Slow computer / poor performance

One common problem area with computers is when they begin running noticeably slower than they used to.  Usually, this is not because something is going bad or has gone bad, but because the computer is being asked to do too much.  This doesn't necessarily mean you need a new computer, with a simple tune up your might be able to speed your current computer up considerably.

What causes a computer to run slow?

As mentioned above, the majority of personal computer performance problems come from placing more and more work on the computer, which therefore takes more and more time for the computer to do.  You may think that you that the workload hasn't changed much on your computer since the day you purchased it, but you're probably mistaken.  The workload on a computer can increase over time for three reasons:

For example, let's say you purchased your computer a few years ago and it had Windows XP installed.  Through the years you've made sure you've applied all the updates as Microsoft has released them.  Now, even though you may not realize it, many of the programs that make up Windows XP are probably substantially larger than they were when you first brought your computer home.  These larger programs take more time for your computer to process which makes your computer seem (from your point of view) to be running slower.

Making your computer run faster

Assuming that you have no computer hardware problems or viruses causing your performance issues, there are a few things that can be done to raise your computer's performance level.

Let's take these one at a time.

Run fewer programs simultaneously:  As time has gone by and you have installed this program and upgraded that program something has been happening that you're probably not aware of.  Many programs, either when you install them or when you upgrade them, set themselves up to start every time you boot your computer.  So, for example, even though you might have turned your computer on solely for the purpose of checking your email, your computer may be starting and running these programs in the background:

And possibly many others

You don't need any of these programs running to check your email, yet they all start automatically which causes your computer to take longer to boot and then run slower once it has finally come up.  Stopping many or all of these programs from starting automatically can have an immediate impact on your PC's performance.

Run skinnier programs:  In computer slang, a program that places a large workload on a PC is "fat" while a program that places a light workload on a computer is "thin" or "skinny."  If you have two programs that do the same thing running on identical computers, but one is skinnier than the other, the skinner program will not only run faster itself but it will leave more of the computer's resources available for other programs so they will run faster also.

Some of the biggest offenders in the area of ponderous programming are antivirus programs, many of which are very "fat."  You should be running an antivirus program, but since an antivirus program inspects just about everything your computer does the difference in performance between a fat and skinny antivirus program can be substantial.  If you'd like our recommendation on antivirus programs that do a good job while at the same time placing a minimal burden on your PC, check our our virus removal page and scroll down to the "Virus prevention" section.

Add memory:  Here's a simple fact - Windows loves memory.  The more memory the better.  And memory is very fast.  If your computer doesn't have enough memory to run all the programs it's trying to run, Windows starts using a portion of the hard disk as additional memory.  Although the hard disks of today are much faster than the hard disks of even a few years ago, they are still far slower than PC memory.  The simple rule is, the more you can keep in memory the faster your computer will run.

If you'd like our assistance because your computer is running slower than you'd like for whatever reason, contact us today for a free estimate.  We'll thoroughly examine your system and let you know what is causing the problem and what can be done to speed things up.

Phone: (248)689-1439
Email: info@OaklandSolutionsLLC.com 

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From our customers

"When I bought a new laptop computer, I just assumed that it would be much faster than my old one. It had more memory, a newer version of windows, and more bells and whistles. Unfortunately, I was wrong. My brand new computer took forever to boot up, and just chugged along once it was going. But thanks to Oakland Solutions, this is no longer the case! I had no idea that things could be tweaked with my computer to get it running the way it should. The Turbo Tune-Up has my new computer operating at the speed that it should. Thank you, Oakland Solutions!"

Namron Cesarz - Warren, MI

"Just a note to thank you again for your excellent service!  I've been very frustrated by my slow computer running poorly and freezing up on me for some time now.  You came to my house right on time and made the process very painless.  You took the slow tower away and brought it back running well and efficiently and fast!  There were no surprises and everything went just as you described.  My computer was fixed right and you did so at a fair rate.  I wish I would've known about your service and called you a long time ago!  I'll tell everyone I know with a computer problem to call you!  Thanks again!"

Kathy Janes. - Royal Oak, Michigan

"Oakland Solutions, LLC, just left my new apartment having set up my computer network and reconnected me to the internet - and installed new free virus product.  As I wrote the check I told them 'value well received!'"

Norma Mullin - Rochester, MI

"Oakland Solutions LLC was quick to respond to our call, friendly and efficient. We were questioned about our computer problem over the phone, and given a possible diagnosis and cost estimate right then.

"There is so much we like about this company: first, their policy of "no solution, no charge" is reassuring; second, these are people who obviously enjoy solving techie problems. It was a pleasure to watch Dave Webber at work; third, he makes sure you understand what went wrong and how to avoid it; fourth, he quickly takes care of any other problems he finds as he's working.

"I could go on, but the bottom line is Oakland Solutions does the job fair and square, and does it well."

Mike and Gretchen O'Donnell - Rochester Hills