Frustrated? Been there. You, me, and about a million other people. We even gave it a name: 'Slow Computer Syndrome'. Take a minute. Enjoy the cartoons. Fantasize ... then when you're ready, read on to speed up your computer.

The most common problems associated with 'Slow Computer Syndrome' and the solutions to them, are found here. Including: Spyware, Adware, Malware, Badware, Viruses, Unnecessary programs, Full and fragmented Disk Drive, Cluttered and erroneous Registry, Unnecessary video settings, etc. Find links to free scanners, removers, cleaners, such as: Spybot S&D, AVG, Adaware SE, EasyCleaner, CCLeaner, and many more. May your Computer run slow no more!

For the Do-it-yourselfers ...

(NOTE: Bookmark this page for easy return between steps)

0. BackUp BackUp BackUp Before anything else, make sure you save ALL your files: Documents, pictures, term papers, etc. You should always have backups because computers fail for all sorts of reasons.

Fix: BackUp your files

1. Priority Updates. Make sure Windows is up-to-date. We recommend using automatic updates. Computer running slow? Maybe it's time for an update.

Fix: Windows Update

2. Bloated Security Suites. Bloated Security Suites can slow performance!

Many have reported that Security Suites hurt performance dramatically

Fix: Tame Security Suites

3. Spies are watching. Spyware is a file which records information about your internet activity and relays it back to advertisers. Computer running slow? This is thought by many to make a computer slow.

if your PC is slower than normal at performing routine tasks, you may have spyware - MICROSOFT

Fix: AntiSpyware

4. Virus infection. These are files, using resources on YOUR computer, which you never asked for! They too, can cause computer to be slow [among other things]. Keep antivirus software up to date.

Fix: Antivirus software

5. Bloated registry. Your registry is like a directory of all the programs and other files you have on your system. This too can become disorganized and cause your computer to run slow.

Fix: Clean your registry

6. System breach. If you don't already have a firewall or don't think you need one you may want to review this step. Your computer could be sending and receiving unauthorized data and making your computer slow. Do not be a spammer's zombie!

Fix: Firewall Protection

7. Unused Programs. Programs you do not use or do not need, require space on your hard drives, and in memory - making computer run slow, and possibly startup slow.

Fix: Remove Programs

8. Wasted space. Fix slow computer by deleting temporary and unnecessary files from your hard drive. Speed up your computer's performance.

Fix: Run Disk Cleanup

9. File fragmentation. Over time, the files on your hard drive get broken into pieces, making them harder to retrieve and update. Result: Files take longer time to retrieve and save, making computer run slow.

Fix: Run Disk Defragmenter

10. Disk Errors. Your PC spends much time reading and writing data to the hard drives. Slow computer performance can be caused by badly arranged or erroneous files on your hard disk.

Fix: Run Check Disk

11. BAD, but not all lost. If your computer is beyond all help, but is only a few years old, you have another option ...

Fix: Make like new

12. Free utilities A collection of free utilities for the adventurous beginner and the technically savvy. Free antispy software, free antivirus software, free registry cleaner, and more!

Fix: Free Utilities

13. Low Memory. Having enough memory can make the difference in speed. Eg., Windows XP runs very well with 1Gig, and well enough for most people with 512M, but a PC runs slow with less. Adding memory can be the least expensive and yet one of the most significant ways to speed up computer.

"More memory: It's the quickest, easiest, cheapest upgrade." -PC MAGAZINE

Fix: Check your memory

14. Slow hardware. Technology changes fast. And with each new change comes more advanced software to take advantage of the speed. It may be, its time for you to consider trading in your slow system for a faster one. You might even consider an Apple Computer...

Fix: Slow Computer

15. Eye candy. Some of the graphical options set by default are unnecessary. Speed up your slow computer by turning off some of the glitter.

Fix: Turn off glitter

16. Dust in the machine. After hundreds of hours of sifting through household air, the computer literally accumulates dust in the fans and heat-sink.

Fix: Blow away the dust bunnies!

17. More advanced problem. If you're still asking, 'Why is my computer so slow?' after applying the above solutions, you may need to seek more advanced help.

Fix: Get more help

If you have been helped by DeBog's slow computer fixes, Please help us, and Email a friend about DeBog and help them speed up their computer