When you notice that your computer is running very slow there could be many reasons behind it. Luckily problems like these are very common and most often very easy to rectify. Most of the time it will be an issue of spyware. Spyware are little bot programs that run in your computers background without notice hence the reason why its a surprise when the computer does slow down to a worms inch. The following are possible causes of computer slow downs which will be discussed in more detail:

1. Spyware & Viruses
2. Unnecessary processes & Start-up Programs
3. Hardware Issue
4. Neglected Regular Maintenance

1. SPYWARE & VIRUSES
When you experience problems like this its a good idea to run your spyware removal software as well as do a full system virus scan. Adaware is a very good and reliable program that is free for download from Lavasoft. AVG is a good free virus removal application, however I would recommend Norton or McAfee. If you have not installed and spyware or virus removal applications, I strongly urge you to do so immediately. Spyware is commonly acquired from downloading music, videos and games from P2P networks such as Bearshare and Limewire. Adult sites are a huge culprit for spyware. Anti-viral and spyware programs will most often solve the problem.

2. UNNECESSARY PROCESSES & START-UP PROGRAMS
If you have completed running your anti-spyware and virus removal applications and your computer still remains to be slow, you could potentially have too many unnecessary processes running. Processes are everything that your computer is running at the same time. Some processes are not required for computer functionality and thus not need to be operating. When you eliminate unnecessary processes then you increase processor speed as well as free up memory. But how do I configure processes?:

GO TO: Control Panel > Performance Information & Tools ( XP slightly different name)

Another quick way to eliminate unnecessary processes is to delete whats inside of your startup folder in the programs menu when you click the start button on your desktop. Unless you know of a program that you absolutely need to be ran.

3. HARDWARE ISSUES
If eliminating unnecessary processes still hasn't rectified the issue, then you could potentially have a hardware issue. Your RAM could be "leaking". Leaking means that your RAM stick(s) are losing their memory capacity. Much like lithium ion batteries they can fail to maintain their standard. But before we go jumping

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