Computer Virus or Memory? Determining Why Your Computer is Running Slow

Many computer owners around the world have come upon the scenario of their computer running slow with no apparent reason. The two main culprits for this could either be a computer virus or a memory problem. Experienced users can quickly determine which of the two are causing the problem. Whether it’s malicious software or an overstuffed hardware, it is extremely important that you are able to recognize the between the two.

Viruses are the first reason that pops up in our minds when we come upon our computer slowing down. When this happens though, there are ample signs that points out a virus problem. First, you will be able to notice new icons on your desktop, computer is acting funky, and there are pop-ups for programs telling you that your computer is infected. However, there is another explanation for the slowing down of your machine that you need to consider.

The other reason is the RAM. RAM is an acronym that stands for Random Access Memory and is very important to your computer as it acts as the system memory. This essential hardware is installed in every machine, regardless of its operating system. The documents and files you saved on your computer is processed by the RAM.

As the computer loads up a program, the latter is loaded into the system’s RAM. Unlike the Hard Drive, which is a static memory, the RAM is volatile. This means that when the power is turned off on your machine, the information stored on the hard disk stays saved, whereas what’s loaded into the RAM is erased. This is because the RAM, primarily, has a temporary storage function on your computer load and executes programs or commands.

Here comes the good part. Insufficient RAM can lead your computer into slowing down; this is probably due to the system’s requirements. Suppose your computer has an operating system that needs only a minimum of 256 megabytes of RAM to function. A minimum requirement will satisfy the operating system as to have a normal working computer function. When a newer operating system is installed, it will then require much higher megabytes of RAM, maybe 4 times the size of the previous.

Trying to install and run this operating system on a computer with 256 megabytes of RAM is not going to work well. The reason for this is that as operating systems advance there are a greater volume of programs that need to be loaded into the RAM. When you play a movie in a media player the movie is loaded into RAM for easy playback. Insufficient RAM leads to stuttering in movie playback, and requires you to pause until the system catches up.

Operating systems somehow have a way around your computers inadequate RAM size. It usually designates a part of your hard drive as a temporary RAM and this is called, virtual memory. Nothing is kept permanently on this area, and your computer will still run slow. It’s really a good idea to double the size of the RAM that your operating system requires to ensure maximum performance.

Slowdowns from insufficient RAM or system memory can also affect web browsing, gaming, be the cause of errors, and other computer headaches. While it does resemble a virus in some aspects, it can be solved much easier. You simply buy a RAM stick, and plug it into an open slot. Or you buy a higher capacity RAM chip and replace your existing one.

Dorthy Weatherbush realizes just how pertinent her computer is for not just her family but for her business, which is why she uses Crucial Memory. To ensure that her computer has sufficient memory, Dorthy usually upgrades her memory with Crucial Memory every year.

categories: computer speed,computer problems,Computers