If there’s anything more frustrating than a slow internet connection, it’s probably a slow computer. When you’re running behind on deadlines and just want to check everything off your To-Do list, the last thing you want to have to deal with is a computer that can’t seem to keep up. You might be tempted to just fling the device at a wall and walk out, but luckily, there are a few quick fixes that are not quite as drastic.
Read on to find out the top 5 reasons your computer is running slow and what you can do to fix it. Tried them all and nothing seems to be working? Your computer may be in need of professional help in the form of an IT consulting in Melbourne.
- Too many background programs or browser tabs are open
This one’s quite common. You may be doing some research on a topic and open one too many tabs. Or you may be flitting from one task to another in an attempt to multitask and have 5 different programs open in the background. All of these can end up using more processing power than your computer possesses, in turn making your computer slow.
Shut down any tabs you are not immediately using, or create bookmarks if you feel you will need to use them again in the near future. Focus on a single task at one time and close any programs you aren’t actively using. Using singular focus can even make you more productive when your attention isn’t divided, making this a win-win solution.
- Shortage of RAM memory
Older computers typically have less RAM than newer ones. As technology progresses, newer software and programs typically require more RAM to run, which can cause bottlenecks in older devices. At the beginning of this century, 2GB was more than enough RAM to conduct all the necessary processes on a computer. Now, a 64-bit system requires at least 8GB of RAM to conduct day-to-day tasks, especially if you’re using a memory-hogging browser like Chrome.
If your RAM is anywhere below 8GB, it might be time for an upgrade.
- Your hard disk or memory is full
Another common reason for a slow computer is usually a hard disk that is at least 85% full. Internet downloads, software updates, background apps and temporary files as well as certain memory-intensive apps such as those used for graphic design or coding all take up a significant amount of memory on your computer.
If it’s been a while since you’ve emptied your computer’s trash, start there. Delete any downloads or files you aren’t using. Make sure to do this in the presence of an IT specialist so you don’t accidentally delete a file your operating system needs to function properly! Then move any larger files to the cloud. Finally, find and delete any temporary files your device may have stored while updating apps.
- Your computer is infected with malware or viruses
While many viruses and malware that infect your computer make themselves apparent by encrypting files, forcing popups, or a demand for ransom, other viruses may be running quietly in the background, slowing down your computer.
Working with your IT consultant, de-bug your computer and install powerful firewalls to ensure your device doesn’t get re-infected. If you use your device for work, it is important to have a multi-layered security system to protect your company’s data from theft and misuse.
- Too many applications automatically open when your computer starts up
It may be convenient to start up where you left off, but when too many applications start opening up as soon as your device starts up, it could put a massive load on your device’s processor. There may be several apps you are not even aware of that may be opening when you switch your computer on, such as antivirus software.
Changing your computer’s startup log is a task suited to be completed only by an IT expert. Work with a leading IT consulting firm in Melbourne to figure out which apps to disable to help your computer run faster.
