Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is my computer/PC/Mac so slow?
On startup, it could be any or all of a bunch of things. In no particular order:
After startup:
Passwords?
Backups?
Should I ever turn off my computer?
Can I upgrade my old computer?
On startup, it could be any or all of a bunch of things. In no particular order:
- Antivirus starting and maybe scanning and updating.
- On PC's - Windows Update
- TrustedInstaller or RunTask running - usually after you have installed Microsoft Updates and restarted.
- Installing more than one antivirus programs - they spend all their time checking one another.
- Internet Communications problems such as Domain Name Server issues (which of course Comcast Users never have - that I can remember).
- Computer is calling home - e.g. Windows Telemetry running in background.
- On Macs - Facial Recognition running against all your photos (in less they've fixed it).
After startup:
- DNS issues again.
- Crap and Crapware.
- Viruses and Malware.
- Hard Drive failing (also makes startup slow).
- Very high disk activity
- Program runs amuck.
- Windows Telemetry (again).
- Overheating.
- Operator error.
Passwords?
- Passwords are only good if you can remember them and type them in under 5 seconds (10 if you’re a slow typist). Otherwise they are too much of a hassle for most folks.
- I find something like MeStrongPassw0rd!! is a good password - except from now on this is the first password I will use to try to get access to your system.
- Internet password rule: Never save critical or important logins & passwords in your browser - too easy to get at. (Saving to your browser is OK if they are for sites that don't matter).
- Password protect sensitive documents and use code names for them - for example, instead of naming your Password document as password.doc, use a common document name such BreakRules.doc - something that won't stand out.
- Keep a hard copy in the safe., because you can take passwords with you to the great beyond…
- Check to make sure the computer has power.
- Hold the power button for 2-3 seconds to wake it up from sleep mode.
- If that doesn't work, hold the power button down for 15 seconds. This will power off the computer. Then try to start it.
- If that doesn't work, then it's not a simple fix.
Backups?
- Do it or you'll be sorry.
Should I ever turn off my computer?
- Yes, at least once a week. I usually turn mine off at bedtime.
Can I upgrade my old computer?
- It depends on how old and the design. Many low end laptops and Apple computers cannot be upgraded.