My computer runs very slow on internet and other program

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting a computer that is running slowly, particularly when using the internet and other programs. Participants explore various potential causes and solutions, including hardware limitations, software issues, and the presence of viruses or malware.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports increasing memory to 1.25G and observing high CPU usage with iexplore.exe, suggesting a potential issue with Internet Explorer.
  • Several participants recommend switching from Internet Explorer to alternative browsers like Firefox or Chrome.
  • Some suggest installing additional software such as Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy to address potential spyware.
  • Another participant mentions the possibility of a computer virus, listing various symptoms that could indicate infection.
  • A humorous remark is made about a hypothetical virus, suggesting that a different operating system might be a solution, while also emphasizing the importance of antivirus software.
  • One participant points out that Flash can consume significant CPU resources and recommends using add-ons to block it.
  • Another participant suggests that increasing RAM might help, as well as switching background programs to services to improve performance.
  • There is a mention of the need to update router firmware if the computer is connected through a router.
  • One participant advises using a firewall if a virus cannot be eliminated.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on potential causes and solutions, with no consensus on the best approach. Multiple competing suggestions are presented, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight limitations in the current setup, such as insufficient RAM and the potential impact of running multiple programs simultaneously. There are also references to specific software and tools that may or may not be effective, but no definitive conclusions are drawn.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals experiencing slow computer performance, particularly in relation to internet usage, and those seeking troubleshooting advice or alternative software recommendations.

yungman
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My computer runs very slow on internet and other program!

I need advice on my computer. My computer is running slow particularly on internet. I have perform these:
1) Increase to 1.25G memory. I also check memory usage and never hit the limit. I notice the hard drive usually not active meaning hard drive is not being used as virtual memory.
2) Free up at least 5G on C drive.
3) I check CPU usage while running internet, a lot of time CPU usage is very high on iexplore.exe, up to 100% when it become very slow.
4) I did clean disk and defragmented the disk.
5) I went on internet option under tools on explorer page and delete all temporary internet files and cookie.
6) I always subscribed to Mcafee and ran virus scan a few times, nothing came out.

Anything else I should do before I recover the system and start all over again?

Thanks for your input.
 
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My recommendations:
1. Use something other than Internet Explorer. Like Firefox or Chrome.
2. Install Ad-Aware, and Spybot Search and Destroy.
3. Remove any programs in your system tray (by the clock) that you don't actually use.
 


DaleSwanson said:
My recommendations:
1. Use something other than Internet Explorer. Like Firefox or Chrome.
2. Install Ad-Aware, and Spybot Search and Destroy.
3. Remove any programs in your system tray (by the clock) that you don't actually use.

Thanks for you help. If I load Firefox, can I still use Yahoo as my internet blowser and keep my Yahoo email?

Someone also suggested using CCleaner to clean up the computer.

Thanks
 


Firefox, IE, Chrome, etc are internet browsers, Yahoo isn't. If you meant the page you first see when you open your browser that is called your homepage, and yes you'll be able to use Yahoo as your homepage and email with any browser. It used to be that some sites wouldn't work in Firefox, but that is very rare any more, any major site should work fine. Also just because you install Firefox doesn't mean you won't be able to use IE if you need to, you'll just have the option of Firefox or IE.

Yes, I saw your other thread about CCleaner. I've never used it, but it may help (I wouldn't be worried about it being anything bad).
 


DaleSwanson said:
Firefox, IE, Chrome, etc are internet browsers, Yahoo isn't. If you meant the page you first see when you open your browser that is called your homepage, and yes you'll be able to use Yahoo as your homepage and email with any browser. It used to be that some sites wouldn't work in Firefox, but that is very rare any more, any major site should work fine. Also just because you install Firefox doesn't mean you won't be able to use IE if you need to, you'll just have the option of Firefox or IE.

Yes, I saw your other thread about CCleaner. I've never used it, but it may help (I wouldn't be worried about it being anything bad).

Thanks.
 


Hi.. You have mentioned that your computer runs very slow on internet and other programs...When I read your thread, the first thing that came in my mind was COMPUTER VIRUS.. Here are computer virus symptoms:

* The computer runs slower than usual.
* The computer stops responding, or it locks up frequently.
* The computer crashes, and then it restarts every few minutes.
* The computer restarts on its own. Additionally, the computer does not run as usual.
* Applications on the computer do not work correctly.
* Disks or disk drives are inaccessible.
* You cannot print items correctly.
* You see unusual error messages.
* You see distorted menus and dialog boxes.
* There is a double extension on an attachment that you recently opened, such as a .jpg, .vbs, .gif, or .exe. extension.
* An antivirus program is disabled for no reason. Additionally, the antivirus program cannot be restarted.
* An antivirus program cannot be installed on the computer, or the antivirus program will not run.
* New icons appear on the desktop that you did not put there, or the icons are not associated with any recently installed programs.
* Strange sounds or music plays from the speakers unexpectedly.
* A program disappears from the computer even though you did not intentionally remove the program.


->if some of those happens to your computer, maybe, your problem is computer virus.:frown:
 


It is likely that your computer shipped already infected with MSW. Some symptoms include running slower than the hardware should allow, sudden crashes, corruption of attached devices, frequent urge to restart and/or defenestrate your computer, and a sizable sum missing from your bank account. A good patch to remove this virus is BSD or Linux.

I say this in good humour - pardon the tongue in cheek. You may have a virus, as has already been mentioned, so be sure to do a scan. It is preferable to scan from a completely separate OS (even just a different instance of the same version) to prevent rootkits from obscuring their presence.

Also, even if you do make what some think is a wise choice to switch operating systems, be sure to practice safe hex by using an antivirus such as clamav.net
 


Hi there,

One thing that I noticed, with any web browser, is that flash can consume most of the CPU in your PC. The first I would suggest before changing anti-virus, or running for hours an virus detector, is to install addons that block flash. If you run a webpage where you so desperately need to see the flash program, just click on it to run it.

Cheers
 


You may need more RAM, but mainly you can switch programs to background services which can speed up your computer's basic tasks and that might help. However, you might also have some spyware which can bog down things like the loading of webpages, the loading of your browser window, etc. These are all things to look into.
 
  • #10


Are you running through a router? If so, you may need to update your firmware. Also, windows does not play well with less than 2G ram memory. RAM is cheap and this may solve your problems.
 
  • #11


If you can't kill the virus, then get a firewall to control access.
 

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