TOPIC: Computer is Running Too Slow

(from Susan)
Hey Willie,
My computer seems to be running much slower these days. I can't figure why. A friend told me that it might be my RAM. Can this be the problem?

Willie Says:
RAM memory chips are often at the root of slow computer issues, especially if you are using Windows XP or a newer version. Windows XP (and newer versions) are constantly getting updated with patch files from Microsoft. Each time you download a new patch file, the Windows program grows in size. So do the programs that load behind the scenes, taking more and more RAM to operate.
Each desktop icon you have on your machine is alloted a small amount of RAM. So, the more icons you have, the more RAM is needed to display them.
Every time you open a new window and minimize it, memory is allocated to that window. So, with several open windows sitting in the background, less memory is available for you to work within each of them.
Normally, your anti-virus program will be running in the background. And, of course, this too takes up your RAM.
Also, while you are working within a program, your computer's hard drive is placing all the data wherever it wants to. Over time, this causes fragmentation of your files. Fragmentation, of course, slows down your machine because it has to search all over the hard drive to find all the components of a file that you are looking for. Add to that, the fact that your hard drive (as it gets older) has a tendancy to slow down a bit.
We reccomend a minimum of 2 gigs of RAM for Windows XP or newer versions. Older machines may or may not be capable of installing more RAM. If your machine is at it limit on RAM, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer computer.
Her e are some easy "speed up" methods to try first:

• Clean up Temporary Files
  Many times, video games and other software will leave huge tempory files on your machine. Getting rid of them can help speed up the CPU. See our "Cleaning House" column for the details.
• Empty the Trash
  When was the last time you emptied your "Recycle Bin"? Huge files left here can actually cause your computer to slow down a bit.
• Defrag it
  Use your computer's "Disk Defragmenter" to do some repairs. More often that not, people overlook this built-in Windows feature. The Defrag program will help increase your machine's speed substancially. The computer has to find fragmented files all over your hard drive and try to put them back together before some programs will work. Cleaning them up will ease the machine's efforts and speed up the time it needs to locate, open and run these files. This often proves to be a great way to speed up your computer.
• Check for Free Space
  Optimal free space is 40% or more. (Willie's Rule #3).
  To check your hard drive's free space:
  • open My Computer & right click on your hard drive's drive letter
  • Click on Properties.
  • You will see the amount of free and allocated space on your drive.

The Last Ditch Effort
This one may take quite a bit of time to run. If you haven't visited Mom lately or played with the neighbor's dog, this might be a good time to do so.
Here we go...
Tell Windows to do a "Check Disk". First, open "My Computer" and right click on your hard drive's drive letter (usually "C" drive)
next, go to "Properties" and click on the "Tools" tab at the top.
Under "Error Checking" click on the "Check Now" button
A pop up window will appear. Check on both options and click on "Start".
You will get a message telling you that you will need to restart your machine. Follow these instructions and be prepared to wait for a while. If you decide to go shopping while you wait, don't forget to drop by Willie's favorite intersection and drop a few bucks in his bucket.

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Disclaimer:
(lawyers make us do this stuff)
Although we will try to diagnose the problems you may be having with your PC through this column, there is no guarantee that this advice will fix the problems you are experiencing with your machine. Only a true, one-on-one diagnosis is an accurate way to pinpoint the issues a computer may be having. This advice is directed at the most common and easiest "fix" issues that are found in most home or office PC's and can usually be repaired or resolved (with some direction) by the PC user and not a IT professional. 360custom.com, its owners, staff or associates is not responsible for any damage including (but not limited to) loss of data, hardware or software damage that may result from attemps at following the instructions in this column.