In our last write ups we focused on computer components, this week we will focus on reasons why a PC becomes slow during usage. This week’s article will be a short one compared to the previous articles. Here are 5 possible reasons why your PC maybe slow;

1. Failing Hard drive - A hard drive nearing the end of its lifespan is a common issue. Generally, after two to three years of consistent use, there’s a high chance that a hard drive is failing. This is typical of HDDs hence we recommend SSDs (Solid State Drives) as there do not have moving parts and do not experience the same degradation.

2. 95% full Hard Drive - When your hard drive gets to 95 percent full, computers can slow down by 50 percent. There will be no space to save the temporary files required for operating programs, so it’s as if the OS doesn’t know how to run properly anymore.

3. Running too many programs - Your computer's ability to run multiple programs at the same time hinges in part on its RAM (checkout our RAM article) which allows it to switch from one program to another seamlessly, but if the open programs are outstripping your computer's memory and processing power, it will become slow.

4. Viruses - Viruses, spyware and other malware can slow down your computer as they mess around with everything from hijacking your browser to pushing advertising or phishing sites, to crashing your computer.

5. Dusty Room - If the back of your PC casing matted (vents) over with dust? This can prevent ventilation which cools the processors as they whir away in an attempt to run programs which require a lot of processing power.

There are several reasons why your PC maybe slow the above are only a tip of the iceberg. Let us know of any other factors you have come across that have made you PC slow and how you solved the issues.