Tommy C Tech Newsletter for May 2009
Why has my computer become so slow?
It happens quite often while I make my usual office rounds that a user will look quietly over my shoulder as I am working on his or her terminal to interject politely "Ehem, Excuse me, but can I ask you a question? My computer at home...( then about 10 minutes later).. is really slow."
My answer winds up being longer winded than the unsuspecting user bargained for and is usually responded with those glazed over nods of understanding that seem to say "I have no idea what you are talking about."

It didn't take long for me to discover the magic of the analogy. When I have a hard time understanding an idea or concept a good analogy always helps to clear the fog. I have thus developed simple analogies that help me to describe certain computer concepts to the tech-speak uninitiated in a user friendly manner and in this instance the analogy of choice is the automobile.

The Automobile Analogy
It goes like this. If you don't service your automobile it will eventually come to a grinding halt leaving you stranded on the side of the road. Likewise, the computer is no exception. If you do not service your computer regularly it will eventually grind to a halt leaving you stranded. Especially if you take it for regular spins out on the information super highway and usually when you need it the most.

With this said, lets take closer look at some of the reasons why this happens.

Downloading to many Internet Freebies (clickaholism)
When we buy a new PC, it is in its best condition, free from any kind of unwanted information, the system is uncluttered and it works unhindered to fulfill all your computing requirements. In due course, however, this changes. Internet surfing habits often have an effect on how well your computer runs. A fine example is all the offers for free software we are teased and enticed with while we browse the internet. Free anti virus, free spy ware removal software, free firewalls. Many of these "free" tools are actually virus, ad ware and spy ware them selves. Once we give in to the temptation to install these little gems is when many problems begin (we will look at this in more detail in the next issue).

Installing Widgets and Toolbars (accessory acquisition disorder)
Next we have widgets and toolbars. Widgets are cool. They can tell you the weather, they can tell you CPU utilization, they can display pictures of your family and friends, or they can even show you a map. But after a while, they tend to add up and if you have to many of them all running at the same time (and especially if you have so many installed that you don’t really know what they’re for anymore), it’s time to get rid of a few.

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To Many Items in Startup (the road hog)
Take a look down at the lower right hand of your screen. See all those little icons next to the time? Those are called TSR's and they represent programs that start up and run when windows starts up. The more icons you have in this little system tray the more overhead is being eaten up from your system, thus slowing you down.
It’s convenient to have everything load up when Windows starts. After all, you use Real Player, QuickTime, AIM, Office, and many more programs all the time why not have them start when windows starts? Unfortunately, you'll have to make 3 trips for coffee by the time you can actually use your desktop.

Visiting Questionable Web Sites (joy riding)
Next we have web sites that specialize in what i like to call "Questionable Content" Chances are good that these sites are infested with viruses, trojans, spy ware, mal ware, and whatever else these guys can dream up. Your weakness for sites with these goodies is your loss and their gain. It’s even more embarrassing when the neighborhood teenage techie tells you what caused the problems.

Normal Use (easy on the lead foot)
Other less ominous culprits that can accumulate over time can be a fragmented hard drive, a large amount of temp files and registry errors, all which can be the result of normal computer use such as adding and deleting files and programs.

Mechanical Failures (blowing a gasket)
There are also mechanical culprits responsible for slow computer performance.
These can include things like Processor Overheating -- Modern processors generate a lot of heat. That's why all processors require some sort of cooling element, typically a fan of some type. When the processor temperature goes over spec, the system can slow down or run erratically. Large amounts of dust accumulate inside your machine over time. This dust acts like an insulator that holds the heat in around your computers most critical components. This excessive heat build up causes these components to start breaking down which lead to system slow down and ultimately a complete system failure and a higher repair bill.

Failing hard disk (seizing the engine)
There are many signs of imminent failure before a hard disk finally gives up. Some of these signs include:
Slow access times on the affected drive.
Computer "Freezing up" when your in the middle of something.
An increasing number of bad sectors when running scan disk and chkdsk.
Unexplained Blue Screens.
Intermittent boot failures.
Detecting a failing hard disk can be tricky because the early signs are subtle. Experienced computer professionals can often hear a change in the normal disk spin. After the disk deteriorates further, you'll see the system crawl to a standstill. This can lead to loss of important data if you do not maintain a regular external back up.

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In Conclusion
In this issue we have touched on a few of the culprits that cause your computer to bog down. In the next issue we will discuss a few of the methods and tools used to snap your computer out of its dull drums and return it to its speedy and responsive performance just like when it was brand new.
In the mean time if you have any questions or comments please feel free to post your questions by visiting the support page on my web site.

See you then.
Tommy C

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