Old computer too slow

[MichelleHW101]

I have an old computer it's about five or six years old now.  It had the most memory in it's day but when everything went internet I had to call my internet provider to have a wireless router attached to the usb port in the back.  Now it takes forever to get to any internet page and I won't even download anything because it'll take hours.  I don't really want to get a new computer because the old one works fine but it's just fustrating the computer is so slow with the internet that sometimes I just want to throw it out the window. So, should I get a newer model or just stay with the old computer which still works?

[kay7]

A computer that is 5-6 years old should not be that slow.  You didn't say what operating system you have (like Window XP) or what type of internet service provider.   These things can make a big difference. 

[dreamyxo]

Check for viruses.  Have you cleaned it lately?  Uninstall programs you don't use.  Do a disk clean up and defrag.  Empty your recycle bin. 

[yaayme]

I had the same problem with my old (desktop) computer...I couldn't watch Youtube video's or play any games. It was a pain in the butt,  so I tossed that sucker out and got a laptop. I'll buy another desktop computer in the future cause they are more reliable and you don't have to recharge them like a laptop, but for now I'm enjoying my high speed laptop. 

[ptfunds]

In past having a computer that was 5 or 6 years old wasn't such a big deal.  Today, programs are getting bigger and bigger taking more memory and more room.  Sometimes when I look at the megabytes in just a Microsoft Update I'm amazed realizing that most updates are much bigger than computer memory and storage was just 20 years ago. 

[vgrosario]

I have an old computer it's about five or six years old now.  It had the most memory in it's day but when everything went internet I had to call my internet provider to have a wireless router attached to the usb port in the back.  Now it takes forever to get to any internet page and I won't even download anything because it'll take hours.  I don't really want to get a new computer because the old one works fine but it's just fustrating the computer is so slow with the internet that sometimes I just want to throw it out the window. So, should I get a newer model or just stay with the old computer which still works?

If only the internet is slow and not the computer as a whole, verify the speed you're getting from your ISP. Many sites do that like speedtest.net. Try different web browsers, it happens to me. Sometimes firefox is slow and I try google chrome. My parents pc is about 5 years old and has windows xp media center and everything works fine, no need to replace it.

[Annella]

It could be a number of things and/or is/not your computer. I have a Mac that's not that new. I don't download much, but watch videos without any problem or loading websites. Sometimes it gets a bit slow even though I have DSL. We have a very old "hub' in our little town and not enough ports, and some of the ports are just worn out and need replacing. ATT does not want to put out the money to build and/or update their equipment, so we are at their mercy. Call your provider and complain. They can send someone out to check the speed, etc.

If you have a Windows operating system then you could have some viruses lurking around. Get a good "cleaner" for whatever your OP system is and start deleting obsolete stuff/downloads, etc. I'll be getting a new laptop soon myself and it will also be a Mac.

[thetotalfool]

You should look into defragmenting the harddrive, and moving non-essential files onto an external harddrive.  This helps my old PC a lot.

I also set it so the programs I rarely use (especially RealPlayer, QuickTime, and chat programs) don't automatically launch when I start my computer.  They gobble up a lot of resources running in the background.

At some point I'm going to have to replace my computer, but I really don't want to.

[mrisha]

As everyone has said there could be a number of problems:

1.  Do you have an anti-virus/anti-spyware (if so run it because you may have viruses)
2.  Depend on the Browser you are using.  IE can be very slow
3.  Clear out your cookies often
4.  How far is the hub away from your home-distance can make a difference
5.  Defrag Your computer located in The Programs
6.  Do you have dial or DSL 
7.  Also if you do a lot of downloading be careful because you never  know what viruses are attached.

Good luck.

[healthfreedom]

Technology changes almost everyday. Older computers cannot handle the newer, faster, more powerful programs.

[unque1mel]

hey just buy my latop computer  2 month ago that all my dell foe 3 year is old them me ok

A computer that is 5-6 years old should not be that slow.  You didn't say what operating system you have (like Window XP) or what type of internet service provider.   These things can make a big difference. 

[lynnc35]

well it doesn't sound like it is working fine enough for your needs, we have to ante up sometimes and technology is spinning. in with the new and out with the old. you'll be happy for it.

[FonixFire]

OK there are a few thangs you can do. here are a list
1. get a faster internet provider
2. check you're wifi to make sure you have a good connection
3. check youre computer for viruses, etc
4. update you're ram
5. try gitting a faster wifi hub
6. try gitting a better wifi card in you're laptop
7. free up memorey in you're laptop "Disk defament" delete old programs you dont use same with songs and pics
8. Get read of youre hdd and git a better faster external or internal ssd
9. update all of you're drivers
10. get a new copmuter
11. if you're laptop has a ethernet port use it

[Striker6]

I've been there.

Check with you internet and computer providers. 

[bjohnson16]

There is a couple of ways to fix that problem.  If you can find an computer repair company that is offering a special tune ups.  Or if you have a techinal school near you and they computer program they will sometimes look at them for free and fix them for a small donations.  Also my son would say clean the computer and see if that helps.  Also check with the computer internet company and see if you can get an upgrade for the internet.