Possible Solutions to a Slow Computer
If your computer seems to be running relatively slow when you think it shouldn't be, here are a few things you can check for:
- Reboot - Many times a computer will run slow due to a lack of available memory. Rebooting your computer lets the computer free some memory that was being used by applications.
- Close unnecessary programs - Quite a few programs like to hide in your system tray when they're not needed. Common offenders include Quicktime, Real, OpenOffice, Picasa, and more. Unless specifically told not to, these placeholder programs will load on startup and can use quite a lot of memory. While a few can be useful, most just want attention. If you need help disabling some of these system-tray programs from loading, let us know and we'll be happy to help.
- One or all? - If only one program is running slow, it could be a problem with the program rather than your computer. If this is the case (and depending on the program) there may be patches available to fix the problem; re-installing the program may help also. Please contact us for assistance before applying patches to or re-installing mission-critical software.
- Believe in the unknown - There may be some sketchy programs running that you don't even know about. Viruses can invade your computer when you're not looking. Fortunately, help is out there. If your computer came with anti-virus software, be sure to use it. If not, there are some free alternatives out there such as AVG. Spyware can also slow down your computer as well as sending your personal information to places unknown. Since spyware is technically not a virus, many antivirus programs might not catch it, or even look for it (unless you're paying extra). But you can download programs such as Spybot - Search & Destroy to help clean your computer and free resources.
- Ghosts in the machine - On occasion, a program will leave leftovers when it's uninstalled. Files and registry entries that it couldn't, or just forgot to remove. They're not technically viruses or spyware, but these stray bits of data can start to slow your system after a while. Various solutions exist to remove them from your system but doing so can be dangerous if you're unsure about what you're doing.
If you're still having problems with your computer, feel free to contact us at problem@pharmacy.ohio-state.edu. We can help!