Why is My Computer Getting Slower?

Problem:

My PC seems to run more and more slowly but I have good antivirus software so I don’t think it could be a worm or a virus. What should I do?

Solution:

If you have installed a firewall and kept your antivirus software up to date, you probably do not have a virus or worm. However, it’s possible that spyware or adware is slowing your PC.

Neither spyware nor adware are viruses but they cause almost as many problems. Some estimates of the number of infected PCs run as high as 90 percent.

Often lumped into the category of malicious software or “malware,” both spyware and its close cousin, adware, surreptitiously collect information about your web habits. The only difference is that spyware collects and reports information about you that identifies you as an individual. Adware compiles your information with that of many other people. Both, of course, result in the targeted ads that pop up on your screen.

Spyware can do many things on your PC. It can keep a log of your every keystroke, passwords, confidential and private information, and every website you visit. This uses up more and more space on your PC. Spyware can also give the spy access to your machine even when you are not connected to the Internet. Running in the background, the spy could be doing something that uses lots of memory. Thus, your first clue that you are a spyware victim may be an ever-slower PC.

Keep the possibility of spyware in mind before you click “OK” or “Continue” next time you start installing that cool new software program – especially the free software from unknown companies. You also should take a close look at the “EULA” or End User Licensing Agreement that comes with the program. It may warn of spyware or adware program installation along with the requested software. However, don’t count on this. The notice of malware installation may be well hidden in the legalese of the agreement.

So, if your PC is running slower and slower, start with your tech support. They may be able to help you pinpoint the trouble. If spyware is your problem, download these excellent utilities: Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy. Both are available at www.Download.com.

If you decide to purchase anti-spyware protection, know your vendor. McAfee has added spyware protection to its antivirus software, as has Symantec. Also, both Earthlink and AOL have added spyware detection for their users.

Spyware Guide ( www.spywareguide.com) is an excellent source for the latest information on spyware applications and how they can affect you and your PC. PC World offers tracking and anti-tracking software as well as lots of information.

( www.pcworld.com/resource/browse/0,cat,1233,sortIdx,2,00.asp )

Before you decide to install any anti-spyware program, check it out on a reliable source such as the following.

• Spyware Software Review ( http://www.spyware-review.com)
• Home PC Firewall Guide ( http://www.firewallguide.com/spyware.htm)
• Compare Spyware Removers ( http://www.comparespywareremovers.com/)

Like anti-virus software, anti-spy programs are only effective if they are kept updated.

One last word of caution: If you do find malware on your computer, don’t start deleting files willy-nilly. Find out as much as you can about the specific spyware you’re harboring. And, as always, back up your files before you do anything that changes your system.

Unfortunately, malware is just one more fact of Internet life. You will undoubtedly have to deal with it someday.

James Kerr is President/CEO of SuperGeeks, a Hawaii-based computer service and repair company (www.supergeeks.net). Please feel free to send your questions, comments and suggestions to Mr. Kerr. He can be reached at kerr@supergeeks.net and 942-0773.