One of the more frustrating things in life is a slow computer. Every few years, we buy an expensive new PC and love how fast it starts up, runs programs, and loads websites. Inevitably though, it starts to slow down until eventually we are pulling our hair out waiting for it to do routine tasks.
Why is this? It turns out the answer is sometimes actually quite simple and you don't even need to be "technical" to understand the causes and solutions. The good news: It's not the computer hardware that's the problem. In most cases, the hardware you have is perfectly capable of being restored to its original glory and kept in fast running condition with minimal effort. Rather, the problem lies with changes that occur to the PC's software. The two most common causes of slowdown (along with easy solutions) are:
1. The most common problem: registry errors
Every time you (or your kids) load a program, game, or file, your PC's software registry is updated with new instructions needed to operate that item. However, when the item is removed, these instructions usually remain on your PC. Every time you run your computer it tries to execute these instructions but, because the related program can't be found, it causes a registry error. Your PC is doing a lot more work than it should be and the result is a significantly slower computer.
One of the best ways to manage this is with a neat little tool from filehippo.com, a free (and commercial trial) software website. It's called CCleaner, and it cleans most troublesome areas in your computer including most of the items that make your computer creep. It scans, identifies, and fixes registry errors--resulting in a computer that's a lot more like it was when you first bought it. On top of the amazing results it offers, it's so easy to install and use.
You can now get a free working registry cleaner which will quickly scan your entire PC and identify all of the registry errors that may be bogging it down. It’s always free, and scans your computer for c*@p to clean (hence the name C*@p Cleaner or CCleaner for short). It will eliminate all your registry problems for free. After that, registry errors will no longer be a problem.
2. Spyware and viruses
Spyware and viruses are software programs that are loaded on your computer without your knowledge or permission. They have various purposes, including:
•Changing the default search engine in your browser.
•Tracking your Web surfing habits and showing you targeted advertising.
•Using your email program to send out spam to other email addresses.
•Stealing your personal information.
Most spyware and viruses get onto our computers through files that we download from the Internet or as attachments to emails. They tend to take up a lot of computing power and, as a result, will significantly slow down your computer.
The simple rule of thumb to follow is to never download any free software programs from companies you do not know and trust, especially screensavers, emoticons, and the like. In addition, you should never open any attachment to an email unless you are 100 percent certain you know and trust the sender. In addition, make sure you have a good anti-virus/spyware removal software running at all times. You can download a good anti-virus for free from filehippo.com as well. It is not as good as the commercial grade anti-virus programs you can buy, but for free, what do you expect.
Follow the above advice and your PC should stay fast and safe.