Slow Computer? Simple Fixes for a Computer Running slow

When you first buy a computer it runs great but after a while the speed at which it processes information gets extremely slow. Spyware, viruses, too many programs running and never cleaning up registry errors can be part of the problem. I have found some really great free programs on the Internet that can help speed up your slow computer. Don't worry I'm not going to sell you one of those Registry cleaners, I found a great free one that works perfectly!

CCleaner - Free Registry Cleaner

If your computer is running slow a great way to speed it up is to clean out your registry errors and your recycling bin. CCleaner is an excellent free program to clean out all of your registry errors, browser history, recycling bin and even remove those sneaky programs that somehow are missing from your add or remove programs list. I can't count the number of so called "free" registry cleaners I have downloaded so I am grateful to have found ccleaner. Although the program is free I highly recommend donating something to the developers to help keep it free. Once you download ccleaner just right click on your recycling Bin to use it.

The first time I used this registry cleaner my slow computer had over 300 registry errors! It cleaned them all up with one click of a button. It's a good idea to clean out your registry errors before and after you install any new program or at least once a week to keep your computer running well. Registry errors come from incorrect installing and uninstalling of programs. If you have never cleaned your registry errors you will be surprised at how many you find. This one little step can make a big difference on a slow computer.

AVG

Another reason your computer might be running slow is because of a virus. If you do not have a virus program installed on your computer I recommend getting AVG anti virus. They offer a free and paid version. You can download AVG here. After you download the program make sure you do a full scan of your computer to catch any viruses that may be there. After the scan make sure to set up an automatic scan time. I set mine to scan at 3am everyday. Your computer will run a bit slow when the scan is running so set it for a time when you will not be on it so it doesn't get on your nerves.

Let's face it there is only so much you can do to speed up an older computer. If you are running a computer with less than 1gig of ram you might want to think about upgrading it. Adding another 1gig of ram will make a huge difference in how many processes you can have running at one time smoothly. If your computer is running slow or even freezing when you have more than one program open or when you switch between windows/tabs it most likely means you need more ram. If your computer is upgradable consider adding another stick of ram and you will notice a big difference and less freezing with multiple programs open

Over time the amount of programs installed on a computer can really start to add up. If your computer is running slow try removing any programs you no longer use. If you come across a program that you are not sure about just type it into google to see what it does. If you are running a computer with a small hard drive your probably already used to removing programs to make space. I know I've been there and finally just had to break down and buy a new computer with more space. You can get a computer with 250gb hard drive for less than $300 and with the price of replacement parts on the rise some times it's more economical to just buy a whole new system.