How to fix slow-down issues on the system?
We get asked a lot of questions about how to speed up slow computers. It’s frustrating to have a slow computer when it starts up, or when you try to run programs on it. Continue reading to learn how to fix slow computers!
Today we launch the first part of our 3-part series about slow computer repairs. This segment will focus on how to fix slow computers caused by viruses.
Slow Computer Signs of Virus Infection
You can easily get viruses on your computer if you are a regular user of the Internet. You can download them by clicking links in email attachments or downloading and installing new software on your computer.
Computer programs can crash, freeze, shut down randomly, or cause slowness in your computer’s performance. These signs can be indicators that your computer has malware that has not been detected. You might notice these signs if you suspect you have a virus on your computer.
Files being deleted, transferred, or renamed
Installed unknown programs or files on your computer
Computer crashes are frequent
Files and data are corrupted and can’t be opened
Slowness in general when trying to do anything
What viruses can cause a slow computer?
We have discussed viruses (aka malware and malicious software) before in this blog. There are many types.
Many viruses can make copies of themselves, and infect other computers. These viruses can slow down your computer’s performance.
Spyware
Spyware, as the name implies, is designed to monitor your computer’s activities without your knowledge. They can be bundled with legitimate software to get many of them onto your computer.
Spyware does not record everything that you see, but it will typically record data like what you are watching or reading in the background.
Adware
Adware can cause your computer to display advertisements that you don’t want. Malicious adware may block your screen, making it more difficult to navigate.
Too much adware can eat up a lot of your computer’s computing speed, which in turn slows down everything.
Keylogger
Keyloggers can track your keystrokes by sending data to remote servers. This leaves passwords, credit card numbers, and online banking accounts vulnerable.
StartMeTip – Use a StartMeStick to manage all your online banking and shopping transactions. This will reduce the chance of being tracked down by keylogger viruses.
Ransomware
Ransomware can hold your files and data hostage, then demand ransom money to retrieve them. You will see a popup asking you to pay a ransom in order to unlock your computer.
Ransomware may not be running all the time. There could be dormant ransomware lurking in your computer, slowing down the system, and taking up storage space. It’s important to run FixMeStick scans on a regular basis to detect and remove ransomware that could be lurking in your computer.
How to Prevent Malware Infections and Improve Your Computer’s Performance
You can prevent viruses from causing slow computers by taking precautions.
These preventative measures are easy to implement and require little or no time.
Make sure to update your operating system, particularly Windows updates
Be wary of suspicious links and attachments in emails
Avoid downloading files or programs from unknown sources
Do not visit sites that aren’t trustworthy
We recommend that you install antivirus software, such as McAfee Total Protection if you are already taking preventative measures.
McAfee total protection provides the auto-scanning service and working on your computer to find the malware to kill by default. In the condition, you face the Mcafee slows down computer problem.
Hidden viruses that could slow down your computer
Other than virus prevention, it is important to identify any viruses already present on your computer. They are not all preventable by antivirus software.
You don’t have to be a tech-savvy person, but you do not need to be afraid of doing some DIY. If you aren’t comfortable around computers, you can still learn some ways to speed up your computer.
1. Run a FixMeStick Scan
A FixMeStick is a great option for those who don’t want to do it yourself or if automation is what you need,
This is particularly useful if you don’t know the virus and where it may be hiding. Who doesn’t want to find the simplest solution?
Each time you run a scan the FixMeStick connects with leading antivirus engines, updating itself with the most recent threats.
After it has checked your computer for any hidden viruses, it will automatically remove them from your computer. Try it risk-free today for 30 days if you don’t have one.
2. Use Task Manager (for Windows)
The first step for the tech-savvy person is to find out where viruses may be hiding. You can check the Task Manager on your computer to find out. It can be found by pressing CTRL, ALTER, and DELETE on your keyboard simultaneously, then selecting Task Manager.
Here you can find suspicious programs or programs running on your computer. You can stop them from running by right-clicking, and selecting “End Task”.
3. Prevention of viruses from running
Your computer’s background virus program can eat up valuable computing space that could be used for legitimate programs.
You can prevent viruses from running by opening a “System Configuration” window. Search for “System Configuration” in your search box, and then launch the application.
Once the window has opened, click on the “Startup” tab to manually go through this list. You can choose to disable any malicious programs, but make sure you only select the right ones. This will ensure that your computer’s normal functions are not disrupted. You can search for it quickly if you aren’t sure.
4. To speed up your computer, delete virus files
You can search your computer for the virus hiding place if you know its name.
FixMeTip – Many viruses hide in the “Temp” folder on your computer. Make sure you clean it first!
After you have located the virus’s hiding place, delete all files that are associated with it. You should exercise caution to ensure that you don’t accidentally delete any files.
These instructions should not be repeated if your computer continues to slow down after you’ve tried the other methods. For more information on slow computer problems, see Slow Computer 202.
