Computer cleanup

[MoneyGuy]

My computer is acting very slow and I need to clean it up. Besides doing a regular defrags, what else should I be doing? I've set it for defrags weekly but it's still acting very slowly. I'll be replacing it but this is in the interim. Thanks.

[Mazrim]

Virus Scan.
Spyware Scan.
Stop looking at porn.

[Rathji]

Open Task Manager (right click taskbar, and select from menu)

Open the performance tab and watch your memory and CPU usage history while you do the things that make your computer 'act slow'. This will help you identify where the problem is.

While you are in there, take a look at the processes tab. List by memory usage and make a note of the highest ones, especially look for things that are high in the list, but you are not knowingly using. YOu could also look at resource monitor, but I doubt it will be meaningful to you

You could try running a malware scanner (Malware Bytes, Hitman Pro 3.5, Superantispyware) to be more sure that you don't have an infection that is sucking up your resources.

You could also try removing temp files etc, the easiest way to do that is running CCleaner (google and download), but I would avoid the registry cleaner part of it, since it really doesn't do anything, but can cause some damage.

[MoneyGuy]

Originally Posted by Mazrim

Virus Scan.
Spyware Scan.
Stop looking at porn.

Clearly, you don't know me very well. But thanks for the other ideas.

Originally Posted by Rathji

Open Task Manager (right click taskbar, and select from menu)

Open the performance tab and watch your memory and CPU usage history while you do the things that make your computer 'act slow'. This will help you identify where the problem is.

While you are in there, take a look at the processes tab. List by memory usage and make a note of the highest ones, especially look for things that are high in the list, but you are not knowingly using. YOu could also look at resource monitor, but I doubt it will be meaningful to you

You could try running a malware scanner (Malware Bytes, Hitman Pro 3.5, Superantispyware) to be more sure that you don't have an infection that is sucking up your resources.

You could also try removing temp files etc, the easiest way to do that is running CCleaner (google and download), but I would avoid the registry cleaner part of it, since it really doesn't do anything, but can cause some damage.

Thanks, buddy. I'll give these things a shot. I already have and use a malware scanner but haven't for some time. My bad.