| I am having problems with slow performance on my | | | | checker and your malware protection programs. |
| Dell PC. It only has 256 MB of RAM and I am | | | | 2. Junk files reside in many places and the best way to |
| considering upgrading, but it seems to be slower than it | | | | clean them up is with a little program called Window |
| used to be. Before I upgrade the memory, I want to | | | | Washer by Web root. A program called Window |
| make sure there aren't other problems. I have run | | | | Washer will clean all the dead files (temps, backups, |
| software to clean the registry and also am current on | | | | etc.) from your system. If you don't have that, use your |
| my antivirus and spyware protection software. One | | | | Windows Explorer and delete everything in your temp, |
| thing I have noticed is that the page file always seems | | | | temporary internet files and recycle folders. |
| to be pretty close to maxed out. Is this a sign that I | | | | 3. Run defrag from the programs - accessories - |
| need more memory or is there some other way to | | | | system tools folder to optimize your data and make |
| free up space. I am also curious about programs that | | | | things run faster. |
| open when I start the computer. Is there a set of | | | | All computer problems are either software or |
| "standard" applications that I should expect to see | | | | hardware related. If you have truly cleaned and |
| running in the background? | | | | optimized your software database (including complete |
| Answer: If your Dell computer has an Intel Celeron | | | | virus and spyware scans), then comes the hardware. |
| processor in it, that could be your problem, because | | | | Dell typically builds a good box and the PIV is a solid |
| they have a tendency to deteriorate over time. If you | | | | processor. I therefore don't think the odds of a |
| DO have a Celeron computer, I would seriously | | | | hardware problem including a degrading motherboard |
| consider buying a new PC. | | | | (the first thing you look at) are very high. |
| 256 MB might be OK in your system if you don't do | | | | Therefore suggest you continue the software |
| much multi-tasking. As you know, your page file is just | | | | optimization process. You did not mention a spyware |
| a block of space on your hard drive that your system | | | | program so, if you don't have one, I suggest the free |
| uses as extra RAM - and it is really slow when it is | | | | AVG program (just log onto and download it. Also, I've |
| being used. To avoid this, keep your computer tuned | | | | had great luck with the AVG antivirus program and like |
| up. | | | | it as well as the new Norton software. Just do not try |
| I mean keep your background programs to a minimum, | | | | to run two anti-virus programs together. You can, |
| keep the junk files cleaned from your hard drive, and | | | | however, install as many anti-spyware programs |
| keep your files defragmented. | | | | side-by-side as you want to. In fact, I highly |
| 1. Remove background programs by running 'msconfig', | | | | recommend it because most of them look in different |
| choosing 'selective startup', going to your startup tab | | | | places for the 'intruders' in your system. |
| and un-checking everything except your registry | | | | |