Computer Slowness Computers can run slow for many different reasons. The first thing to do is pinpoint the cause of the slowness. Slowness because of ...
The biggest cause of computer slowness, hands-down, comes from various types of "malware" - programs that intend to harm a computer (usually called "computer viruses," but also including adware and spyware.) These types of malicious programs often infect your computer from opening or looking at a file or web page on the Internet - and it might look completely harmless! Each progam can cause a different problem. While it can be very obvious that you have a virus if your computer is doing weird, unusual things, people are frequently infected with some sort of malware and have no idea it is there, other than a slowed computer. The Help Desk assists students with running scans and removing these types of programs several times per week - it's definiely one of PALCS' biggest tech problems! To scan your computer for problems, view our Viruses and Spyware Topic.
Another big cause of computer slowness is the number of programs your computer is running at one time. Your computer will run best when running one program at a time - but that's not always practical! Running the Firefox Web Browser and a music player like iTunes at the same time will not slow your computer significantly. However, running a few instances of Firefox, each with an embedded video, writing in a Word document, listening to music and working with your webcam all at once, while you CAN do it, will certainly slow things down. Close programs and windows when you are not using them. Also, look in your toolbar in the lower right, by your clock: each of these icons indicates a program that is running on your computer. If you see an icon for something you are not currently using (like Quicktime, a big Q,) right-click on the icon and select "Exit." DO NOT install any peer-to-peer downloading programs on the school computers, such as LimeWire, OR any Torrent downloading programs like BitComet. These ARE NOT permitted on the school computers because they are frequently used to download music or videos illegally, can be an easy route for viruses and spyware, and significantly slow computers. Similarly, do not install any chat programs on the school computers, such as AIM, MSN or Yahoo. The school computers are to be used for schoolwork. Games, chat programs and downloads should remain on a personal computer.
Computer slowness may stem from your Internet connection - particularly if you are using a dial-up provider or a satellite modem. See our Internet Connection topic for more on this. Your Computer's Fan (computer loudness) Your computer may also be running slowly and freezing if any of your hardware is bad. Fans on the school computers can cause problems. View our Computer Loudness topic for more information.
|
