“My computer keeps freezing, and now it takes ages to boot up!” Well fear not. Computers slowly take longer to boot up, and a frequent problem among users is not knowing how to fix that. A computer can only handle so many tasks at one time. When it tries to handle to many, particularly at Windows Startup, it can freeze until it has caught up with all the tasks it has been given. Some programs require more memory to run which means it might not even take many programs running to see it lag.
Viewing Resources Allocated for Running Programs
This alone will not fix a broken computer, but it will let you see which programs are currently in use, whether it is a program you are currently using or one that is running in the background that you are not aware of. The following steps are very easy to complete, but just realize that they are for Windows and not for Linux or Mac, although steps for these operating systems are probably similar.
1. Hold Ctrl+Alt+Delete and release.
2. Pick the “Start Task Manager” option for Windows 7 and Vista. Other versions will already bring up the Task Manager.
3. Select the “Processes” tab by clicking it.
4. Click the column header named “Memory” so it sorts the amount of memory your programs are using by highest.
Virus: The Trojan Horse
In Homer’s poem, the Trojan Horse was a deathtrap disguised as a harmless gift. Like its predecessor, a Trojan horse virus, or “Trojan” as they are most commonly referred, make their way onto computers under false pretenses. They say they are one thing when they are really another. Trojans usually mask themselves as a critical Windows process to make them seem essential or harmless. Trojans have the same names as legitimate programs, but they are usually found in the wrong folder. Locating a Trojan might be as simple as finding the file it is impersonating.
Why Do You Care?
Knowing what programs are using hat about of memory is important. Current games being played and browsers being browsed through should be at the top of the column, and they are most likely using the most memory. Viruses will not yell at you showing you they are viruses, so if you see a process running that you do not recognize, copy the process name into Google and see if you can get confirmation on it being a virus or not. Closing the wrong process can result in reduced functionality until you restart your computer. Closing the wrong process will not cause you to have a broken computer, but who wants to needlessly restart their computer?
It is smart to be alert of which processes are safe and essential and what they do. Knowing which processes are essential might prevent you from having your computer running slow.