'd suggest stopping some of them from starting on boot up. To do so go to start > run > type "msconfig" (no quotes) and a window will pop up. Click the Startup tab and look through the items, unchecking anything you don't need to start up. If you aren't sure what it is, leave it alone. But ask yourself, do I REALLY need this program to start every time I boot up? It will greatly help your computer out.

Those four reasons are by far the most common reasons a computer would run really slow. Run the virus scans, spware/adware scans and stop unneeded things from loading.

I see you've got yourself a computer and, apparently, you're wondering why your computer is running really slow. There are many factors that come into play when a computer is running slow. This article will briefly look into the most common reasons a computer runs slow. Let's get started shall we?

You've got a virus

A common reason a computer runs really slow is you have a virus or many viruses. The only way to deal with that is to run a virus scanner such as AVG Free, Norton, McAfee, Panda, etc. If you don't have any anti-virus, definitely do a google search for AVG Free and install it asap. If these viruses are too pesky and you just can't get them out, it may be time to back up your data and reinstall Windows.

You've got spyware/adware

Probably the second most common reason a computer runs really slow. Spyware and adware run all sorts of different things on your computer to collect your information, browsing habits, etc. If you have enough of them on your computer, it adds up to one really slow computer. Install and use A-Squared anti-adware to remove these. If you are feeling lazy, fire up Internet Explorer and go to ewido.net and perform their free online scan. Works like a charm.

You need more memory

This is by far the biggest one with Windows based machines. Your computer is running really slow simply because it doesn't have enough memory to get the job done. A computer likes to store the activities its currently working on inside of your memory (or RAM, same thing). RAM is way faster than your hard drive, so it makes sense. It temporarily stores the data into RAM and allows quick access. When you have too little RAM, your computer has to use the hard drive to access the data, and as such, runs really slow. How much RAM do you need? If you are running Windows XP, you want at least 512MB to maintain a smooth experience. If you're looking at Windows Vista, grab at least 1GB. If you aren't sure how much you currently have, right click the "my computer" icon and choose "properties." You should be able to see system information.

You have too many things running in the system tray

This goes hand in hand with needing more RAM, but another common cause. Close out all the programs in there you don't need. I'd suggest stopping some of them from starting on boot up. To do so go to start > run > type "msconfig" (no quotes) and a window will pop up. Click the Startup tab and look through the items, unchecking anything you don't need to start up. If you aren't sure what it is, leave it alone. But ask yourself, do I REALLY need this program to start every time I boot up? It will greatly help your computer out.

Those four reasons are by far the most common reasons a computer would run really slow. Run the virus scans, spware/adware scans and stop unneeded things from loading.

arch for AVG Free and install it asap. If these viruses are too pesky and you just can't get them out, it may be time to back up your data and reinstall Windows.

You've got spyware/adware

Probably the second most common reason a computer runs really slow. Spyware and adware run all sorts of different things on your computer to collect your information, browsing habits, etc. If you have enough of them on your computer, it adds up to one really slow computer. Install and use A-Squared anti-adware to remove these. If you are feeling lazy, fire up Internet Explorer and go to ewido.net and perform their free online scan. Works like a charm.

You need more memory

This is by far the biggest one with Windows based machines. Your computer is running really slow simply because it doesn't have enough memory to get the job done. A computer likes to store the activities its currently working on inside of your memory (or RAM, same thing). RAM is way faster than your hard drive, so it makes sense. It temporarily stores the data into RAM and allows quick access. When you have too little RAM, your computer has to use the hard drive to access the data, and as such, runs really slow. How much RAM do you need? If you are running Windows XP, you want at least 512MB to maintain a smooth experience. If you're looking at Windows Vista, grab at least 1GB. If you aren't sure how much you currently have, right click the "my computer" icon and choose "properties." You should be able to see system information.

You have too many things running in the system tray

This goes hand in hand with needing more RAM, but another common cause. Close out all the programs in there you don't need. I'd suggest stopping some of them from starting on boot up. To do so go to start > run > type "msconfig" (no quotes) and a window will pop up. Click the Startup tab and look through the items, unchecking anything you don't need to start up. If you aren't sure what it is, leave it alone. But ask yourself, do I REALLY need this program to start every time I boot up? It will greatly help your computer out.

Those four reasons are by far the most common reasons a computer would run really slow. Run the virus scans, spware/adware scans and stop unneeded things from loading.

lorer and go to ewido.net and perform their free online scan. Works like a charm.

You need more memory

This is by far the biggest one with Windows based machines. Your computer is running really slow simply because it doesn't have enough memory to get the job done. A computer likes to store the activities its currently working on inside of your memory (or RAM, same thing). RAM is way faster than your hard drive, so it makes sense. It temporarily stores the data into RAM and allows quick access. When you have too little RAM, your computer has to use the hard drive to access the data, and as such, runs really slow. How much RAM do you need? If you are running Windows XP, you want at least 512MB to maintain a smooth experience. If you're looking at Windows Vista, grab at least 1GB. If you aren't sure how much you currently have, right click the "my computer" icon and choose "properties." You should be able to see system information.

You have too many things running in the system tray

This goes hand in hand with needing more RAM, but another common cause. Close out all the programs in there you don't need. I'd suggest stopping some of them from starting on boot up. To do so go to start > run > type "msconfig" (no quotes) and a window will pop up. Click the Startup tab and look through the items, unchecking anything you don't need to start up. If you aren't sure what it is, leave it alone. But ask yourself, do I REALLY need this program to start every time I boot up? It will greatly help your computer out.

Those four reasons are by far the most common reasons a computer would run really slow. Run the virus scans, spware/adware scans and stop unneeded things from loading.

rd drive to access the data, and as such, runs really slow. How much RAM do you need? If you are running Windows XP, you want at least 512MB to maintain a smooth experience. If you're looking at Windows Vista, grab at least 1GB. If you aren't sure how much you currently have, right click the "my computer" icon and choose "properties." You should be able to see system information.

You have too many things running in the system tray

This goes hand in hand with needing more RAM, but another common cause. Close out all the programs in there you don't need. I'd suggest stopping some of them from starting on boot up. To do so go to start > run > type "msconfig" (no quotes) and a window will pop up. Click the Startup tab and look through the items, unchecking anything you don't need to start up. If you aren't sure what it is, leave it alone. But ask yourself, do I REALLY need this program to start every time I boot up? It will greatly help your computer out.

Those four reasons are by far the most common reasons a computer would run really slow. Run the virus scans, spware/adware scans and stop unneeded things from loading.

'd suggest stopping some of them from starting on boot up. To do so go to start > run > type "msconfig" (no quotes) and a window will pop up. Click the Startup tab and look through the items, unchecking anything you don't need to start up. If you aren't sure what it is, leave it alone. But ask yourself, do I REALLY need this program to start every time I boot up? It will greatly help your computer out.

Those four reasons are by far the most common reasons a computer would run really slow. Run the virus scans, spware/adware scans and stop unneeded things from loading. If that doesn't fix the speed issue, check the amount of RAM you have, as it is likely the culprit. You can likely add more RAM. If you're unsure how to do this, there are many articles out there about it, or you can contact your local PC repair shop.