Jump to content
Mr Rhode Island Red

Computer running very slow, any tips?

Recommended Posts

You've got a good processor so there's hope!

 

Windows updates, patches and service packs (which happen automatically, unless you set them not to!) will make it bloated, slow and greedy on RAM, leaving diddly squat for surfing which is why your internet's so slow - there's just no memory left for it to run!

 

So top tip is to make your surfing less memory hungry. DEFINITELY swap the virus/firewall/internet security if you currently use McAfee or Norton. Then switch browser and defrag (free). Then research changing ISP.

 

If it's still slow, try more RAM. Honestly, I think it'll solve everything! Easiest way is to ask the place you bought it for an upgrade price. Or you can add more yourself if you can identify the RAM spec of your PC. Good tip from chickric:

 

...I would suggest Crucial

 

but I've not used that myself - tend to just whip it out and go to PC World :lol: Online is usually cheaper - eg this one in store is £40 but only £20 +P&P if bought online :shock::D

 

HTH :)

 

Sorry, but I disagree. Memory's cheap these days, so may well be seen as a first resort in performance problems. However, unless the problem is specifically insufficient physical memory to run the particular applications required by the user, simply adding more memory is not fixing the problem; merely removing the symptom. That being so, sooner or later you're going to hit the same problem again when the accumulated gumph that's been installed over time chews up even the extra memory that's been installed. Far better, in my opinion, to identify what's causing the bottleneck and deal with that specifically.

 

Windows patches are often seen as a drain on resources, but that's not necessarily so. Certainly, patches that add further functionality will be likely to increase the amount of memory Windows needs just to run, but many patches are actually solving performance issues so a well patched machine may even run quicker.

 

In this case, we're not even sure if it is a memory issue. All we've been told is that the PC is particularly slow when accessing the Internet, and that could be for a whole host of reasons that have nothing to do with memory. That is the reason I suggested a clear out of a few likely culprits before even looking at resource usage. If losing unnecessary browser toolbars and obsolete antivirus apps doesn't solve the issue, that's the time to start firing up Task Manager and Resource Monitor to see what's going on, and only if that indicates a lack of memory to do what's required do we get to the point of buying more memory. After all, giving your car a service and clearing out the boot of heavy stuff is a far more sensible first step towards good performance than wandering straight off to an engine tuning specialist, isn't it?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




×
×
  • Create New...