Frequently Asked Questions

Computer slow down can be caused by many different problems. Often this is caused by an excess of spyware or viruses on your computer. Listed is a few reasons that computers get slow.

1. Virus
2. Spyware
3. Not enough Memory
4. Out of Hard Drive Space
5. Heavily Fragmented drive

The first step in troubleshooting slow downs is to verify your hard drive is not full. To do this:

Open My Computer, either from the icon on your desktop or from your start menu.
Locate and right click on Local Disk C:
Choose properties.

If you have less than 2 gigs of free space, then you need to run disk clean up.
If you have more than you have a different problem and should call a PC Technician to have your computer looked at.

A Computer Virus, or Malicious Code is a computer program that is designed to replicate itself and infect other computer. Trojan Horses are often mistaken for a computer virus.

Some viruses are programmed to damage the computer by damaging programs, deleting files, or reformatting the hard disk. Others are not designed to do any damage, but simply replicate themselves and perhaps make their presence known by presenting text, video, or audio messages. Even these benign viruses can create problems for the computer user. They typically take up computer memory used by legitimate programs. As a result, they often cause erratic behavior and can result in system crashes. In addition, many viruses are bug-ridden, and these bugs may lead to system crashes and data loss

There are many ways to get a virus. Some of the most common are:

Websites
Email
Instant Messaging Programs
File Sharing Programs

While antivirus programs have come a long way towards preventing virus infections, they are not always enough. Viruses come out rapidly some months bringin in over a hundred viruses. It can take time for an antivirus company to detect and create a removal method for viruses.

Also as virus protection requires constant updating and scanning human error can play a part in virus infections.

The best way to prevent infection is to be wary of opening unknown email, programs sent via Instant messaging programs or going to websites emailed to you by people you dont know.

Also having an updated antivirus or Internet security program is paramount.

It is often possible to remove a virus with your current antivirus program, but if that proves to fail, you can use an online virus scanning utility, check out our links page.

If you are unable to clean your computer give us a call at (920) 894-3967.