Why do Computers Seem to Become Slower?

thebeginning

thebeginning

New Member
After a few years of use, my desktop is noticeably slower than when I bought it. This is common, right? I have no viruses or spyware and I defrag sometimes, but not much improves.


Is it unnecessary programs running in the background?
More space on the main HD needed for the OS to really move freely?


Just curious :)
 
in theroy no computer dont get slower over time but many factors on the computer slow it down

1.more data
2.Hotter running temps
3.User being using a faster comp and then going back to old one making it
feel like his is alot slower

in the same way yes if the circut bored and components arnt treated right the deteriate over time so they would become slower

i hope this helps
 
ID10T
pebkac
windows
poorly coded programs
memory leaks
botched updates
lack of memory (cache, ram, virtual, etc)
crappy drivers
malware - spyware - virus - etc

There are like a billion factors that could make a computer slower
 
tlarkin said:
ID10T
pebkac
windows
poorly coded programs
memory leaks
botched updates
lack of memory (cache, ram, virtual, etc)
crappy drivers
malware - spyware - virus - etc

There are like a billion factors that could make a computer slower
Click to expand...



well, terrific.

what is pebkac? And how do you know if programs are poorly coded or not? Would a poorly coded program slow down the system if they are running?

Is there a way to prevent these (aside from lack of memory, spyware/virus, and windows)?
 
ID10T
pebkac
windows
poorly coded programs
memory leaks
botched updates
lack of memory (cache, ram, virtual, etc)
crappy drivers
malware - spyware - virus - etc
Click to expand...
That's the only one that needs to be mentioned.
 
like said, full hdd. also too many processes running in background. try thia: hit ctrl+alt+del. Check how many processes you are running. I run SP3 XP Pro, an am running 22, normaly. So 25+/- should be the limit, accoutning for open programs, firewalls, blablabla. Also, check your task bar, right where the time is. How many little Icons are there, and what are they? things like quicktime aren't needed running.
 
hmm, ok, you can find the definition of pebkac here.

Data fragmentation really is a thing of the past for the most part, unless you are modifying, creating, and delete large amounts of data. NTFS for one, is a self optimizing filing system. While, not perfect, and fragmentation does occur, and it would never hurt to try to defragment your HD, I would not suspect that was the only thing causing a slow down.

You basically just have to start somewhere and start cleaning up your system. I would start looking at how much free space you have. Also, what version of Windows are you running?
 
The main cause I have found, is a failing HDD. I know I hit on this subject a lot, but it's a very common problem. When a hard drive fails it has to read/write a sector multiple times before it can get the correct data thus making it slower. So usually it's a combo of the computer being filled up or the HD failing..
 
Your HDD could be filling up...or alternatively, you might need a good registry cleaner. (I'm assuming you run adware/spyware programs and have virus checked?)

Over time, you have a lot of bits and pieces left over from installing, uninstalling, crashes, etc...a good registry cleaner will resolve a lot of these problems. Problem is, I have yet to find a good free one. Most will scan for you and tell you that you have a ton of problems, but to fix them, you need to buy it.

Then again, the good ol' backup and formatting process is a safe bet. ;)
 
smoothjk said:
Your HDD could be filling up...or alternatively, you might need a good registry cleaner. (I'm assuming you run adware/spyware programs and have virus checked?)

Over time, you have a lot of bits and pieces left over from installing, uninstalling, crashes, etc...a good registry cleaner will resolve a lot of these problems. Problem is, I have yet to find a good free one. Most will scan for you and tell you that you have a ton of problems, but to fix them, you need to buy it.

Then again, the good ol' backup and formatting process is a safe bet. ;)
Click to expand...

Yep. That's why I have a dedicated server for backups and I reformat every few months. I keep a master image for each computer so I don't have to reinstall drivers and apps over and over so it keeps it pretty simple.
 
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