my pc is running slowly while connected to the internet? how do I speed it up or what is it that is holding it back?

p spellman, March 2010

Start the disk cleanup utility that comes with Windows. Not the best, but an acceptable start.
It will remove much useless temporary files.

I use CCleaner to do my cleaning. I don't know how it compares to Advanced SystemCare proposed by Sean. Both are free.

That alone can accelerate your system.
Next, do a disk defragmentation. Files fragmentation can seriously slow down file access and you have to wait for that.

Maybe your browser have to many plugins and addons.
Take a look at those that are installed and disable or remove those you don't, or no longer, use.

Kualinar, March 2010

Hi, First try deleting youre temporary internet files, if you havent already done so, I use a pretty good program called Advanced SystemCare, its a free software, you just let it scan your pc and it gets rid of junk off your computer, run it every couple of days and your pc will work quicker! good luck.

sean, March 2010

There's a free utility called Process Explorer - it does much the same thing as the Task Manager only the pictures are prettier. Use one or the other of these to see which applications/processes are "eating" the machines resources and go from there.

I had a problem with svchost.exe consuming 99% CPU cycles recently (XP pro/Dell) - a switch to an earlier restore point solved it for me.

The cause of the slowness may be any one of several things - you need to do a bit of diagnosis - then internet research to discover the likely cause and then take the appropriate action.

Good luck...

Peccavi, March 2010