Hi, I have a desktop PC about 3-4 years old. It's running Windows XP Pro with a Pentium 4, 1.6 GHz and 768 MB RAM but it is still pretty slow. I use the machine mostly for the internet and school work and I tend to have many windows open at once (usually around 4-8). When I have more than 4 windows open, it seems to really slow down. Things like clicking the minimize button take a few seconds to register and there seems to be a delay in everything that I do. I have Norton AntiVirus set up to scan for viruses once every 24 hours and there hasn't been any major problems there. There have been a few viruses that Norton caught and quarantined and/or deleted. Could they still be a problem? I don't know what else to begin looking into. Do I need a hardware upgrade? Is my PC just old? Any help is greatly appreciated :) Thanks!!

might have spyware... This message posted using 100% recycled electrons.

Well, your PC isn't exactly high-end however it should register basic tasks like internet surfing and text messaging fairly well with 4-8 windows open at atime. However, the more resource strenuous the programs get can determine how well it perfroms. For instance, 4 text messaging windows would run fine. But 4 windows that have videos playing or animated banners may slow it down abit. The video card can also play a role in how fast your computer computes. A factory or integrated graphics card is not really ideal for, well, anything other than turning the computer on. Now you did mention that you have 768 MB RAM I'm going to assume thats 3 sticks of equal RAM or 2 sticks of different sized RAM. Either way it won't operate as well as oh say 2 sticks of 256MB and this is why. Your RAM is like a strobe refer to the below diagram. RAM - A = - RAM - B = * Now with a single stick of RAM or three sticks of RAM this is how your RAM will operate - - - - - - - - - - With 2 or 4 sticks of equal RAM this is how it will operate -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- Now oyu can see in the first diagram the RAM works, recharges, works, recharges, etc. In the second diagram the when one stick is charging the other is woring and vice versa. This is commonly refered to as DUAL CHANNEL MODE. You are currently running single channel mode which is considerably slower. That's niether here nor there. Your processor operating frequency is 1.6GHZ and it's a pentium which means it's probably a pentium3 which aren't the best processors in the world but once again should handle basic tasks well. I hope this helps a little. If you need to replace parts or upgrade please stop by again and I'll be glad to help. Or you could e-mail me at punkindrublic@myself.com Abit AV8 Fatal1ty AMD Athlon64 3500 2.5Ghz Gigaram 4x512 PC3200 XFX Geforce7800GTX unlocked 160GB WD HDD 40GB WD HDD 320 WD HDD 550W PSU Water cooled Custom kit

Most Virus and Spyware scans are likely to work better in Windows Safe-Mode. Com puter Speed and Performance May Decrease When you open, then close programs, programs may not free up RAM memory. That is called "Memory Leak". Restarting computer will clear out its RAM memory. Search the web for a program called "Ram Idle". Many places to download free. It displays current free RAM in the System Tray. Also you can right click the icon to free up any amount of RAM. I use a Beta version I got some years ago, and has a Memory Usage of 2,888k. That may help to see remaining available RAM.

Might want to change some settings on the eye candy probably adjust for best performance, also you might want to try to do some tweaks on your system. Just goggle tweak hound. Jim R

It should also be mentioned that you are using the most resource-hungry anti-virus software available. Replace Norton AV with the free AVG, and you'll see a performance boost. Please let us know if you found someone's advice to be helpful.

Norton has been known to be a resource hog for ages, that may be a big part of your problem. Hopefully my advice will help you...Please post back with your results....thanks