If your computer is operating really slowly off and on, it usually means there is a program automatically being run periodically. Most likely it is a virus scanner running in the background. Some scans are setup to run automatically every day. Either pause the scan until you finish what you're doing, or schedule the program to run when you’re away.

On occasion a computer can slow down because it is getting too hot. Of course a computer that is overheating can cause more problems than just giving you slow performance. Therefore, it is very important to keep your computer running cool. Every so often you should blow the dust out with either canned or compressed air.

Check your taskbar in the lower right hand corner of your computer screen. This shows you what programs are running in the background. If you have too many icons in the lower right, they will steal your computer’s resources. Right click and close programs not in use.

The biggest and most common cause of slow computers is spyware and viruses. Make sure you have a good antivirus program that is updated and scans frequently. We recommend Trend Micro and have found that it will automatically detect and delete the majority of viruses/spyware out there today.