The causes of slow computer performance

Programs and files on the new computer 'beat box' always have lightning speed. Unfortunately, their "form" didn't last long and gradually lost their original ability.

There are many reasons why computers run slowly but mostly fall into three problems: hardware design, virus - spyware, or PC problems stemming from the measures applied to fix these two causes.

Hard drive problem

Small files are often classified as 'unused' - the remaining space between files.Larger files are shredded into different sections, scattered, cluttered and costly.

The more fragmentation file fragmentation is, the longer the process of gathering information and placing them in order.Moreover, finding an empty space to save data also takes a lot of effort.Then, the computer's operating speed will be reduced, especially in the process of converting menus and accessing files.

One of the simplest ways for a 'turtle' PC is right in the Windows operating system: the Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup utility, accessed via the Start menu / Accessories / System Tools.

Disk Cleanup checks the drive for unnecessary programs such as temporary Internet files.Running this 'cleanup' software once a month will keep your hard drive organized.

Disk Defragmenter is a very reliable program.It analyzes the current state of the hard drive, optimizes the directory and file, and then "collects" parts of the file and places it in adjacent locations.At that time, PC performance and file access speed increased significantly.

Meanwhile, Symantec's Norton SystemWorks 2006 ($ 69.99) package includes the ability to reduce hard drive defragmentation, delete the old Windows Registry entry and fix DLLs that could cause system malfunctions.Raxco Software's PerfectDisk 7.0 ($ 39.95) also defrags and gathers gaps to keep the hard drive running in order for a long time.

One of the steps needed is to delete the excess program before using the distributed defragmenter by opening Control Panel, selecting the Add / Remove feature, marking applications that you never use and clicking the Remove button.

Software is not needed

The hard drive is inherently cluttered, the computer has to "backheel" in front of a long list of software that is activated at the same time the PC boots.They are usually pre-installed programs due to agreement between PC manufacturer and software vendors.

Many software are configured to work as soon as the computer is turned on even if the customer does not use them.Few people pay attention to this because they are not clearly displayed on the screen.However, they have an icon in the system tray and stay there waiting for the day to be discovered.

These programs consume very fast system resources.Normally, a PC needs about 85-90% of free memory after booting.But many software running at the same time of turning on the device can extract up to 50% of memory before people activate the real application like a word processor or web browser.

To remove unnecessary applications, click Start, select Run, type msconfig and click OK.This command opens an integrated system configuration tool.In the Start-Up bar, select the program you want to turn off, and then click OK.Repeat this process if you want an application that has just been removed again when you open the computer.

Viruses and spyware

Viruses, spyware (adware) and adware (adware) are also one reason computers work "like cows".The term 'spyware' refers to programs that interfere with PC activity such as silently gathering personal information about users or reconfiguring computers.Meanwhile, 'adware' refers to software supported by companies, while 'malware' is a malicious program (viruses, worms, Trojans, etc.) that interfere with or corrupt PC applications.

To protect the system against this risk, users often have to install additional antispyware, firewall or spam filters . These security measures can reduce the operating speed of the computer by 15%.

'Computers work slowly due to dangerous software running on the PC's background, but also partly because the security tools are too large,' said Leon Rishniw, deputy technical director of computer security firm CloudMark. (USA), commented.'In addition, many third-party applications, such as peer-to-peer sharing, are not only of poor quality but also install spyware and other hard-to-remove components into the system.'

People just need to install a protection program because using 2-3 software at the same time can interrupt other applications.Particularly spyware is a complex and easily overlooked program, users should run one more tool.

To reduce the risk and speed up computers, people should scan the system at least once a day.Two free and highly rated tools today are SpyBot and Ad-Aware from Lavasoft.In addition, Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta 1 also supports real-time system protection.

Besides, there are some software like Webroot SpySweeper (29.95 USD), ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 6.0 (69.95 USD) vad Panda Platinum Internet Security 2005 (USD 79.95) .

Hai Nguyen