One of the most common annoyances with computers is performance. If a computer sees a lot of use or otherwise has been around for awhile, it’s natural for it to slowly become…slower. Unfortunately, the Windows operating system is not very efficient when it comes to performance and computers running it require regular maintenance.
Performance issues can be difficult to diagnose but there is almost always some way to make a computer faster, even if it’s a small amount. The cause of your speed issue determines whether or not and how it can be circumvented.
When We Can Help… and When We Can’t
We might be able to make your computer run like new again. Sometimes, though, all we can do is take the edge off your wait and make the slowness slightly more bearable. If your speed issue is at a hardware level, for example, there is usually not much to be done other than replacing that hardware. In most cases, that’s not worth the cost of an upgrade and we encourage system replacement.
On the other hand, if your speed issue is caused by viruses or invasive startup programs, there is hope! Many customers are amazed at how quickly their computer runs after a quick clean-up if we find lots of background clutter running on the computer.
If your computer is several years old and is still lagging after a cleanup, the system might require a re-installation of Windows to get any better. This is sometimes a long and bothersome process, but it can fix a lot of issues and clutter that hang around after years of heavy usage. If your computer has cheap hardware, though, and is several years old, there might not be a lot we can do.
What Causes Slowness?
“My computer slow!” is a common complaint. But what’s behind this problem? Well, it can be lots of things. Often two or more of these problems cumulatively make the issue worse. Sort of like staying healthy requires regular exercise, good sleep, and a balanced diet, computers have multiple systems in place that can go wrong and become slow. These are some of the problems that can contribute:
-Viruses/trojans, other malicious software
-PUP’s (potentially unwanted programs) such as tracking cookies and toolbar apps
-Unnecessary startup processes, stuff your computer launches on startup that it doesn’t need
-Old, outdated, or defective hardware
-General Windows errors
-Running too many applications at once, or using intensive applications on low-grade hardware
While some of these can be mitigated by the user, most of them are best handled by a professional technician. When it comes to nasty viruses or Windows errors, it can be dangerous to try and fix it yourself. Luckily, this stuff is considered the easier work at MCB. Give us a call for a free consult or bring your system in for a diagnostic. You won’t regret it!