For no apparent reasons, a computer running slowly is often experienced by the users. There are a couple of things which can be associated with this failure: memory running low or virus infecting the computer. It may not be a problem to recognize the problem if you are an experienced user. However, for the inexperienced ones, it can be the opposite case.

Experienced or not, it is important to learn of the reason of the slowdown before fixing it. Let us see if it is due to the lack of hardware. A computer experiences slowdowns when there is not enough system memory, your RAM or Random Access Memory.

This hardware is one of the most important parts of the computer because it is required no matter what operating system your computer is using. The hard drive is that disk where your documents or files are being saved. These files are stored in this hard disk, your static memory, for which it keeps them safe and stored even when the computer is turned off.

On the other hand, the RAM is a volatile memory, which is the reason why those that are saved in this hardware get lost after the computer is turned off. Utilized to load and execute commands or programs, RAM is only a temporary storage medium. If the RAM is not enough, it can lead to sluggish performance and can go serious because of unmatched hardware requirements.

For instance, a minimum 256 MB RAM can be enough to run an older operating system without the slowdowns. Whereas, a 1GB amount or higher of memory will be needed by a newer operating system.

A 256 MB RAM installed in your computer will not allow the newer operating system to work well. The reason why is because a bigger volume of programs comes with the newer operating system for which it cannot handle if the memory is low. Because the insufficient memory cannot handle them well, it can interrupt or produce errors while you are in the middle of your computer activities. So, if your computer is experiencing slowdowns, check your RAM first.

Otherwise, it is often a good idea to add or even double its amount so the operating system is always at its best. You may reason out that there is a designated temporary RAM found in the hard drive, it is often slower and nothing is stored permanently when used. So, adding more into the amount of RAM is generally advised.

If the RAM in your system is enough, it is time to look for other symptoms, like new icons displayed on the desktop, messages telling your computer is infected, new programs that you did not install, and other odd behaviors. There is no doubt that the computer running slowly is due to the virus or malicious software when the symptoms mentioned are found.