Why is my PC slow?
There
are many reasons why your computer has
slowed down. For instance, your PC may be harboring several spyware programs
you inadvertently downloaded that's slowing you down. Most spyware programs
sneak into your computer when you download a seemingly innocent freeware or
shareware program. For example, Kazaa or Bearshare, free games, casinos,
screensavers etc. Generally these types of free software come with spyware or
adware programs that start and run in the background hogging CPU and memory
resources.
1. Not enough RAM (memory).
Even a clean running PC can run very slow if it doesn't have enough RAM. New antivirus
software uses a lot of memory resources as they run in the
background constantly monitoring and protecting you from viruses. Other
"legitimate" programs such as printer software, office applications, software
firewalls also are always running slowing you down. We recommend at least 512MB
for a decent running PC, any less it will run unacceptably slow. If you play 3D
games, video editing, or use your PC in an office environment, you may
need 1024MB or more to keep things running smoothly.
2. Slow or older hard drives.
Some PC manufacturers are known for their "budget" computers. These low end PC's
sometimes use lower quality hard drives that run at slower RPMs and have less
cache memory. This is very common with older computers and even some newer
"budget" laptops. Sometimes this is the only thing holding back a computer from
running at it's full potential and upgrading the hard drive will make a
substantial
improvement.
3. Computer system is just too old and out of
date.
If your PC is older than 4 or 5 years or has less
than a 1GHz processor chances are it doesn't have enough power to run today's
newer applications and operating systems efficiently. If you think your PC falls
into this category give us a call or bring it in for a free estimate and we will
give you an assessment if it is worth fixing or upgrading. (see Is my PC worth
fixing?)
Is my PC worth fixing?
This is a common question and sometimes difficult to answer. It really depends
on several factors such as, what you need the computer to do, how much it will
cost to repair, what operating system it has, and how old your PC is. The
easiest way to figure this out is to give us a call or bring it in and let us
take a look at it. One thing is for sure, if your computer is so old and isn't
worth fixing, we will tell you! Our goal is to make your PC run noticeably better than when you brought
it to us, if that is not possible or doesn't make sense financially, we'll
let you know. Then we will give you advice for what to do based on your needs
and budget. We understand not everyone can afford a new PC on a whim, that's why
we keep several used systems that are competitively priced ready to go. See
(Used Computer Systems FAQ)
What is Spyware?
Spyware
is a broad term used to describe many different types of unwanted
software that invades your computer. Spyware applications are typically bundled
as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs the can be downloaded
from the internet. A common way to become a victim of spyware is to download
popular peer-to-peer file sharing programs. (Kazaa, Limewire, Bearshare etc.)
Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the internet and transmits
that information to someone else usually for advertising purposes. Spyware can
also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit
card numbers. Some other terms that generally fall under the category of spyware
are, adware, malware, browser hijacker, keystroke logger, dialer, rootkit,
potentially unwanted program (PUP), Trojan. downloader, and the list keeps
growing.
Spyware is often confused as
being a virus and as such many people rely solely on antivirus software for
protection. Although spyware and viruses appear to have similar properties, they
are in fact quite different. It is extremely important to understand that most
antivirus products and firewall products for that matter, DO NOT detect, or keep
you fully protected against all spyware.
Aside from the questions of
ethics and privacy, spyware steals from the user by using the computer's memory
resources and also by hogging bandwidth as it sends information back to the
spyware's home base via the user's internet connection. Because is using memory
and system resources, the applications running in the background can lead to
system crashes or general system instability.
Licensing
agreements that accompany software downloads sometimes warn the user that a
spyware program will be installed along with the requested software, but the
licensing agreements may not always be read completely because the notice of
a spyware installation is often couched in obtuse, hard-to-read legal
disclaimers.
How do I keep from getting Spyware?
The most important factor in
keeping your computer clean is YOU! Keeping your anti-virus/anti-spyware software up to date. Make
sure Windows is up to Date with the latest patches. Scan your PC on a regular
basis with By not accepting
that "free" offer of a game, program, or music every time one is offered. By reading those pesky license agreements and all the fine print on each program
before you load them onto your computer. Adding additional Spyware and Adware removal programs to your PC.