probably all experienced it at one point or another. You’re on your computer and it’s just crawling. It’s hard to browse the internet, programs are taking forever to open, and you keep having to click that “end now” button when things won close or freeze up. A slow computer is probably the most common problem people have with their computers besides major hardware malfunctions. There are literally dozens of reasons your computer could be running slow, including viruses, adware and spyware, hardware specifications, and a damaged operating system.
Viruses
These sneaky little bugs can get into your computer and really cause some damage. Worms, trojan horses, email viruses, and logic bombs are just a few types of viruses that can get into your computer. Sometimes a virus might just corrupt data and files so they’re irreparable, and sometimes they might just muddy the waters of your computer to slow it down and become frustrating and irritating for its operator (aka you). Those who run good quality anti-viruses on their computers will more than likely not have as much problem with viruses and should look to another source for their slow computer. Those who do not, however, may want to consider checking for viruses and having them removed.
Adware/Spyware
Adware and spyware are among the most annoying causes of a slow computer. The purpose of adware and spyware is to get into a computer and eat up the computer’s resources (slowing it down a lot) or stealing personal information.
Adware also tries to lure unsuspecting computer users to buy infected software to protect it from viruses that don’t exist. Spyware and adware take up a lot of space, and make a computer into a slow computer in a matter of a few minutes to an hour.
Hardware Problems
Slow computers often have no problem that can be blamed on a clever hacker or adware/spyware bug. The number one problem that isn’t linked to the above two things is that of low memory. RAM (random access memory) can be filled up sometimes and cause the computer to run much slower than normal. Replacing the RAM of your computer with a higher RAM (see your local computer specialist) may help it a lot. Other hardware problems that can cause a slow computer include bus speed, CPU, and hard drive access time. Taking your desktop or laptop to a computer professional to have them run a diagnostic and find out which way would be best to fix your slow computer is a good idea to make sure you don’t replace the wrong part.
Damaged Operating System
Any operating system with enough use and abuse will become damaged. If you are finding blue screens or warning screens at boot up that warn you about file damage or loss, there is a good bet that your operating system is causing your slow computer. Re-installing your operating system can be a great way to reverse the damage done to your operating system. Your local computer professional can do this for you.