As with most things in life, the older something gets, the less sprightly it can become. Computers are no different. Where, once upon a time, you switched your computer or laptop on, and it whirred into action in what seemed like a blink of an eye…now it seems to limp into action at the speed of a crab on stilts. It can even get to a stage where you turn it on, and have time to go and make a cup of tea before it’s ready for use. So frustrating. Luckily, you don’t need to get a brand new computer – there are several ways to get back up to speed. Let’s get to the bottom of this – Why is my computer so slow?

Potentially Unwanted Programmes

If there’s one sure way to clog up your computer or laptop, it’s filling it with software you don’t need. Often though these days, systems from brand names come with unnecessary programmes “bundled” when your purchase them. A lot of this stuff can be nigh on useless, whilst some software can be trial versions, hoping that you’ll purchase a subscription once the trial is up. You can also find, if you’re not vigilant, that when you download legitimate programmes online there is sometimes a sneaky checkbox, just before the “I accept the terms. Download” button, that if you miss it will install some other utility of one kind or another that you didn’t even want. Over the years these things can build up, if left un-monitored. They can take up valuable space on your hard drive as well as using resources from the system. All this can lead to sluggish performance.

Not Enough Memory (happens to us all!)

Another common crux for older computers and laptops can be a lack of sufficient memory (RAM). A computer’s memory is used by the central processing unit (CPU) when it is running, to store information that it needs to get to very quickly, whilst also using a very limited amount of memory built into the hard drive itself. The more memory means your system can hold onto more information, requiring less data from the hard disk, and hence the CPU doesn’t have to work as hard, leading to better performance.

Choose The Right Anti-Virus Software

It’s very important to have some form of anti-virus software on your compute or laptop. That said, a number of antivirus programmes require a hefty amount of computing power, often leading to performance issues, meaning the computer user experiences a slow down of that system. If this happens to you, do not be tempted to think you can do without anti-virus. In another post on signs that your PC might have a virus, we recommended the Microsoft Windows Defender Security Centre (used in tandem with Malwarebytes – an anti-malware suite). Neither of these are particularly resource dependant, and will keep your safe, whilst not causing a major drop in performance.

Time For Some New Storage

We’ve saved the best tip for last. Probably the best upgrade you could give your computer or laptop if things are running like a snail, is a new hard drive – specifically a Solid-State Drive (SSD). As opposed to traditional hard drives which have an actual spinning disk within their casing, an SSD has no moving parts and information can be taken from, and given to, the drive at speeds far greater than a traditional mechanical drive. A far as upgrades go, an SSD can offer a night-to-day difference in the speed of your overall computer or laptop.

If you’re feeling frustrated and wonder why your computer is so slow, be sure to take a look at our computer upgrade services. and be sure to contact us today to see how we can help you breath some new life into your ageing technology.