will do what is referred to as swappping. This is when the data from memory, is stored in a special spot (a paging file) on the hard drive to free space in the memory. This process is perfectly fine, however, performance will drop significantly as hard drives are never as fast as RAM.
If you are noticing slowness in your computer's operations, it may be due to an insufficient amount of memory. You can purchase sticks of memory which may help in the speeding of your computer (providing there are no other issues). You will need to know what type of RAM your computer takes, as there are several different types.
If you would like help in finding out what RAM type you have or what would be the best solution for your computer, give us a call on or send in an online enquiry.
Virus, Spyware or Malware infection
If you already have anti-virus installed on your system, try running a complete scan to remove any potential threats. Make sure you have the most recent updates for your anti-virus software.
Sadly, not all people in this world are honest with the content they put on their websites. This being so, you can potentially pick up spyware from an innocent looking website, and not realise the dangers. There are several different anti-virus and anti-spyware programs on the market, check our downloads page for links to these programs.
2009-08-02 22:46:58
Heather says:
Great article. Very helpful indeed. This is why you should get an apple!!
http://www.apple.com/au/