Slow Processing Speed

Matthew Maynes

In a world where everything seems to move faster by the day, few things are as exasperating as a slow computer. With deadlines looming and codes moving at a crawling pace, what are you supposed to do about a slow-moving computer?computer. Before you throw your hands up and get the newest technology, there might be something you can do to improve your computer’s performance.

There are many things that could cause your computer to drag. We will be going over some of the issues that could cause your computer to run slow, and the solution to those problems.

 First, your computer could simply need to restart. I know every solution guide starts with this, but it is important to check all the boxes.  Background processes running without your knowledge are a common cause of slow computer performance. These can accumulate over time, taking computational power from your computer.

Solution: To address this, close anything that you have open and restart your computer. You should also restart your computer after installing the software (Cyber Security,  2023). While using the computer, make sure to not have too many tabs or programs open at one time.

 

Second, another common issue is programs running unnoticed, similar to the previous issue. It is very common for programs to not close properly. They can still be eating up space on your RAM, Random Access Memory, and causing your processing speed to slow down.

Solution: The CPU tab will show you all currently running programs on your computer. You’ll be able to end any programs you don’t want to run there. To access this tab on Windows’ Task Manager, use the command “(Ctrl+Alt+Del)”. To access this tab on Mac’s Activity Monitor, use the command “(Cmd + Space, type ‘into spotlight bar’)” (Vintage ITS, 2024)

 Above is an example of the CPU tab on the Task Manager on a Windows.

Third, you could be running out of storage memory. Your computer should have a minimum of 20% of your memory empty (Vintage ITS, 2024). This allows things like temporary files for programs to use that space and increase the speed of the programs.

Solution: You can start by emptying your trash bin. Next would be to use the built in utility to clean the disk. This will remove any files not needed. There are also free programs that would be able to do this as well. Lastly, you could store your data in a cloud storage service, or a secondary storage device (Cyber Security,  2023). To see how much storage is currently being used on Windows, right click on the local disk C from My Computer in your files. Then click on properties. For Mac, click on About this Mac found in the apple (Vintage ITS, 2024).

 

 

This is an example of too much storage being used. There should be around 17 GB of more free space.

Fourth, your processing speed might be slow due to a virus. Viruses can sneak onto your computer in various ways. If you don’t have a proper antivirus program, then viruses could be influencing your processing speed without you knowing it.

Solution: You simply need to download a reputable anti-virus program to clean your computer. It is important to read other’s reviews of these programs as many are not as effective as they claim to be. I would recommend Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, WingetUI, or Patch My PC Updater for some good free antivirus software. Remember, nothing can replace being careful on the internet and avoiding viruses before you get them. 

 

Fifth, you could have too many startup programs open when you turn on the computer. Many apps could be marked as startup programs. This is something they are marked as when they were downloaded, and they could be affecting your processing speed as soon as you open the computer.

Solution: Use the same commands from the second solution. For Windows, click on the Startup tab and disable any app you don’t want to open automatically. For Mac, click on Login Items and uncheck the apps you don’t want (Vintage ITS, 2024).

 

These are only a couple of common issues and their solutions. Below is a list of useful links to find more information and other problems that could be hurting your computer.

https://vintageits.com/how-to-fix-slow-computer/

https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/computer-running-slow-5-reasons-5-ways-speed-things/

https://computronixusa.com/what-causes-a-computer-to-run-slow/

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/best-free-antivirus-software/

https://www.lifewire.com/free-software-updater-programs-2625200

Editor : Trey Labat

Citation:

Fisher, Tim. “11 Best Free Software Updater Programs.” Lifewire, Lifewire, 3 June 2024, www.lifewire.com/free-software-updater-programs-2625200.

Haan, Katherine. “Best Free Antivirus Software of 2024.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 9 May 2024, www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/best-free-antivirus-software/. 

Vintage IT Services. “15 Reasons Your Computer Is Running Slow & What You Can Do to Fix It.” Vintage ITS, 2024, vintageits.com/how-to-fix-slow-computer/. 

“What Causes a Computer to Run Slow.” It Support Company | Managed Service Provider | Cyber Security, 4 Jan. 2023, computronixusa.com/what-causes-a-computer-to-run-slow/.