Why is My Computer So Slow All of a Sudden?

Be it at home or office, I am sure everyone of you must have asked this question 'why is my computer so slow all of a sudden?' This article tells you why...
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 in the first place! 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, isn't it really annoying! And then you conclude that your machine is no more the new speedy supercomputer you had purchased. And then you wonder what could be the reason behind such a slow 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, music, 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, malware, 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 spyware 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'!
I am sure these points have somewhat answered your question "why is my computer so slow all of a sudden?" Try taking these measures and start by defragmenting your disk and cleaning up your computer registry. I am sure you will see your computer regain its speed and efficiency like the 'old times'. All the best!
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Last Updated: 8/20/2011
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