Computer is very slow- help

mlamping

Hello, I have a ACER computer and I have Wireless net at home. I have two other notebooks and they work fine, so I do not think it is the network, but the Acer is very slow. I check the memory is there is plenty left, so I know it is not memory problem, any idea what can make it so slow to load anything?

 

thanks for all your help.

edielaura

Could it be a virus problem?

MerRhosyn

When you say you checked the "memory" and there is "plenty left"...I assume you mean "free disk space," correct?  That's a completely different thing than memory aka RAM.

When you say it's loading slowly, do you mean programs or websites?  

Do you keep your virus protection up-to-date?  Have you ever defragmented? 

mlamping

My virus protection is up to date and websites and programs are loading slowly. I have not defragmented, what is that and how do I do it? Yes I meant disk space, hard drive. thanks for your help.

dexteroni

You could have some spyware or adware, or like a PP mentioned, a virus.  I run Adaware and Spybot from time to time and they usually clear out anything untoward.  If those don't do it, I've also heard good things about Malwarebytes but I've never used it. 

How old is the PC?  DH wipes our computers and reload the OS every couple years.  That definitely gets rid of any speed issues.   He also adds more RAM from time to time too, which helps with speed.

edielaura

mlamping:

My virus protection is up to date and websites and programs are loading slowly. I have not defragmented, what is that and how do I do it? Yes I meant disk space, hard drive. thanks for your help.

I have a Mac now but I think I remember that it's under the Accessories menu, and then System Tools.  There should be a Defragment thingie.  Basically it cleans up your hard drive. It should give an estimate of how long it will take.

gamingangel

Yeah definitely do a defrag. On a PC, one should do a defrag once a year or at least after a major uninstall.  Slowness typically means spyware or virus, so you will want to scan your pc as well.

dibsontop

For defragging, don't use the Windows built in.  It takes way too long and isn't nearly as effective as other products.  Use Auslogics Disk Defrag.  It's free and you can download it from CNET.

Download here (clicky)

Also, depending on the age of your computer and how it's been used over the years, a reload might be your best bet to bring it back up too speed.