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We Have Moved!

We’re now conveniently located near the corner of Whitcomb and Westnedge behind the Burger King. We are the upper suite in the rear of the building. If you need driving directions, please don’t hesitate to call!

Geek Easy Computers
435 Whitcomb St. UL 201
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269)548-TECH (8324)

Slow Computer Is Slow Part 2

This is a question we get a lot. So as part of Geek Easy Computers series on expanded answers to common questions, we thought we would follow up on “Why is my computer slow?” and include reminders as well as some things we didn’t before since it’s a question that can have many different answers. In this post, we will also touch on the most common causes. If you missed the first post, see: Slow Computer is Slow Part I

Slow Work Progress. Detailed Vector

Slow Work Progress. Detailed Vector

  • Startup Programs – When you buy a new PC, the manufacturers include programs for everybody and a lot of these start and run every time you turn on the PC. After time, you can also accumulate a number of programs that start with everything else when you log in. The computer needs resources to run these programs, and they can bog everything else down.

 

    • Restart – Sometimes your computer just needs to be restarted. You should get in the habit of restarting your computer at least every couple of days. Restarting (rebooting) your system can cure a surprising number of minor issues. Essentially, when you restart your computer you’re clearing off the current state of your software. You’re basically dumping out the junk and starting over again fresh. This includes whatever problems you’ve run into. If the restart doesn’t correct the issue, then you most likely have a larger issue going on.
    • File System Damage – This is a bit tricky to explain, but the computer file system is how it lays out and saves your data including the operating system and programs. When the computer crashes, is powered off suddenly (power button or power outage), the computer may have been writing data. Over time, improper shutdowns or crashes can cause the file system to become corrupt and this can cause slowness or other boot issues.

 

  • Not Enough Power – Maybe you purchased a very basic computer because you just needed to browse the web and send email, but now you’ve gotten into photo or video editing or you want to get into computer gaming. Some tasks just need a much faster processor, more RAM and maybe even a solid-state hard drive (SSD) to accomplish with ease. If this is the case, a higher-end computer is the answer.

 

And as we’ve mentioned, some of the other major factors are:

  • Hardware Issues – If you have bad RAM, a failing hard drive or an overheating computer, these can also cause slowness across the board.
  • Malware – Your Internet suddenly becoming sluggish and slow computer operation can be a symptom of an infection. Scan your system with both anti-virus and anti-malware to determine if you do have an infection.
  • RAM – Your computer may not have enough RAM to do what you are asking of it. RAM allows your computer to multitask. If it doesn’t have enough RAM and tries to do too many things at once, everything bogs down as it swaps data to and from the hard drive to compensate.
  • Hard Drive Space – This especially affects older computers and computers with small amounts of RAM. If your hard drive gets too low on available space, the computer will not be able to manipulate files, slowing down the computer.

So what’s next?

Talk to your computer experts, like the guys at Geek Easy Computers. They will assess the causes of the slow down, and then present you with viable options to repair or upgrade your system, to get it running the way you want it to run! Computers are like any machine in that they need regular maintenance to perform at optimal levels. We are here to make that easier for you. Questions? Contact us below, or on Facebook or Google+!

Geek Easy Computers – Making Technology Easier!

 

 me_smile Adonis Pointer is a photographer, a collector of vintage razors, and a certified technology geek!

Adonis has been involved in computer technology since well, a LONG time! He has been involved in nearly every aspect of the industry from sales to repair to training to consulting. As the Social Media Manager he writes the majority of the posts on the Geek Easy Computers blog.

 

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