How to Accept That Your Computer Is Slow

Last Updated: March 7, 2023

Do you have DSL or dial-up internet but just don't have the patience or time to let your computer run so slow? Sometimes you just have to face the facts and accept that your computer just isn't the fastest in the world.

1

Be patient.

If your computer is slow, becoming impatient won't make it any faster. Don't click anything too fast or try to refresh the page. This will just confuse the computer and it will run even slower. The best thing to do is just let the page or window load.

2

Clear out unnecessary documents.

The more documents you delete, the more space you will have on the computer. Having more space on your computer can allow everything to run faster. Clear your recycle bin every once in a while to delete unnecessary files.

3

Avoid using several browser tabs at once.

Opening up more than two or three web browser tabs will discombobulate your computer. Clicking back and forth between several tabs can use up precious RAM and CPU power, and make loading websites take even longer.

4

Save your work often.

If your computer crashes frequently, you could lose important data. Save everything you work on several times. Everything! The last thing you want is to have your computer crash as you top off that 10-page essay.

5

Only use the internet at non-peak times.

If the internet is slow, wait until other people have logged off to get online. Consider using the internet when everyone in your household is asleep, or essentially not using the internet.

6

Avoid watching videos.

Forget videos. If you have slow internet speeds or a very old processor, it can take up to half an hour to load one to two-minute video. Unless you can leave your computer alone for hours to let it load, just forget about it. You can live without online videos!

Community Q&A

Question

My computer shuts itself down after a while. What is that called and how do I fix it?

Vince T

Community Answer

The shutdowns could be the result of several issues, like low battery, a loose or bad charger, overheating, insufficient memory, etc. The best option is to have it checked by a computer tech. However, this could be costly. If your computer is older, it may be more cost effective to buy a new one, since prices have decreased over the years. Your data can be transferred from your faulty computer to a new one with ease.
Question

Having installed - and used - AVG tune-up, my laptop has slowed right down

Community Answer

Often anti-virus becomes so intrusive and processing intensive that it isn't worth it. If you are careful what you download and what emails you open, then you can get by just fine with Windows Defender and Malwarebytes for more diffucult issues. Try CCleaner also.
Question

Will a router speed up my computer?

Community Answer

It won't. A router only speeds up the internet connection speed locally.

Warnings

If you decide to put Linux on your old computer (Revive an Old Computer with Linux), avoid using old distributions as they may no longer be supported.

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