(Untitled)

[kouriarashi]

So, it looks like part of my tax return will be going towards a new computer, since right now this one can't run more than two processes at once, and it wigs out if one of those processes is the internet trying to load any sort of complex page. I feel like I should find a way to fix my faithful computer, but defragging and running chkdsk aren't

Comments

[farasha]

Have you run a spyware scan on it? Spyware can slow down you computer like NO OTHER.

I have no comment on Vista, since I'm one of the few who hasn't made the switch yet. I've heard tell that they've ironed out a lot of the bugs.

But if it were me, I'd get a mac.

[yumearashi]

I definitely second the spyware check, and can recommend some good programs. Have you updated your anti-virus (if possible) and run a thorough system scan? Something else to check is the programs you have which automatically launch on Windows startup - disabling any of these that you don't absolutely need can be a big help. I can get you instructions on how to check for that if you like. Checking for Windows Updates and drivers updates keeps your OS up to date and can help too. I take it you've tried restoring to a time before things starting running snail-slow?

[kouriarashi]

I haven't done a system restore because the onset of the problem has been so gradual that I can't really pin down when it actually *started*. I do virus check every week with updated definitions and keep my Windows updated, too. I'll obtain a spyware checker - don't know why the heck I didn't think of that myself - and can you get me instructions to disable the startup programs? I don't know how to do that myself. Thanks awfully. ^_^

[yumearashi]

The spyware I use is Spybot search & destroy, Lavasoft's Aw-aware, and Spyware Blaster; the first to are 'cures', the third's a preventative. About startup programs, here's the blurb from the help site where I sent my customers