More details needed - desktop, notebook, model, age (the computer, not yours) :smileyhappy:

 

Ditto. Also, anttime things slow down, check Task Manager to see if any processes are gobbling up CPU cycles.

My computer is also slow. I have a Dell Dimension 3000 PC running Windows XP. 3 Ghz, 256 RAM. It takes a LONG time to start up and shut down, also. I'm not too computer savvy...under task manager it says there are 61 processes running. Sounds like a lot of background stuff is going on...? Do you think it's a RAM issue? Not sure how to read the task manager but it says I have total physical memory of 260,000 and around 70,000 available.
Also, is there a way to start the computer so that I don't get the annoying XP log on screen (so the computer automatically goes tto my desktop)?
Thanks a ton!!!

You can modify some of the start-up and shut-down for faster operation with utilities such as X-Setup Pro.

61 Running processes is not excessive if you are running a lot of resident anti-virus and -spyware programs. Norton Utilities is a particular problem. I reduce my process count from 65 to 40 by minimizing these programs and removing unnecessary operating system programs. List what you are running resident (will be in the notification area at the right side of the task bar) and the list of programs listed in under the Process Tab of the Task Manager.

Also, task manager tells you how much processor time all the various resident programs are using. Make sure the CPU column is showing; widen the window to show all current columns, and if still not there, click on VIEW in the menu selection area at the top of the window and select Columns then CPU. In the main window, click the CPU heading and the processes will be sorted by amount of usage. The System Idle Process should be near 100% most of the time. Any process that uses more than 5-10% of CPU time for more than a few seconds at a time could be a problem.

marcoman,

to bypass logon screen:

go to start, run and type control userpasswords2
in the users tab, uncheck "users must enter a username and password to use this
computer"
Press OK and type in the user and password.

I use Ad-Aware when my systems slow down. You can get it from LavaSoft, it's free.  http://www.lavasoft.com/