Computers and Technology

Like it or not our lives are virtually controlled by computers. Computers give us the ability to do many things we cannot do without them and we can't imagine our lives now without them. Today computer and internet skills are very important to our everyday lives. We face error and repair type issues constantly and now more than ever we need enough knowledge to do a simple slow computer fix to our own computer. Simply put, we need to keep them functioning as they should and at an adequate speed.

Here are some things for you to look at that you might be able to do "at home":

(1) Does your computer have too many unneeded programs installed and / or running?
There are programs pre-loaded by the computer companies that you do not want or need. All computer companies do it. In fact my best computers have been the ones I have had built by local people or shops by assembling components to my specs. That way I didn't get the "garbage". To have these applications removed from your computer is not easy and can even be dangerous for the computer. Probably the best solution to these "extra" programs is to let a professional clean them out of your computer for you.

(2) Does your computer have the right amount of memory?
Many times a slow computer is one lacking enough memory, especially in older units. The longer you work your computer the more data is stored away. Windows XP stores data in as many as five separate locations. It seems that our computers now have a tremendous amount of capacity compared to say ten years ago, but the computer requires so much more as well. The amount of data storage capacity varies with the uses of the computer. Home computers do not need anywhere near the memory (or the CPU speed) as one used for high-performance games. Check with the software company for its recommendations for your computer which will probably be on the software box or in the instruction manual.

(3) What is the hard disk and random access memory?
The two main types of memory your computer has is the hard disk memory and the RAM or random access memory. Simply put the hard disk is where data is stored permanently, or long term, and the RAM is short term memory. Either of these two types of computer memory can make your computer slow down. The slow computer fix could be either installing more memory or eliminating some of the data you are storing. Honestly the RAM effects speed more often, so check it first, through the specifications required.

(4) What about the computer's registry?
Registry cleaning is really very simple and may be the best thing for you to do at this point. The registry is virtually the brain of the computer and is where your operating system stores many of the important configurations for applications, start up, etc. Optimizing your computer's registry can help remove unnecessary information and that can be a slow computer fix also. Over and over again it seems the registry is the main problem. It may not solve all your problems but it is a possible quick inexpensive fix.