The RAM can't be "infected" as all it's content disapears when you shut down the computer.
A very frequent and importent cause of slowdown is files fragmentation. Over time, as files are created, deleted and modified, the become fragmented in small pieces scattered all over the disk. Fragmented files take MUCH longer to access.
That's why you need to regularly defragment your drive.
Most third party defragmenters are beter that the default defrag from Windows.
Second cause of slowdown is disk clutter. It's not just having large to huge files taking a lot of space. It's often more about having thousands of small files. Those can make the folders become huge, and, folders are realy just a special kind of files.
It's a good idea to run CClener about monthly. It's a GREAT cleaning utility, safe, effecient and FREE for personal home use.
Third, are to many background processes running.
If you notice a sharp slowdown, this may be the cause. Have you installed any new application? Is that application run in the notification area?
Those often take some CPU power and can clog your ram withsome active task. When your RAM become saturated, Windows start to use the page file to get some more extra working room. As part of your working data is now on disk, it's access takes millions of time more time to access.
It may be a good idea to quit some of the application from that area, and set them to NOT start automaticaly.
Backing up files is the process of storing them somewhere outside of the computer. It can be on an external drive, some CDs or DVDs, or online in the so called "cloud".
Once a file is safely backed up, you can delete it to free up some disk space.
If you recently installed some on-line file storage application, that application will do on-line back up of your sellected files and folders. It need to scan for changed files and upload them to the external server. This takes time and computer resources, causing some slowdowns.
The above are non-malicious isues.
Now, you also need to check for virus, trojans, worms, adwares and spywares, collectively known as malewares.
Set your favorite anti-virus to automaticaly scan your computer about once a week.
If you have more than a single anti-virus installed, ONLY one should be set to load at startup and do automated scans. Any other MUST be set to only work at your ponctual request.
having more that one anti-virus doing real time protection is REALY BAD performance wise as they will often conflict wanting to scan the same files at the same time.
Electro, September 2013
