Article Noodle

Unfortunately, there may not always be just one reason why your computer is running slowly. But there may be an overall problem that when corrected, can get your computer up and running better again. As soon as you notice your computer becoming sluggish, save any open files and quit all applications that are running.

One of the simplest causes to a computer slow down is the need to reboot. This can be especially true if you leave your computer on 24/7 or over the weekend at work. Rebooting and regularly shutting down your computer allows important updates to install. If on a Windows-based system, make sure your OS and virus scanner are both up-to-date. You can check this in Internet Explorer by clicking "Tools" then "Windows Update." When your anti-virus program periodically asks for an automatic update, don't ignore it. This will remind you to install necessary updates for the software.

If any of the above still leaves your computer plodding along, double check that your hard drive space, memory, video requirements and other factors in your computer system all meet the software manufacturer's minimum requirements. A problem here means you have to uninstall the guilty software; once this is done, reboot the computer to see if the problem is fixed.

After you have tried all of these ideas and the computer is still slow, you should perform some basic Windows maintenance tasks to clean things up. Clean out temporary files, defrag your hard drive, and uninstall unused programs. These hidden things lurking in your computer eat away at RAM and are likely the culprit in serious computer disfunctionality.

And if all else fails, call in a professional--even if it's just one of your techie friends. They can give you more tips for future problems and can ensure your computer keeps working efficiently.

My PC Doctors ( http://www.888mypcdrs.com/ ) is a premiere Dallas Computer Repair that provides your In-Home Computer Diagnostics.