Why Is My Computer Running Slow?

Computer slowness can be caused by a variety of issues, which can be categorized in 2 categories: hardware or software. Computer hardware are the physical parts of the computer system, for example motherboard, CPU, RAM, etc. Computer software are all the programs and applications that are installed on your PC. Software includes the operating system like Microsoft Windows XP or Vista and all of the applications such as Microsoft Office, Photoshop, etc. Viruses, spyware and malware are software as well.

Things to check:

* Startup programs
* Virus and spyware scan
* Hard Drive out of space
* Fragmented hard drive
* Bad sector or corrupted files
* Overheating due to dust

Most common reason for computer slowness is unnecessary applications running in the background. When new programs & applications are installed many times they will be configured to start automatically when your computer starts.

These applications are not always needed, and will take up a portion of your computer's memory (RAM) which in turn will slow your computer down. To check what applications start automatically, clicks on the start button, then click on run, then type 'msconfig' and click on OK. Once the Systems Configuration Utility is open, click on the Startup tab. On the startup tab you can select the programs that you want to start.

Unselecting any of the programs in the startup tab will not remove them from your computer; it will merely keep them from starting automatically every time you turn your PC on. I recommend unselecting all the applications that you don't need. If you see software that you don't recognize it could be indication of virus of spyware.

If your computer is running slow and you're getting a lot of pop-up windows, even when you're not using the computer, your computer is most likely infected with a virus and/or spyware. Everybody should have antivirus software installed, updated and running at all times. There are many antivirus software packages, the best one on my opinion is Nod32 from ESET.

Regardless of antivirus software that you use, you should always keep it updated, and regularly scan your system for viruses. Most antivirus software don't check for spyware, so if your computer is infected by spyware, you should download a specialized spyware removal software. There are 2 programs that I use myself all the time, Spybot and Adaware they are absolutely free to use. Once you download and install these programs, make sure to run the updates and scan your entire computer.

Make sure your hard drive is not out of space. If it is, it's a good idea to get an upgrade, or delete some programs and files. Delete all of the temp files, temporary internet files and cookies, you could do it manually or use another free program called "ccleaner".

When files are stored on your computer's hard drive they are not always stored in the most efficient way and can become fragmented. Fragmented files take a lot longer for your system to open or save. To start the defragmentation utility click on Start then programs -> accessories -> system tools -> disc defragmenter. Defragment all of the drives listed. The defragmentation process can take anywhere from about 5 minutes to a couple of hours, and sometimes needs to be repeated. I recommend defragmenting the computer hard drive about once a month.

Another cause of computer slowness could be a corrupted system file or a bad sector on the hard drive. Bad sectors can corrupt systems files which can slow down your PC or even keep it from running.

To check and correct bad sectors run the scan disk (chkdsk) utility.

Make sure the computer is not overheating or running very warm. Most computer allow air to flow through the computer, this is great for cooling but also causes a lot of dust to accumulate inside of computer case. Dust will cause poor air circulation and might overheat your PC. Open up the case of the PC and blow all dust out using compressed air.

Dominik Szuksztul runs TekScape Solutions a computer repair and network support company in Orange County, CA

Nintendo DS Online Gaming

Every gadget that comes along these days cant be without the latest technology buzzword, Wi-Fi. For those who dont know, this allows a device to connect to other compatible devices without the traditional mess of wires by using a radio connection. Nintendos hand held console, the Nintendo DS, is no exception to this.

And why have they done this? So you can play Nintendo DS games online for free. There are a number of Nintendo DS online games available including Mario Kart that let you pit you gaming skills against other DS gamers all over the world.

On its own the Nintendo DS has a wireless range of only 30-100 feet so you can only play with other gamers who are close by. But in November 2005 Nintendo launched a service called Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection that lets you connect to other DSs over the Internet. Not only that, but this service is free!

How can you connect to this free service? Well, you can do this using one of several different methods. First off, Nintendo have set up a network of wireless hotspots in public places such as cafes, libraries and they have arranged a deal with McDonalds to set up hotspots in some of their restaurants.

You dont even have to leave the comfort of your own home to access Wi-Fi Connection. If you have access to a wireless router you can you can set up your Nintendo DS to connect to other gamers online. There is room on your Nintendo DS to configure and store up to 3 of these connections.

Don't worry if you dont have a wireless router. You can still play Nintendo DS games online with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection if your PC has a broadband connection. All you need is Nintendos USB Connector. This plugs into your one of your PCs USB sockets and doesn't even require you to set up the connection like a wireless router does.

With an ever growing list of online games your Nintendo DS has become the gateway to a whole new gaming experience you can share with others all across the world.

Thomas Heaney is the webmaster of Nintendo DS Gamer and has been playing video and computer games in one form or another since he got his first computer, a ZX Spectrum back in 1984.

Make Money Online No Scams

Hello and welcome to this article. In this article I am going to discuss some of the legitimate "make money online" opportunities and how you can spot some of the scams that are out there on the net. Let me anwser this question first.

What is an online scam?

An online scam simply put, is a dishonest attempt to trap you into parting with your money. Unfortunately we have all experienced being cheated in one way or another, and we all know how it feels. A 'scammer' may make a personal approach, with an offer too good to be true. Someone may email you, phone, text-message or post an offer that they press you to take up. They can often use persuasive techniques that can be hard to resist. They can sometimes make you feel that you are petty or inadequate if you resist or even question their offer.But there are warning signs that you are being conned. There are patterns that you can learn to recognize. You can learn to spot a scam coming, and you can learn the skills to respond.

So now that you have an understanding of what an online scam is, you may need to think about what types of common online scams there are out there on the net. I think that the most common online scams that are surrounding the net are the paid surveys. There has been a great deal of interest in doing online surveys to make money. Unfortunately, as a trend develops and becomes popular, you tend to see scam artists lurking around trying to find ways to manipulate people. There are many legitimate survey companies out there, but one needs to be careful as there are many scam artists that like to get involved too.

What other "make money" opportunities should you look out for?

Well thankfully there are many other online legitimate breaks you can learn to develop a positive stream of income from. The harder you work at these the more return you will see. Some of the online business opportunities include things like, Affiliate marketing, Google AdSense, creating and selling your own products and or services. What I suggest is that you research these business models and pick one. Try and learn the skills needed to make these models a success for you. Look at online forums, read articles and buy some of the products that will educate you in your chosen field.

You need to be aware that there are many scams related to the internet marketing industry. Like I said before, where there is money to be made, there is also the con-artists. There are many beneficial products that will educate you in the fields of affiliate marketing and Google AdSense etc... but just be aware that there is a lot of rubbish out there too. I suggest that you research some of the products that you are interested in purchasing. Goto Google and type in "the product name" + review and see what results come up. Browse through and read some of the reviews. You will then have enough information to make a buying decision.

Affiliate marketing is the easiest way to make money online and start your very own online business. In order for you to become successful, you need to lean the required skills. If you are interested in learning more on how you can become a top earning affiliate, I suggest you click on the link below to find out more.

If you would like to learn more about how you can become a super affiliate, and create a profitable business online please visit http://its-about-internet-marketing.blogspot.com/2008/01/ewen-chias-super-affiliate-club-review.html