Anyone out there who is, or who is married to, a tech nerd, PLEASE leave a comment and help me!
My computer runs so slowly lately, mostly when I'm online. But I don't think it's my internet because my husband's laptop works fine at home. It must be my computer. I had my hard drive completely cleaned off and all my programs reinstalled only maybe 6 months ago, but I'm sure there is some sort of maintanance you're supposed to do on your computer to keep it running well, like the tech equivalent of getting your oil changed. I just have no idea what it is. Delete cookies? Temporary internet files? Check for viruses using ____ program? I have no idea. I just get on and start typing. Anyone got any tips for me?
10 comments:
If it's mainly just running slow on the internet...you probably just need some more RAM.
Kami's husband Kyle will definately know how to help! He's a TOTAL COMPUTER GEEK!
The only solution I know of involves swearing and a sledgehammer.
You would have to call Brandon about that. 7 oh 6 one 2 six 8
i got nothing. sorry.
Dan says if it's just when you're on the internet, and not with your husband's machine, then it's probably a virus or something. He suggests you download and install Avast, Adaware, and Zonealarm. Those 3 programs will most likely find the problem, fix it and prevent it. He says you can call if you need help.
Here's what my hubby usually asks:
-when did you last defragment the hard drive?
-run a virus/spyware scan
I am really hard on hard drives. I manage to kill one about every 2 years. I defragment my hard drive every couple of months, but that is al the help I have. Hope you get some good advice.
Wow, where to start -
You can delete your internet history/temp. files/cookies in Internet Explorer by going to Tools -> Delete Browsing History. Click on the "Delete All" button.
Just browsing the Internet can pickup some annoyances. One of the best things I have done is to start using Mozilla Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. Most of the viruses and bugs are written for Internet Explorer because most of the Internet users use Internet Explorer. So, by using Firefox, you can take the bulls eye off your chest and browse a little more safely.
But, before you start over, there is quite a bit you can do for your computer. Make sure you are running some sort of Anti-virus program (Norton, McAffee, or AVG - my favorite cuz its 100% free!)
http://free.grisoft.com/ww.download?prd=afe
Before you run an anti-virus scan, make sure the definitions are updated. If it finds a virus, it SHOULD remove it for you. But, there is always the chance you got something nasty and you will have to boot into safe mode and run the anti-virus scanner again. I have never seen AVG fail.
Now, there are also programs out there called spyware or adware. These are little gems that aren't really viruses. They can track your internet habits and can also cause all those annoying popups. There isn't a tried and true/easy method of removing these. But, a good place to start is to download Ad-Aware (also 100% free!) from here -
http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-2008/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?cdlPid=10844457
Just like anti-virus stuff, update it and scan your computer. It will find lots of stuff and will help you with removing it.
If neither of the above speed up your computer, you can also defrag your computer (Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Defragmentor). This takes all of the files on your hard drive and makes sure they aren't split up. It makes it so your hard drive doesn't have to work as hard when finding a certain file. I don't do this very often, but it wouldn't hurt to try.
Also, take a look at that little area by your clock. The more things down there, the more stuff that is running. Google Desktop, Dell's update center (if you own a Dell), etc. etc. all take up resources. You can check to see if there is a way to stop it from loading at startup or uninstall it completely if you never use it.
Email me with any questions. I am happy to help.
My tip is...call Kenny!
:)
My tip is...call Kenny!
:)
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