Computer is SLOW

[subho]

Hey,

My family has two computers (A laptop and a desktop), and the desktop is very, very, very x10 slow. Basically, it turns on fine and the welcome screen shows fine and fast. But once you click on a name to login it takes FOREVER. The desktop shows quickly, but the applications and stuff take a long time to load, and it even freezes sometimes if you right click or click the start menu or something similar. The computer doesn't so much lag when there's a lot of programs open either, it just lags in general, even if only 1 application is open (Not counting those in the system tray).

I've tried doing things to speed up the computer (Like the stuff you'd find in the topic a few down from this), and it doesn't really make much of a difference. Here's the computer's specs (That I could find):

* Windows XP Home SP2 (2002 Edition)
* Intel Pentium 4 CPU (2.20GHz)
* 512 MB Physical RAM (112 MB Available??)
* 2 GB Virtual Memory (1.96 GB Available)
* 150 GB Samsung SP1604N Hard Drive


We've still got like 100 GB left on the hard drive, so that's no issue. I frequently do disk clean up, defrags, virus scans, etc. I've basically determined that the antivirus (Norton) is (I think) causing the slowness, but the problem is I don't want to remove it...

So what I want to know, any ideas how I could speed this thing up? Money is tight, so we can't really buy an new computer. Would installing more physical RAM help (And is installing RAM something I could do - I'm pretty good with computers, but I've never installed internal hardware)? Or is it the CPU? Or something else?

Thanks for any input!
___________________________
Download Registry Cleaner Chiro

[techboy4u]

hi subho...

well i think the applications which are loading during the computer start up is making your pc lagging...Go to RUN==>type MSCONFIG==>Enter===>startup==>Untick the applications which u dont want to load in the begining..if u dont want your antivirus to start in the begining just untick that too...

Well i think antivirus is the the appli thats eating ur memmory..go to My computer properties and try to increase your virtual memmory settings....it will help to an extent

Good luck

[zelphics]

I don't like Norton either. The older versions seriously killed computers. You might want to try using Avast Home Edition. It's a free anti-virus and it's awesome. I use it on my personal computer as well.

I would highly recommend removing it if you believe it's the culprit.

Here's a download link:
avast! Home Edition - Free software downloads and reviews - CNET Download.com

[angelaambler]

Have you ever thought of upgrading your system? Maybe increase the memory?

[durrenmatt]

uhh..yea don't use norton. i've had norton and i had two viruses on my pc and norton couldn't find them. i use nod32 now and i am very happy with it

[Dirky47]

Buy a new set of computer. Maybe its already retiring from your service.

[angelaambler]

or! try formatting your desktop pc, and install only the programs you use on your everyday life.

[Dirky47]

Minimize your programs. Install those are needed only.

[angelaambler]

try to format it first, if it is still slow, you need to upgrade or buy new pc