You're computer use to be much faster. I don't doubt it.  In this post I will explain some of the most common reasons computers that once ran so smoothly now run at a snails pace and what you can do about it. Why is it slow?

1. Programs are evolving, getting "heavier", more robust, more feature packed and this does a number on your computers performance and your productivity.  Every time you download an update, 9 times out of 10 it is bigger and includes "more stuff".  Although it might look like the same program, the updates that were installed tax your computer just a little bit more now.
2. When you install a new program it installs "other" programs with it.   This is frustrating to me as someone in the IT field because most people DON'T KNOW any better and software companies EXPLOIT that.  You think your just putting on this new music player but you get yet another toolbar, a new default home page for the internet, and 3 more icons next to your clock. Darn.
3. There are too many programs currently running.  Press Control + Shift + Esc right now.  There are tabs for programs and processes.  There's a lot running.  Less is more here.
4. Your desktop background is too big.
5. Toolbars.  You have so many it's almost impossible to see what webpage you're on
6. Hardware issues. You are low on disc space which can cause your PC to run slowly or you have an physical hardware problem.
7. Software issues.  Not all software is compatible with other software.  Get a bad mix and you can have problems.
8. Malware.  Malware is an all encompassing term for the following: viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits, backdoors, grayware, spyware, botnets, keystroke loggers, dialers, and adware. Some are more severe than others and there are thousands of different types of each but they all slow your computer in some way.

What can you do about it?

1. Update wisely. Be selective about which updates you install.  Go to start ->control panel ->windows updates.  Change the automatic update options to something lower than "install updates automatically".  I recommend "download updates but let me choose when to install them".  This way I can see what is about to be installed before it is installed and ignore the stuff I don't want or need.  If you're not sure, go to google and search for what it is.  You should update all security software you own as it becomes availible.  This will help protect you from Malware.  It is up to you whether you want to update non-essential software to save on space and performance.  Older verisons of software are smaller, open faster and can still typically do the same things as their new verisons.  As an example, I use winamp (music listening software) 3.1 from 2001 because I don't need version 5, it's overkill.  Consider switching to alternative software that performs better.  Two examples I can think of right away is switching from Internet explorer to Firefox and from Adobe Reader to Foxit Reader.
2. Always do "advanced" or "custom" installs when putting on new software. It might say that it's only for expert users or something like that but it should say that it's only for smart users.  You will be presented with more options which you should read carefully.  LOOK FOR CHECKBOXES during the setup process that you can uncheck to prevent extra stuff from being installed during your setups.  Don't install more than you need to. You can always uninstall and reinstall again.
3. Start by going to start -> control panel -> add remove programs.  Go through the list and UNINSTALL the programs you don't use.  If you've never heard of it you can probably get rid of it.  The biggest ones here are the proprietary softare that came on a mainstream computer.  HP support center or Dell support tools.  If your warrenty and service contracts are up it is definitely time to get rid of it. If your warrenty is not up, I STILL recommend you get rid of the software.  It is mostly unnecessary.  Continue down your ENTIRE list of programs. They can be sorted by size as well as the day they were last used.  If it's been a couple of years, get rid of it.  If you've never heard of it, get rid of it.  If you accidentally uninstall something you needed, you can reinstall it. Go to download.com or google search for what you want and you can get whatever you need for free in almost every instance.
4. Every time you switch programs or show your desktop, your computer must access the picture.  You can tell it's too big if when you show your desktop it kind of scrolls down and then eventually shows your background.  If it just snaps to it, your're ok.  To get rid of the background, right click on your desktop.  Click on Properties (XP) Personalize (vista).   Click desktop background and then select blank or a single color or find an image that is smaller in size.
5. Some of these toolbars are useful but I feel like all of them are UNnecessary.  A lot of these will be uninstalled in step 3 but some are tricky.  If you're having issues with getting rid of a toolbar, right click it, find something about properties or settings or uninstall on the actual bar itself.  Google search "uninstall xxx" toolbar for more help.
6. Data storage is done on your computer's Hard Drive.  Get your hard drive too full and you can slow your PC to a crawl.  See step 3 again for uninstalling.  Archive some of your data to an external hard drive by cutting and pasting.  We might also recommend a hardware upgrade.  Contact us if you are unsure.
7. If you just installed an update or a new piece of software and you get an unexpected result, see step 3 to uninstall that software. If you need it or can't return it, give us a call or do a google search.
8. Malware can do very bad things to your computer.  Make sure you have a backup solution in place for all of your important data.  If you run antivirus software and keep it current you should be ok but not guaranteed.  See my other posts for more information about this and other self help solutions.  Contact us if you need to setup remote assistance or onsite support for this or another issue.