Computer Slow?

Sometimes the simple things are the ones to look at first.

Cant drag and drop quick enough in Outlook? Websites appear to take forever to load, if they ever do?

There are a few things that could be causing this to occur on your system, from Anti-Virus programs, to Malware scanners, which are software, to more hardware related things such as RAM chip failing, Hard-Disk getting full or needing a De-Fragmentation.

Why not start with something that has caused a few minor headaches recently, and that is Mozilla Firefox.

Got it on your system? Great isnt it?. Its less virus susceptible than Internet Explorer yet being open-source code is just a little “Clunky”. Part of this “Clunkiness” is its ability to choke your RAM (Random Access Memory – the long chips in sockets on your computer motherboard) by not letting go of data, if its been open and used over a period of time.

RAM exists to allow the necessary data and files to be loaded whenever you ask for a program to start. RAM is told to “hang-on” to various bits and pieces that the program needs, just so it doesnt have to load them each time you work with a document for instance, in Word or Excel. Each time the program is closed it tells RAM to drop everything it gave it into the bin. This makes more RAM available to the next program or currently running items.

Every program and operating system service needs RAM to operate efficiently. Thats why programmers build in the clearout process when their programs are closed. Even without any programs being started, your operating system Windows XP, VISTA, Windows 7 etc. still need a portion of RAM to load what they need.

RAM is also completely reset and cleared whenever you’re system is shutdown. Hence the commonly annoying, yet nevertheless extremely practical, words muttered by your IT dude “have you tried turning it off and on again?”. Heard that one before have we?…

Firefox uses RAM in much the the same way but for some reason instead of clearing out the RAM when a webpage is closed, it hangs on to those bits and pieces. These bits and pieces then slowly build up as you browse over a period of time, eventually clogging RAM. Only closing the program fully, then re-opening it will actually clean-out retained data.

Firefox is a very handy program. Tabs, security, syncronisation of Firefox settings between computers (a VERY handy aspect!) and password protection are all very good. It may be though, that in its efforts to please you and open web-pages quickly, its causing your system to clog and therefore slow down. Try restarting or shutting down Firefox while you work in your program. See what difference it might just make to your system performance.

As a simple task, try pressing CTL+ALT+DEL on you’re keyboard, and clicking on the PERFORMANCE tab next time you start your computer and see what is being used. If the RAM installed is being used mostly by the Operating System, and this is the only thing running or activated on you’re system, it could be a symptom of your slow system problems. Time for a call or a quick visit to your IT dude for advice.

Other ways of speeding up your system include DeFragging, clearing out TEMP files and folders, increasing RAM, Hard-Drive size and/or speed, or just getting rid of some unused programs and files on your system.

Let me know if you notice a difference doing the simple things first by closing Firefox. If you’re Operating System is possibly causing you issues. I’ll put you on to an IT dude near you for assistance.

Cheers

itDUDE@eastcoastradio.com.au