Why is My Computer So Slow All of a Sudden?

Many times it so happens that we consider 'old computers and desktops' to be the answer to the never ending question, "why does my computer go slow all of a sudden?" But think again, is that entirely right?! Old computers tend to be slow but there are other reasons as well. Speed is the key to everything in today's world, right? Specially, when it comes to technology, we don't want the computer to take minutes to open up a new window, when we know that it has the capacity to do it within seconds! That's the reason why we bought it! When you purchase a new computer, use it with all excitement, take proper care, equip it with the latest antivirus and spyware protection, but still, after a few days or weeks, you see yourself stuck in the same situation again, it is really annoying! And then you conclude that your machine is no more, the new speedy super computer you had purchased. And then you wonder what could be the reason behind such a slow computer performance. Well, let me tell you.


Reasons For Computer Running Very Slow

There are very many reasons for a computer to go slow quite often! And when I say computers, it automatically accompanies the Internet. Browsing through various websites, legal, illegal; downloading data from the Internet, authentic, unauthentic; all these things include the reasons for your computer running so slow all of a sudden. Let's check the reasons for "why the computer slows down all of a sudden", in details:

• Have You Checked Your Registry: One of our readers commented that as per statistics, this accounts for 90 percent of the reason as to why our supersonic computer becomes worse than a snail at times! All the software in your computer has a track record which is stored in the registry. Whenever we install/uninstall new software, and if we do it way too often, many a time, the database fails to get updated. So, there might be a possibility that there are many unwanted software entries in your registry which is the reason for your computer to go slow!" There are many software programs available to clean your registry. Some of them being CCleaner and Tuneup 360. So make sure that you take effective measures to clean your computer registry and avoid the most common reason for your computer to go slow. Now let's move on to the next point, shall we?
• OMG! Viruses!!: The one amazing advantage of the Internet is that we can get free downloads of our favorite movies, musics, ringtones, pictures and what not! But, this advantage is a big disadvantage when it comes to the speed of a computer. Downloading from sites which are not trusted can end up making your computer a new home for viruses, trojans, malwares, worms, horses, etc. So make sure you have equipped your computer with the best antivirus so that your computer can reach a speed beyond expectation.
• Does Your Disk Have Enough Space?: Most of us can't imagine life without computers! Our everyday work, data, information...everything is STORED in it! "Overloading decreases speed", and this statement stands true not only in case of animals, but also computers! So, make sure your computer has enough space on the disks. Try to defragment your computer as often as you can to avoid the 'waiting period' while browsing the computer! Also remove the unwanted software that you don't use any more. Why to keep it when you don't use it?!
• How Much is Your RAM?: Another most common reason for the computer running so slow! Increasing your RAM can really help in improving the speed of the computer by increasing the computer memory. Running/using software which occupy a huge amount of memory makes the computer run very slow. Also, if there are multiple software running at the same time in your computer, then increasing RAM is advisable to boost up the speed. Another simple way to ensure a good speed on your computer is to periodically delete unwanted mp3, cookies and files of similar nature. It is advisable to have at least 10% of the hard disk free for smooth functioning.
• Beware of the Spyware!: I am sure you come across a lot of pop up windows and advertisements while surfing the net! While you are trying to browse about airfares, suddenly a window pops up, asking you to date the women whose pictures keep flashing all the way through! This is nothing but a way to take control of your machine! There are many spyware developers who have found out a new way to market and spread the spywares to your machine as soon as you download directly from a website! The greatest threat is that they can keep a check of all the websites you are visiting! Therefore, it's important that your computer has proper spyware protection which can help you get rid of spyware and take care of these threats.
• Other Causes: Other causes include situations like overheating of the PC and/or opening up of multiple applications at the same time. Yes, we all would agree that the 'impatient human mind' wants everything done as quick as possible. But this desire of the human mind can affect the speed of its most admirable invention. So make sure that unnecessary applications are not opened at the same time and that you have the vents of the CPU unblocked to allow proper ventilation. Which means that you can't keep your CDs, books and other items 'on the CPU'!

How to Remove Spyware for Free

Have you noticed any unusual behavior on your computer lately like advertisement pop ups? Has your Internet and overall computer working slowed down? Have you installed any program claiming to be an antispyware software, which popped up on your computer while browsing? If yes, then chances are that you may be seeing the symptoms of a virus attack. Of all the kinds of computer viruses that can infect your computer, some of the most dangerous are spyware programs.

These programs masquerade themselves as useful programs, while stealing information from your computer and distributing it over the Internet. Ergo, when you have a lot of personal data stored on your computer, you need to be wary of spyware programs. In this article, I outline a clear strategy explaining how to remove spyware for free and ensure that your personal data stays secure.

What are Spyware Programs?

Spyware programs are designed to compromise the system security of your computer and steal data. Spyware programs like keyloggers can store all the data you enter through your keyboard, which is then sent to hackers, who may use it for identity theft purposes. There are spyware programs that get installed as browser addons, which actually transmit your Internet usage history to third party sites.

Some spyware programs are disguised as antivirus programs, which steal data from your computer, once they are installed. This makes it difficult to spot spware programs. Considering the identity theft threat that these programs pose, you have to get rid of such programs as soon as possible. In the rest of this Buzzle article, you will find some simple techniques to remove spyware for free.

How to Remove Spyware for Free?

You need to take spyware removal quite seriously, if you transmit sensitive information like bank account details, as it has resulted in identity theft cases. Here are three steps that can help you eliminate spyware threats from your computer.

Uninstall Unwanted Add-ons & Freeware Programs
Firstly, get rid of all kinds of suspicious addons, installed on your browsers and freeware programs that you absolutely don't need. Simply go to the 'Add or Remove Programs' section on your Windows based system, to get rid of freeware programs that provide entry to spyware. Go to your web browser's settings and uninstall add ons like toolbars, which often harbor spyware programs.

Install and Use a Free Antispyware Software
Since spyware is usually quite well hidden and difficult to spot, it's best that you install a free antispyware software which can effectively get rid of them. Two such software programs, which you may rely upon are AVG free antivirus and avast! Free Antivirus 6. Install any one of these programs and run a full scan of the system. The software will spot and automatically remove most viruses from your system. You may also install the Microsoft Security Essentials software.

Format Hard Drive and Reinstall OS
If your system is too much riddled with computer viruses, the best way of purging the hard drive is to format and reinstall your OS. Using an external hard drive, back up all your private data and then run a complete reformatting of the hard drive, using the recovery disk provided for your OS.

After reinstallation of the OS, install the best free antivirus software and run security updates. If it's a Windows system, make sure that you get all the Windows OS updates. This should effectively solve your problem. In the long term, it is best to spend on specialized antispyware like the Spyware Doctor, which is more thorough in real time scanning for spyware programs.

These were some straightforward tips on how to remove spyware from your computer and keep your data safe and secure. Be careful while installing any kind of browser addon, freeware or shareware as many types of spyware programs piggyback on them. Using any of the above suggested free antivirus software, schedule a daily scan of your computer system. If you find that antivirus programs are not effective, as suggested before, take a back up of all you data and format the hard drive completely. This is the best way of cleaning out all kinds of computer viruses, which may have infected your PC.

by lerski mejia