There are a number of reasons why your computer may be slow. Below is a list of some of the more common reasons why that may occur with your system. A slow computer can be caused by one of these issues or by several combined.
1. Malware & Viruses
If you have malware/virus infections your computer will most likely be more slow. Malware can eventually cause such a problem that it is nearly impossible to do anything on your computer. Multiple pop ups and decreased performance may indicate that your computer is infected.
2. Excess Programs Enabled at Startup
Upon installing programs, they will often default to running automatically when you start your computer. Unless they’re key Windows programs or security software, this is typically not necessary or helpful. Disabling these entries can significantly decrease startup time and also allow the computer to run faster once started.
3. RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is what the computer uses when it runs programs. It’s different than the memory where you store things that are saved. When you have little memory, you’ll notice a particular lag when you try to run multiple programs at once and find that your computer is slow. Increasing the amount of RAM can boost your computer’s performance.
4. Age
Simply put, most older computers run more slowly than new systems. There are a few reasons for that: Newer computers often have faster processors and more RAM, thus performing the same tasks faster. Hard drives may spin faster or have greater bandwidth. Newer operating systems are more efficient and can take advantage of faster hardware. Running new programs on old hardware can result in slower performance, since the older models weren't created to handle the requirements of newer programs.
5. Failing Hardware
Regardless of whether you have an old or new system, hardware can fail. You will see it more often in older models, but occasionally you see hardware failure in newer things too. Some indications of failing hardware include slow system performance, random crashes and error messages, slow startup or shutdown times, etc. These symptoms don’t always mean that your hardware is failing but they do indicate an issue that should be addressed. New computers usually come with at least a 1-year warranty on the hardware. If you have a hardware failure and your system is under warranty then the manufacturer can repair or replace it for you.
6. Heat
Heat is one of the enemies of electronics. Excessive heat causes the processor to run more slowly and consume more power, thus generating more heat and the cycle continues. In many cases, when the temperature gets too high the system will shutdown in order to prevent damage to the computer.
One of the best things you can do to combat excess heat is to clean the dust from your computer; we typically recommend performing this cleaning every 1-3 months. We perform this cleaning as one of our free services when a computer is in need of it. You can also buy compressed air at an office supply store or electronics store and blow out your own computer.
7. Internet Speed
We often get complaints that surfing the web is slow. While malware and viruses contribute to this problem, we often find that the actual connection speed is to blame. Much of the time you can simply contact your Internet Service Provider and have them increase your speed for an additional cost.
Yellowstone Computing can diagnose and repair these and other issues plaguing your computer. Contact us today to get your system running like new again!
1. Malware & Viruses
If you have malware/virus infections your computer will most likely be more slow. Malware can eventually cause such a problem that it is nearly impossible to do anything on your computer. Multiple pop ups and decreased performance may indicate that your computer is infected.
2. Excess Programs Enabled at Startup
Upon installing programs, they will often default to running automatically when you start your computer. Unless they’re key Windows programs or security software, this is typically not necessary or helpful. Disabling these entries can significantly decrease startup time and also allow the computer to run faster once started.
3. RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is what the computer uses when it runs programs. It’s different than the memory where you store things that are saved. When you have little memory, you’ll notice a particular lag when you try to run multiple programs at once and find that your computer is slow. Increasing the amount of RAM can boost your computer’s performance.
4. Age
Simply put, most older computers run more slowly than new systems. There are a few reasons for that: Newer computers often have faster processors and more RAM, thus performing the same tasks faster. Hard drives may spin faster or have greater bandwidth. Newer operating systems are more efficient and can take advantage of faster hardware. Running new programs on old hardware can result in slower performance, since the older models weren't created to handle the requirements of newer programs.
5. Failing Hardware
Regardless of whether you have an old or new system, hardware can fail. You will see it more often in older models, but occasionally you see hardware failure in newer things too. Some indications of failing hardware include slow system performance, random crashes and error messages, slow startup or shutdown times, etc. These symptoms don’t always mean that your hardware is failing but they do indicate an issue that should be addressed. New computers usually come with at least a 1-year warranty on the hardware. If you have a hardware failure and your system is under warranty then the manufacturer can repair or replace it for you.
6. Heat
Heat is one of the enemies of electronics. Excessive heat causes the processor to run more slowly and consume more power, thus generating more heat and the cycle continues. In many cases, when the temperature gets too high the system will shutdown in order to prevent damage to the computer.
One of the best things you can do to combat excess heat is to clean the dust from your computer; we typically recommend performing this cleaning every 1-3 months. We perform this cleaning as one of our free services when a computer is in need of it. You can also buy compressed air at an office supply store or electronics store and blow out your own computer.
7. Internet Speed
We often get complaints that surfing the web is slow. While malware and viruses contribute to this problem, we often find that the actual connection speed is to blame. Much of the time you can simply contact your Internet Service Provider and have them increase your speed for an additional cost.
Yellowstone Computing can diagnose and repair these and other issues plaguing your computer. Contact us today to get your system running like new again!
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