Issue 2.13
One of the most common complaints I hear is that the customers computer is running slow. This can be caused by a number of things. The most common problems and their solutions are what we will address today.
Junk Files, Viruses and Malware – These can all slow down your computer because they all disrupt the efficient work of your operating system. Viruses can destroy files or subvert them to allow problems and invasion of your system. Junk files and Malware usually just disrupt and slow down your computer and often report what you are doing to third parties who are either trying to track your movements and sell you something (like a PC speed up program or registry cleaner) or trying to get your personal and banking information for identity theft or bogus charges. The first step is to get a good anti-virus that also detects and gets rid of malware. I suggest ESET, AVG or Kaspersky if you want to buy one or AVGs free version if you need something inexpensive.
I must caution you about installing any of the pc speed up programs that are advertised on TV, radio or pop-ups on your computer. There may be some good ones, but most of the computers I work on perform better once these programs are removed – and some of them are blatant attempts to get you to allow them to install a virus in spite of your anti-virus. If you give it permission to install, it bypasses the anti-virus protection. One very annoying recent junkware program is the Babylon toolbar. In most computers, it blocks more and more of your computer programs and web sites until you can no longer use the computer. Watch out for it.
Heat is another issue that causes performance problems. Have a good technician check all your fans to be sure they are cooling the system sufficiently – especially if your system is more than two years old. If they run slow or stop, components, processors and power supplies will start to work inconsistently and eventually fail which can mean a big repair bill.
Insufficient memory or storage space is another cause of decreased performance. Windows XP computers should have at least 1 Gigabyte of memory and preferably 2 or 3. Windows Vista, 7 or 8 work best with at least 3-4 Gigabytes, and more memory (6 -8 Gigs or more) improves performance even more. With XP, when the first versions came out, computers could run comfortably on 512 Megabytes (one half Gigabyte) but as new versions (or service packs) were introduced, they needed more memory to run smoothly. As far as storage (hard drive space) is concerned, you should have at least 20 Gigabytes of free space at all times and in larger capacity drives, I recommend 10 percent of the drive be free space. For example a 1 Terrabyte hard drive (1000 Gigabytes) should have 100 Gigabytes free. Most computers can be upgraded fairly inexpensively with memory and larger or additional hard drives can be added to most systems.
Registry cleaners can make your system run better but stay with reputable programs and away from pop-up ad trouble-makers. I like Norton for XP and Norton or AVG Registry cleaners for the newer operating systems. All of these can help you speed up your computer, so determine what you need, and remember to always make sure you have a back up of anything important.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 30 years, 20 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or through his website at www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.