?My computer is slow.? This is perhaps one of the most commonly mentioned phrases today. While the advance of information technology has resulted in cheaper and faster computers, many computer users have found their machines slowing down after a substantial amount of usage. The Pentium Core 2 Duo that you bought for $2000 last summer suddenly starts operating like a 486 desktop from yesteryear. There are many reasons why your computer is slow. We will list a few here and provide brief solutions on what you can do to solve these problems to prevent possible future occurrences.

A cluttered system registry loaded with unnecessary registry files are one key reason explaining the existence of a slow computer. Registry files containing preferences and settings are created each time a new hardware of software is installed. These registry files are then saved into the computer's system registry. When a hardware or software is subsequently deleted, this registry files continue to remain in the computer's system registry and are not removed. Over time, clutter would result from this constant adding of unnecessary registry files. This would in turn result in the computer slowing down. This problem can be solved by using high quality registry cleaner software. What this software does is that it scans your system for unnecessary registry files which can then be deleted by the user, thus, freeing up registry space. The result is a faster computer and smoother access of your computer's applications.

A fanciful looking desktop is another reason behind a slow computer. Novelties such as desktop shortcuts, decorative cursors, skins and high resolution wallpapers result in substantially slower computer processing speeds especially for computers with low technical specifications. These ?decorative items? consume valuable system resources, putting a strain on the computer's memory. This would then result to a slower computer as system resources and memory has to be set aside to maintain the running of these applications that serve only mere aesthetic purposes. What's the solution then? Simple, shut them off. You do not need these when you're working.

Turning off your computer's system restore application is another way of speeding up your computer. While system restore provides a safety net against possible crashes by allowing your computer to ?go back in time? to where it was before it crashed, it is known to take up a relatively large amount of system resources in order to sustain its operation. Turning system restore off frees up precious memory space, allowing you to divert system resources towards more productive uses such as allowing your computer to run multiple applications at the same time.

Last but not least, viruses and spywares often result in a slow computer. These malicious programs embed themselves onto certain websites and run in the background of your computer, monitoring your internet activities. The result is a slower computer as memory and system resources are diverted to powering these malicious programs. Invest in high quality anti-virus and spyware removal software and perform weekly scans of your computer to get rid of these programs and prevent future occurrences.

Maintaining a fast, smooth running computer does not require one to be a computer genius or technology geek. Rather, it merely requires a clear understanding on the various reasons behind a slow computer. With preventive measures and the right solutions, anybody can have a fast computer.