Why Is My Computer So Slow With No Viruses?

By Matt Koble, eHow Contributor 

Slow computers can be quite frustrating.

Every computer owner knows that over time your computer will start taking longer to do tasks it used to whiz through. While viruses are often a possible culprit, perhaps you've done a thorough virus scan and the results suggest your system is infection free. If this is the case, there are still a number of other possible causes as to why your computer is running so slow.

1.   Clutter

o    Over time your computer will get cluttered with useless files you no longer need, programs you no longer use and processes you may not even know are running. There are many things you can do about this problem. One good way to reduce clutter is to defragment your hard drive. Windows offers the free Disk Defragmenter tool in Vista, 7 and some versions of XP. You can also download third party programs such as CCleaner to defragment your hard disk, many of these programs offer other cleanup functions that will help with your clutter.

Outdated Hardware

o    With technology advancing so fast, it wouldn't be uncommon for your computer to have some outdated hardware under the hood. CPU's, graphics cards and many other pieces of hardware may be designed to do less than you want to use them for. Even devices that aren't directly related to performance can affect it. For example, if you have a poor network adapter, it won't necessarily have anything to do with overall PC performance, but will affect your Internet performance.

o     

Other Malware

o    While you may have run a virus scan on your computer to convince you a virus isn't behind your system's poor performance, it may be other forms of malware (malicious software) causing the slowdown. Adware and Spyware are common causes of slowdown. Like viruses, the user usually doesn't purposely install these programs and often doesn't even know they're present on their system. Make sure your Anti-Virus has spyware and adware protection before ruling this out. If not, there are many free malware removal tools that don't necessarily deal with viruses.

Not Enough RAM

o    One of the main reasons for system slow down, not having enough RAM, becomes a common problem on older systems not specifically made to run newer software. According to LaserChips.com, upgrading your RAM is one of the things you can do to increase a computer's hardware performance. RAM is used to run processes and programs currently open and if you have more programs open than you do available RAM, you may get anything from slowdown to error messages.

Security Software

o    According to DownloadAtOz.com, security software can, ironically, be a big cause of system slowdown. Some security vendors see security as a priority over performance and while this may be true to an extent, there's no need to bog down your system with a poorly designed security suite with many light and resource-friendly options available. Many of the resource-hogging security programs are technically the best at doing what they do, but what's the point of having a safe computer if it's too slow to use.

 READ MORE HERE

8 Checks You Must Carry Out Before You Pay For That Laptop!

Today’s laptops are much more powerful than even the hottest desktop computers of yesterday. They are also lighter and much more stylish. Many people are opting out of desktop computers altogether and use their laptop for all their computer needs. If you are thinking of going this route , check out this shopping tips.

1.   Physical  Check. Pick up the laptops at the store. {ask to have them unlocked if necessary.} choose one that feels sturdy, solid and not too heavy.

2.   Keyboard Check. Try the keyboard. Since you can’t replace it {except with exact same item} ,make sure you are comfortable with its touch and responsiveness. Test it on a desk and on your lap.

3.   Check Features. Test the pointing device, track pad or track ball, the laptop alternatives to a mouse. Some of these can be hard to master. You will be able to connect a external mouse, but the built-in device is handier when you are mobile.

4.   Check Bottom. Check if the computers bottom gets uncomfortably hot when its running-a problem if you actually use the laptop on your lap.

5.   Check Screen. Pay attention to screen size and resolution. Current liquid-crystal display {LCD} screen on laptops measures from 13 to 21 inches diagonally. Screen resolution may be as low as 800 x 600 pixels  or as high as 1600 x 1200. The move pixels, the crisper the screen image. View the screen in a variety of setting: a screen that looks great in normal room lighting can look terrible in bright or dim light.

6.   Check Connection. Choose a laptop with at least two USB 2 connections and at least one fire wire {IEEE1394} connection. USB 2 and fire wire are very popular and fast ways of connecting IPods, digital cameras and some phones to computers.

7.   Check Network Capability. Check to see if the laptop has built in wireless capability, most do these days. A wireless network card also called Wi-Fi or 802.11 will free you from having to be wired to your internet connection (see how to network your computers). Also Bluetooth capability will let you share information wirelessly with others Bluetooth-equipped devices, such as your cell phone or personal digital assistant.

8.   Check DVD Drive. Check to see if the laptop has a DVD burner. That makes backing up documents, music files and pictures a snap because of the high capacity of the discs.

You can send me an SMS if you need more info 0803-612-4282