Prevention/Solution

• Spyware, adware and malware are the number one reason for a computer slowing down. Most spyware programs are installed automatically when people visit a certain site or use certain freeware programs, but they can be easily detected and erased with an antispyware program.
  
  

Function

• Adding and deleting programs all the time can lead to fragmentation, a spacing or scattering of files that causes clutter on the memory and hard drive of the computer. As clutter increases, the computer has a harder time finding the right files and, thus, slows down.
  
  

Identification

• A busy start-up system (programs that show up on the system tray) can clog the computer's RAM causing the whole system to slow down.
  
  

Effects

• Media programs, such as those used to play MP3s, watch a DVD or run a game, can slow down a computer, especially older models that don't have enough RAM to have all media systems running at top capacity.
  
  

Expert Insight

• A sudden slowdown can be due to many programs being opened or running at the same time or using a program that requires a lot of memory to work, such as the case of certain games or an antivirus running a check scan.