|
Computer running S-L-O-W "My computer is slow" is the #1 problem expressed by computer users. We can help. Why is my computer so slow? "My computer is slow" is easily the #1 complaint voiced by home computer users and spans the entire range of PC brands and vintages, that is to say, it doesn't matter what brand of PC you have, or how old it is, most home computer users experience performance slowdowns within six months of getting a new computer or having a system cleanup performed (see sidebar for more info). Without question, the most common cause of sluggish computer performance is the slow accumulation of spyware and other malwares over time. However, this is not always the case, and sometimes a computer that is otherwise clean can experience slow performance as a result of other causes such as software updates or the installation of new programs that overtax system resources. Sometimes when people report a slow computer, we find that the computer itself is running normally, but they have network problems or Internet problems that are causing slow access to the Internet or Email. Of course there is also the possibility of hardware issues such as a damaged CPU, damaged or inadequate RAM memory, or an impending hard disk failure. What are the symptoms? It may seem pretty obvious what the symptoms of a slow computer are, but slow computer doesn't always mean slow performance overall, sometimes there are very specific functions that are slow while everything else appears to run normally. Here are some typical symptoms that our customers report:
What can be done about it? Aside from cleaning up programs that cause problems or replacing defective hardware, it is often the case that PCs, particularly those purchased at retail chain stores, are sold with minimal RAM memory as a means of keeping the purchase price low. While these computers usually come out of the box running fine, they can very quickly degrade as typical programs such as antivirus or Internet security protection is activated causing a greater demand on these inadequate system resources. In many cases, a noticeable improvement in system speed can be achieved by simply upgrading RAM memory. A couple symptoms that can often be easily explained and are not generally cause for alarm, are the intermittent slowdowns that happen inexplicably, last a short time and then go away, or as some report, happen just after startup, then go away (the "warming up" symptom). More often than not, these short slowdowns are caused by automatic updaters for programs such as your antivirus working in the background to update themselves. During the update process, your system may be slowed temporarily as significant resources get allocated to that activity. A lengthier version of this symptom may occur if you have scheduled virus scans being performed during hours that you normally use your computer. These problems can often be remedied by configuring software updaters and virus scanners to do their work during off hours. How can Geek Housecalls help? Although there is a broad range of potential underlying causes for slow computer problems, your geek arrives with extensive knowledge and experience in identifying and isolating those causes and is expert not only at cleaning up or eliminating them, but can also recommend or install hardware such as a memory upgrade or software alternatives that are less resource intensive or more secure that can help prevent or at least delay the onset of future performance issues. You can count on the experience and know-how of your geek to restore system performance, offer friendly advice, and leave you with a smile! |
| Return to Products and Services page |
Call now for a friendly computer geek at your door usually within 24 hours!
MA 781-863-8111 RI 401-351-8111
Toll Free 1-877-4PC-GEEK
Windows and Mac geeks available! 
Geek Housecalls - Not to be confused with Geek Squad or Best Buy!
Copyright 2001-2007, Geek Housecalls, Inc.
Most home computer users experience system slowdowns within six months of their last service. What's important to understand about this is that it is rarely an indicator of poor service, but rather is the result of a constant barrage of attacks that are under way whenever a computer is connected to the Internet. Even users who buy brand new PCs often experience this same loss of performance within six months of purchase! While there are many factors that can contribute to this type of performance degradation, the overwhelming majority of slowdowns occur in internet-connected family computers. This is largely because kids tend to be more trusting and less paranoid when making critical decisions online such as whether to click open an enticing advertisement, or whether to use questionable services such as free games or music downloaders that are often gateways to malicious software. The bottom line is this... keeping your PC clean and running well is a maintenance process like mowing the lawn, or changing the oil in your car. Home PC users should plan on at least two system cleanups each year for computers that are connected to the Internet, and possibly even more often for systems that are used by kids.