It’s not just hardware that can make a computer slow; software can also bring a computer to its knees. While hardware issues are very straightforward, software issues can be more troublesome to identify and rectify. However, if you want to maximize the speed of your computer system, it’s important to take a hard look at any possible software-related issues.

Is software making your computer slower?

1. Bloatware: Have you ever purchased a new computer or smartphone, only to realize there are a bunch of included programs or apps that you have no use for? Those are perfect examples of bloatware. Often, the manufacturer of those programs or apps pays a fee to the computer or phone manufacturer to have that software included with your device.

• New computers also include additional programs that the manufacturers believe offer important functionality.
• Trialware is another type of bloatware included with many new computers. You know those deals where you get three months free and then the payments start.
• Adware is still another type of bloatware. Everyone has suffered from adware at one type or another. This type of software often results in popup ads or directs you to websites with ads.
• All types of bloatware can slow down your computer, some dramatically so. Unfortunately, bloatware can often be challenging to remove from your computer system.

1. Spyware: Spyware is software that monitors your activity and relays that information to another party. The transmitted information can be personal information, such as bank account information, or web browsing activity. The data is frequently sold to marketing and data firms, advertisers, or to those with more criminal intentions.

• Spyware isn’t just an invasion of your privacy, it can also slow down your computer. Spyware can also be difficult to remove.

1. Software conflicts: Software conflicts occur when two programs can’t run efficiently at the same time. This is commonly the result of both programs competing for the same resources. It could be that both programs require an excessive amount of memory, for example.
2. Antivirus software: Antivirus software can be one of the biggest obstacles to computer speed. It takes a tremendous amount of computer resources to constantly scan for viruses. The updates required to keep virus software up to date can also be a burden to speed.

• There’s a good chance that your operating system includes anti-malware features. A third-party antivirus program is often unnecessary.

1. Garbage software: Most computers have a lot of software that serves little purpose. Not only does this software take up valuable hard drive space, it often runs in the background and requires RAM and and processing power to maintain. All of this results in a slower computer.

• Any unused software should be removed. Any programs that needlessly launch at startup should be disabled.

 

Unless you’re known as the computer guru of your social circle, these can be difficult issues to resolve on your own. This is especially true when managing any bloatware, spyware, or software conflicts. The most important takeaway is that the software on your computer can negatively affect your computer’s speed.

In part 3, we’ll look at how your network can affect your computer’s speed.

If your computer has become slower over time, there are several possible reasons. In this three-part series, you’ll learn the primary reasons a computer isn’t reaching its full speed potential. First, we’ll examine the hardware-related reasons that might be preventing your computer from keeping up with your workload.

There are several hardware upgrades that can positively impact your computer’s speed:

1. Processor: If your computer is older, this is one of the likely reasons your computer isn’t satisfying your need for speed. The speed of the latest CPUs increases by a considerable margin each year. An older computer obviously has an older, and slower, central processing unit.

• Keep in mind, that a motherboard will only accept a particular “family” of central processing units. A processor upgrade might require the installation of a new motherboard in some cases.

1. Random Access Memory (RAM): While RAM does indeed have a speed rating associated with it, it’s the amount of RAM in your computer that is more important. Many computers have open memory slots that can be utilized to add additional memory. There is also the possibility of replacing memory modules with modules of greater capacity.
2. Hard Drive Speed. Not all hard drives are created equal. There are two basic designs utilized for modern hard drives: Hard disk drives (HDD) and solid state drives (SSD).

• Hard disk drives are mechanical and use one or more rotating disks to store information. HDDs operate at either 5,400 or 7,200 RPM, depending on the model. A slower speed drive has the potential to slow down your computer. There are a few models capable of 10,000 RPM, but these are quite rare and expensive.
• Solid state drives don’t have moving parts and are more reliable than hard disk drives. An SSD uses flash technology similar to the common USB stick. Solid state drives are more expensive than hard disk drives, but are considerably faster. The typical SSD is more than 10-times faster than the average 7,200 RPM HDD when it comes to reading and writing data.
• To save on cost, putting the operating system on a smaller SSD drive and storing the other programs and data on a conventional HDD is an great option.
• A hard drive that is near capacity can also hinder a computer’s speed. Your computer needs a fair amount of free hard drive space to operate at peak efficiency.

These are the primary hardware culprits to evaluate if your computer seems to be lagging in performance. Take a look at your processor, the amount of RAM, and the type of hard drive(s) in your computer.

Next, we’ll consider the impact software can have on the speed of a computer system.

For some people a new computer can almost be as exciting as a new car. In many cases, a new car is more ready to be used ‘out of the box’ than a new computer! New computers have a host of challenges, depending on your needs. A professional computer setup is a great idea for many users. A few of the services that can be included in a new computer setup:

Data Migration: Most of us would love to get all the data, files, software, and photos from our old computer onto the new computer. Without the proper tools and experience, this can be a challenge. It is quite easy for items to fall through the cracks. It is also easy to inadvertently delete data before the migration process is completed.

Registration: To have a warrantee in place, the computer must be registered properly. This is also true for hardware and software. Many users skip this process. Don’t!

