What to do when your PC is running slow

There are only two components which may cause your computer to run slow:software or hardware. Although there can only be two root causes, it can still be tough for an average user to nail down the specific software or hardware component which is causing the trouble. This article simplifies the troubleshooting process by providing the users different options to quickly get their computer run fast again.

Quick and simple fix: Re-install the operating system

This is the simplest option and it is for those who do not want to go through the entire troubleshooting process. By re-installing the operating system, you can eliminate all the software issues and bring your computer back to the same performance as the first day that you brought it home.

For the detectives

This option is for those who like to do some detective work. Close resource intensive applications Having multiple programs running simultaneously can slow down your computer. Some of the applications which require a lot of computer resources include computer graphics and video processing. Use the process of elimination by running one program at a time to see which program is slowing down your computer. Update programs and operating system patches Software companies release patches to improve application performance and fix potential security issues. Application enhancement may include using less computer resources during run time. You will also want to download the latest patches for your operating system. These patches will make your computer less vulnerable to hackers who can potentially take over your computer and slow it down. Check your computer for viruses Viruses are one of the most common causes of computer slowness. It can utilise all your computer resources and leave your computer in a state of no response. You need to make sure that you have good anti-virus software installed. If your anti-virus has a live threat detection mechanism, you should enable it. In addition, you also want to schedule automatic updates and scan your computer regularly for viruses. Clean up registry Computers frequently reference the registry database for software and operating system information. The problem is that this database can grow overtime to an enormous size, which can slow down your computer. To optimise your computer’s performance, you will need to use registry cleanup software to delete unreferenced and unused keys in the registry database. Upgrade or replace your computer? If your computer is consistently running slow even after you have tried everything else from above, then it is time for you to upgrade or replace your computer. Upgrading your computer’s RAM, CPU, or hard disk requires some technical skills and patience. If this option is overwhelming, then you should consider buying a new computer.