Why my computer is slow?

There are several reasons why your computer can be slow. Especially when it happens suddenly, then it can be slow because of malware (spyware, adware, trojans, viruses..) present. However, it's not always malware causing this.
Installing new software which may not be compatible with other software present already, a fragmented drive, uncontrolled applications, lack of maintenance, a full disk etc etc.. cause a serious system slowdown.
A lot of programs running in the background may cause a system slowdown as well, as they will steal away trace amounts of memory and processing time as your computer runs.

It is also a fact that older computers run slower than new computers. Unfortunately there isn't much you can change about this.

So, when your computer is slow, use next troubleshooting checklist to improve Computer Performance:

1. What are the Specifications of your computer, especially RAM (128MB, 256MB, 512MB, more...?)

To find out, rightclick My Computer and choose Properties > General tab.
If less than 512MB, pay attention to what software you install (memory requirement and processing time) and make sure you don't let them all starting up with windows. The more programs that start up with windows, the more resources they need > result > slow computer.

Every computer needs Security software installed (Antivirus+Firewall) and should start up with Windows/run in the background. This is called the Real Time protection. In case you are only having 256MB or less, choose an Antivirus and Firewall that doesn't require that much memory and processing time. So don't install "heavy" programs like Norton, Panda, McAfee, TrendMicro... in such cases. Check the system requirements first before you download and install them.

This is the same for any other piece of software. Desktop enhancement tools, for example Window Blinds, XP Visual Styles, DesktopX.. may also slow down your system.

Don't let several programs start up with Windows if you don't need them right away. Many programs add a key in the registry automatically during install to let it start up with Windows. So once Windows has loaded, these programs stay running in the background without you really needing them. You can always start these programs manually via Start > All Programs when you need them. However, it is still important that your Antivirus and Firewall stays enabled and starts up with Windows. All the rest is optional and it's up to you to decide which programs you think are useful to start up with Windows or not.


2. Don't install more than one Antivirus and Firewall with Realtime Protection enabled.

This is a common mistake many users make. They think that having more than one Antivirus and Firewall installed will protect them in a better way. It won't.. On the contrary..
Rather than giving you extra protection, it will seriously decrease reliability and effectiveness ! The reason for this is that if both products have their automatic (Real-Time) protection switched on, your system may lock up due to both software products attempting to access the same file at the same time. Also, if more than one Antivirus and Firewall installed are not compatible with eachother, it can cause system performance problems and a serious system slowdown. It happens quite a lot that a system won't even boot properly because of more than one Antivirus and Firewall installed.
When having general computer problems and you have more than one AV/Firewall installed, this can be the main cause of your problems.

Concerning Antispywarescanners, it's ok for you to install more than one.However, it's not advised that you let them all start up with Windows, running as a Real Time scanner. Only keep one running in the background and disable the rest, because AntispywareScanners are also resource hogs. They are actually all doing the same, so it's really not needed to have more of them running in the background. After all, you do not use more than one different vacuum cleaner either to clean your carpet with.
Just let the Antispyware scanner(s) scan once in a while on demand.

3. Clean forgotten programs

Many users install Software and leave it installed without ever using it. They only use it a few times and never use it again because it's not exactly what they were looking for or not necessary anymore. In this case, uninstall them if you won't use them again.
In case you have software trials installed, keep in mind that most trials only work for a certain period of time. Once the trial expires, if you're not planning to purchase it, there is really no need to keep it installed, even running in the background/using extra disc space. So uninstall them.

4. Clean unused files from your system

Deleting unused files allows Windows to run faster by freeing up valuable hard disk space.. These unused files are especially Temporary Files, URL history, cookies, Autocomplete form history, files present in Recycle bin...

Easy steps to do this manually:

* Clean Cache and Cookies in IE:

• Close all instances of Outlook Express and Internet Explorer.
  
• Go to Control Panel > Internet Options > General tab
  
• Under Browsing History, click "Delete". This should open a new Window.
  
• Click "Delete Files", "Delete cookies" and "Delete history"
  

• Go to start > run and type: cleanmgr and click ok.
  
• Let it scan your system for files to remove.
  
• Make sure Temporary Files, Temporary Internet Files, and Recycle Bin are the only things checked.
  
• Click ok to remove them