So, your computer is running slowly. I mean really slowly. In fact, you logged onto the internet at lunch, and now its dinner time, and the page still hasn’t loaded. Of course you could have a virus. Use a search engine to look for solutions, and chances are, you will end up getting ripped off as you pay for software or advice intended to solve a problem you do not, in fact, have.
The truth is, Over time, Windows computers build up a number of programs, applications and processes that like to start up as soon as you log in. Chances are, you have dozens of things running at once, and this is slowing you down. Before you go paying the “pros” consider a couple of simple steps to speed things up a bit:
- Right click on your toolbar, at the bottom of the screen. Just choose an empty area of the bar and right click.
- Choose Task Manager to see a list of all of your running process and applications.
- Look for items with your name next to them. Right click anything you do not recognize, and choose End Process.
A couple of hints here:
Do not end explorer.exe. This will turn off your desktop. IF this does happen, in Task Manager, simply click File, then Run. Type explorer.exe and click OK.
Ending iexplorer.exe will turn off Internet Explorer (handy when it locks up)
Just avoid ending tasks run by a user named System. This is just your computer running the various background items that keep your computer going.
Now that things are running better, lets get rid of some of those things slowing you down by turning themselves on during login. First, try using the Options menu in each program you like to use. Somewhere in there, you should find an option that says something like, “Let this program run when you turn Windows/Your Computer on.” Uncheck this, or select No. If you need to run it, you will.
If no such option exists, however, then try this:
- Click Start. XP Users Then click Run. If you use Vista, forego clicking Run and just type in the search bar at the bottom of the start menu. Regardless of where you type, type in: msconfig and hit Enter.
- Choose the Startup Tab.
- Uncheck any programs or applications you do not need running at Startup (this will be any game, messenger program, web site, or other unneeded application. Chances are, if you downloaded or installed it after your computer was purchased, it does not need to be on this menu).
- Click Apply. Reboot when prompted.
Doing these things from time to time will ensure that your computer doesn’t keep trying to run everything you installed on it each time you log in. And before we part ways, that is one other thing: Log in. Use a password. And lock it up when you leave. Simply hold down the Windows key and press L to lock your computer before walking away.
After all, you wouldn’t go off to work and leave your front door unlocked. So don’t leave this “back door” that way, either! Happy computing!
