My Dell is so slow.
 

I have been a macintosh owner for over 20 years. I've purchased a new Dell computer which enables me to use the software available from the company I represent. I get frustrated with my Dell, I'm not familiar with it and it takes longer to get my work done. This computer is about two months old.

My question is: my computer became VERY SLOW. It takes quite awhile to open documents, emails, etc. Is it possible that my new Limewire software has something to do with this?

Thanks
Kim

kimsetzer we need to know a little more about your setup. When is it slowing down is it just when LW is running or is it all the time.
We need to know.

CPU P4/AMD 64 3200+/ghz
Memory 256/512
OS Windows 98/2000/XP
LimeWire Version 4.8.1/4.9.11
Java Version 1.4.2/1.5.2
connection Type Dial-up/cable
What programs are running in the background

Grandpa1
Here is the information you asked for to the best of my knowledge. Also, after reading some of the other posts I've learned that I was scammed into paying for Limewire. I thought it was odd that I was able to download LimeWire onto my Mac with no fees involved. Live and learn.

My computer is relatively new ( 2 months ) it's slowed down considerably since I've had it. I ran the software to defragment, it reported that I had 77% free space. I was wondering if LimeWire runs in the background? Sorry if I sound new to all this, I am.


Dell Dimension DIM3000 Intel(R) Celeran (R) 2.40 ghz
256 RAM
Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002
LimeWire Version 4.8.1
Java Version 1.4.2_3
DSL connection
I have no idea what programs are in the background

Thanks for your time.
Kim

kimsetzer I see your processor is good enough but you are a little weak in ram 256KB. You are running Windows XP which takes a minimum of 255KB of ram to operate properly. LimeWire 4.8.1 uses about 70MB if running in ultrapper and about 40MB in leaf. You have probably installed some software on your computer since you got it most anti virus programs use between 30MB and 50MB.
You can see what is running in the background by holding down Ctrl+Alt then pressing Del. you will be able to see what is running and how much memory and CPU it is using.
I would recommend adding at least another 512MB of ram to your Dell you will be amazed by the difference it will make on a XP machine.

Thank you for the information. Do you suggest I contact Dell.com to purchase the additional memory?

It looks like I have a lot to learn about this computer. I appreciate your help. Do you think a book about Windows XP would be useful? Maybe one of the books for Dummies?

I know I'll like using this computer much more when it's faster than it is now.

Thanks for you time.

Kim

What is the make and model of your computer. Do you know how to add memory. If you do it is allot cheaper to watch the adds in the sunday papper for memory on sale. and put it in yoursele it is actually pretty easy.

Kimsetzer

I'd just like to add to the advice given by Grandpa1, if you do a lot of internet surfing you will find that your PC will accumulate a lot of spyware and adware, which will slow your PC down.

Spyware and adware are downloaded to your PC without your knowledge and slows your PC down by secretly using your CPU, the only way to keep your PC up to speed is by getting rid of this internet “jetsam and flotsam”. You should download the following free products:

Ad-Aware SE 1.06

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

and

Spybot - Search and Destroy - 1.4

http://spybot.safer-networking.de/en/home/index.html


both products are very good individually but together they are great and will keep your machine up to speed.




UK Bob

Kimsetzer just noticed that your model was in a previous post. Ilooked it up and you can run up to 2GB of ram. You can get a 512 stick from NewEgg for $53. The link below will take you there

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145123