Ask Juan - Question and Answer
Improve Computer Performance
Question:
Juan, I have a Dell Computer, of which I did not purchase but was purchased by the church in which I work. This thing is the slowest piece of equipment that I have ever worked with. I have Spyware Doctor, Registry Cleaner, Registry Mechanic and Spy Blocs to help me keep the machine clean of corruptions. I have defragged, cleaned the C drive and still I get program freezes, crashes and slow operation. Is there anything that I can do to improve performance besides C-4 and a new computer?
Answer:
Based on the information you have provided, I cannot pinpoint the source of your frustration. However I can suggest in general terms what steps you can take to discover your options. Here is what I see or imagine that is happening.
One, you use a dial-up Internet service (judging by your email address - removed for your protection) which could make your computer seem slow.
Two, you have way too many computer "cleaner" programs that (if used concurrently) will contradict each other and slow your operations. This usually happens with well meaning programs that try to help you by running in the background to "protect" you from the enemy. But if each other are trying to do the same, each time a file gets accessed, one program might inspect it, and then the other will get in the action because it sees undue activity. Then the other will respond in the same way and then the other… you get the point.
Three, I do not see you mention a virus scanner or firewall (which I consider to be the second most important component for a computer to be invader free.) The first line of defense is prudence. Read my article on spyware.
Four, what is the advertised speed of your computer? Older computers might identify its processor in megahertz (Mhz) whereas newer computers do it in gigahertz (Ghz.) In addition to bigger numbers in the processor, you might want to investigate how much memory you have, again, the more the better. The hard drive can be a factor too. Older hard drives are slower than currently available ones because they use different technology.
Recommendation:
- One, get a better Internet service provider (ISP.)
- Two, get rid of all the extra programs in your computer that you are not using.
- Three, get a good virus and firewall program that won't bog down your computer. I recommend AVG + Firewall, an excellent combination in one program that is fast and easy to configure. Regarding, the spyware, Microsoft offers a great program called Windows Defender and it's free.
- Four, increase your memory, get a faster hard drive, and if necessary replace your motherboard with a faster processor.
Any combination of the above will improve your computing power, some more than others. You said, "besides a new computer" but I think that sometimes it is not worth all the trouble when you can get a new computer for under $500.
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Subscriber Comments:
Am well pleased with Ask Juan. Just wanted to let you know that very recently I ordered another RAM chip, 512MB, which doubles my total memory. This was ordered from Crucial. They literally hold your hand going through the process. That fits today’s Issue 12. Thanks again. Paul Arvin Sitka, AK