PC Problem

[Little Red]

Brand new PC, very cheap and cheerful as it is only for emails and some word processing. It's suddenly become incredibly slow and sluggish. You know the way they go when you click the mouse and the click doesn't register for about 5 seconds after the event The only thing I have changed on the machine since I bought it a few weeks ago is that I downloaded Open office. Could this have slowed the PC (and possibly the internet) down? If so, can I remove the components of Open Office that I don't use (i.e. everything except the WP function)?

Thanks in advance, clever bods

[UncleDave]

Sounds like it could be spyware, or some form of virus.. that's usually the most common problem.

You can download Spybot to check for spyware:
www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html

And run a scan with your antivirus if you have one.. if not there are plenty of free ones around such as AVG:
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/

Dave.

[bigdods]

Or a memory shortage - never used it but that program may include some memory resident stuff. Most new cheapo PC's come with 256MB RAM - windows needs all of that just to run, add any programs and you push it over the edge. The best way to see if this is the problem is just look at the hard disk light. If its flashing like crazy all the time then its memory shortage. you can pick up an extra 256MB for about £20 nowadays www.ebuyer.co.uk do it nice and cheap.

But if you have some spare cash go up to 1GB - thats really the minimum spec nowadays for a windows machine. I always put 2GB in now when I build one.

[GreenV8S]

bigdods said:

The best way to see if this is the problem is just look at the hard disk light. If its flashing like crazy all the time then its memory shortage.

Task Manager is the best way to find out whether you need more memory.

[bigdods]

GreenV8S said:

bigdods said: The best way to see if this is the problem is just look at the hard disk light. If its flashing like crazy all the time then its memory shortage. Task Manager is the best way to find out whether you need more memory.

I was going for the non technical approach - shortage of memory = big pagefile = hard disk light flashing like crazy - Its the easiest way to tell without getting technical. the number of ppl who call me and tell me their machine is slow - I ask them is the hard disk light flashing ' funny you should say that it hardly ever goes out' says them ----> bingo

[little red]

Thanks Guys. The flashy thing (non-technical term for what you were all talking about) is indeed flashing like mad and the computer sounds like is turning over (sorry car term ) the whole time.

Going to buy some more memory and hopefully that will sort it out.

Cheers for all your help.

[little red]

Of course next I'm going to ask you how to insert the memory. Just thought I'd warn ya's.

[docevi1]

Inserting memory is potentially the scariest thing you can possibly do with PCs IMO. The mobo always bends so much and you have to put on much more pressure than you think is reasonable!

[Zad]

If the motherboard is bending that much then you are really doing something wrong! There can be a bit of a knack to it, and some sockets can be a bit tight, but it should never be scary.

[little red]

Well after the above two posts, colour me bloody terrified

[aldi]

Check the correct orientation for the notch, push the clips back, push the ram into the slot. One end at a time with both thumbs untill it hits bottom and the clip grips it.

[_dan_]

also...while pushing the memory stick in with your thumbs, if possible, try to get your fingers under the motherboard a little to help stop it bending.

[roadsweeper]

If we're going to 'talk' Petite Rouge through installing memory (RAM) someone should probably mention static before she sparks the motherboard?!

Anyway, all you need to do is keep your PC plugged-in but the switch on the plug socket off. This allows the PC to be connected to the mains earth without any of the circuits being live and you can then touch the metal case every thirty seconds or so to make sure no static is building up in your body which could damage any of the chips on your motherboard.

Generally, don't be scared about working on a computer - it's not difficult, just new to you. Plus, of course, you have the support of a legion on PHers!

Oh, one more thing, do you know what type of RAM to purchase for your computer?