Lessons: Most computer users are utilizing less than 5% of capabilities of their computer system and operating system. A few lessons cannot only help to unlock the remaining 95%; they will also improve productivity, saving both time and money.

Create User Accounts: Have you ever wanted to setup your computer for multiple users and still keep your own files and activities private? It is not time consuming, but there are many options to consider regarding privileges.

Remove bloatware: Most computers have unwanted programs pre-installed. Not only are these programs annoying, they can also drain valuable system resources.

Set default web browser, search engine, homepage: Without choosing your default programs, you are forever stuck with the pre-installed defaults. Get everything set up to your personal preferences.

Create back up system: With a simple USB drive and the appropriate strategy, you can avoid that sinking feeling that happens when your computer fails to boot. Avoid catastrophic data loss.

Install and update Anti-Malware Software: Malware is a major concern for all users. Let the experts get this critical software installed properly.

Set up email accounts: Some users are experts at using email but do not have the slightest idea about how to get everything set up.

Demonstrate and answer questions: You are bound to experience some confusion and have a few questions. We can demonstrate how to use the features of your new machine and answer any questions you might have.

Install hardware devices: It is not always easy to get multiple monitors or a wireless printer to behave. Driver issues are not uncommon and can be challenging to solve. Video cards, sound cards RAM upgrades, and external drives can also be added.

There is more to computer setup than simply plugging it into the wall. A little time and effort on the front end can result in more stable and enjoyable system and get you off to a great start with your new machine.

Wi-Fi uses short-range radio waves to provide a convenient way to access the internet in your home. While the technology can seem magical to many of us, it’s not. It has a limited range, experiences interference, and dead zones are the result. The easiest way to locate them is to take a walk around your home with a wireless device and look at the quality of the connection.A dead zone is any area of your home that should be covered by your Wi-Fi signal, but isn’t.
 
What causes dead zones?
 
1. Your house is too big (I feel so sorry for you). A large home can be challenging to cover adequately with a conventional wireless router. If the router is in one corner of the house, the opposite corner may not have adequate coverage.
 
2. Your home’s construction may be interfering. Older construction with plaster and chicken wire walls can block Wi-Fi signals. Metal filing cabinets, refrigerators, and  other obstructions can block wireless signals.
 
3. Other electronic devices can interfere with signals. Old cordless phones can create interference, microwave ovens can cause issues, etc. Other culprits include baby monitors, wireless audio systems, and security systems.
 
4. Your might have a problem outside the house. If you live in a densely populated area, the wireless signals put out by your neighbors may cause interference or your ISP might have a problem outside the house that needs to be addressed (and they might not acknowledge it).
 
5. Your router might be in intermittent failure. If your router is old it might be operating at a decreased capacity.
 
How to solve the problem of dead zones
 
1. Move your router. At least get it up higher. Or find a convenient central location. You’ll be much less likely to suffer from wireless networking deadzones if your router isn’t at one end of the house or in the basement. Be creative and find a location that works for complete coverage. Also, you might need a newer, better router.
 
2. Remove obstructions. Do you have any electronic or large metal devices near your router? Consider moving the obstruction and measuring the results.
 
3. Purchase a wireless repeater. A wireless repeater or extender receives the wireless signal from your router or wireless device and rebroadcasts it. I have found these fairly effective especially if setup, located and used correctly.
 
4. Use a cable. Though it may be unsightly without a lot of work, you can connect your computer to the router with an Ethernet cable. Anytime you are “corded” rather than “cordless’ you’re likely to have a better connection.
 
Dead zones are a common occurrence, particularly in larger homes, but reading this article and following the simple instructions or having a qualified Computer Service Firm do it can fix a pesky problem once and forever.
 

The Differences Between Refurbished and Used Computers
 
There are many times when a new computer is either overkill or simply too expensive. Perhaps your needs or your budget are limited. If you’re interested in using a computer to surf the web, use a word processor or spreadsheet, and stay on top of your email and Facebook accounts, a new computer might be more than you need. A used or refurbished computer is a viable option.
 
It can be a little nerve-wracking to purchase a computer from a stranger on Craigslist. That’s what makes refurbished computers so attractive.
 
While there are no official definitions to separate ‘used’ and ‘refurbished’ computers, there are some generally accepted guidelines. A used computer is considered to be a computer sold ‘as-is’ by a private party. There is typically no warranty included. In most cases, no work has been done to the computer to bring it back to factory standards. You have little recourse if the computer develops an issue.
 
A refurbished computer is analogous to purchasing a certified used car from a dealer. The computer should be  put through a rigorous testing process, parts should be replaced as necessary, and a warranty included. A refurbished computer will be approaching the quality of a new computer at a lower price. It can be the best of both worlds.
 
The hard drive should be wiped clean, and the operating system is re-installed so there is ZERO user history. Refurbished desktop computers also often get a new mouse and keyboard (if not they should).  Any problems are  discovered and corrected.
 
This is very different than purchasing directly from the previous owner. A computer purchased on Ebay or Craigslist from an individual looking to sell might contain a history that you don’t want to be associated with.  Sometimes, people will hold onto a computer until a significant problem occurs and computer problems can be quite challenging to rectify. Spending money to purchase someone else’s problem might not be a good strategy. And, getting a refund may be difficult. Used computers can be a gamble.