new computer? when is it time?

I have a Compaq computer
Win XP SP3
Intel 4 cpu 3.20 Ghz, 1.0 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForc FX, 5500

I use Mozilla, I use CCleaner, and ADware-SE to keep it clean/running

the problem is I have maybe 4-7 windows open at once, on the tabs,. including MSword files (1-3)

things don't run very fast, my computer doesnt switch windows very fast, and I just want a faster computer to switch from window to window and the biggest peeve is whatever browser I use, IE7 or Mozilla KEEPS CRASHING and needs to be restarted/restored/

661 KBPS download speed
229 KBPS upload speed

I was going to go through all the Windows XP Cleaning Procedure stuff that is posted on here, but I thought I just might have a slow computer or running too much stuff?

I also don't know what to expect to find from running on the stuff on the Windows XP Cleaning Procedure page
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=139313

I am obviously not that computer savvy at all,
so how do I know whether it's time to get a new computer or to look for a problem as to why my computer is running slow?
and in either case, I wouldnt know what to do next otherwise.
what am I looking for when I run all the cleaning procedure stuff?

 

Your computer specs sound decent enough for general usage. An upgrade to two gigabytes of RAM can speed things up, as well as installing a newer video card with a better GPU and more on-board RAM of it's own. However . . . .

There are a few things you can do to tweak your system. Go to Start, Programs, then select "Startup" in the program list - see what is there. Anything here will start up when you boot windows. Many programs like to insert themselves into the start up routine, which makes me crazy. I've always considered this like leaving your car running all the time, just in case you decide to drive it one day.

Check the Task Manager and see how many processes are running after a fresh boot - this is before opening any programs or starting any games. For an XP computer that is running Anti-virus and perhaps a software firewall, you shouldn't have anymore then 35 or 40 going (for my tweaked system, I usually have 23 at idle). The number of processes running has a direct impact on your computers performance. Do some research on the processes and decide which ones you don't need running.

From what you posted, you might well have some virus or other mal-ware activity on your system; many show up in the process lists. Some infections can be very hard to root out, so I do recommend following the mal-ware guides on this forum to make sure you are net-nasty free.

 

Can also check how many programs are running at Startup.
Mine is firewall,AV, 3 antispyware.

 

As was mentioned you can upgrade very easily with extra ram/new video card/psu and that will be cheaper than buying a new PC.

 

i agree,,,ram would be first upgrade if you have that much stuff open at once...try restoring your computer to an earlier date, if possible..as it came from the factory..video card too would be an upgrade i would do if you decided to keep your compact...

do virus scan, spyware scan,,,and hard drive fragmentation...

make sure your interent is running okay,,,get in touch with internet provider, double check with em

also, i found chrome browser is very fast,,,makes internet explorer a not wanted browser.

and last, your technology is getting dated,, its 2 or 3 generations behind the latest i am thinking

 

With those download/upload specs, what type of internet connection do you have?
Cable or DSL should be faster.

 

Good advice given here, although I don't see the need for hardware upgrades for what he stated as typical usage. Heck, my desktop system (Win XP SP3) has an Athlon XP 2200, 1.8GHz, with 512MB of RAM, and also have an FX 5500 video card (mine has 256MB of memory) and I have no problem running the scenario he mentioned. I also run dual monitors off my FX 5500. So, I'd focus on the suggestions given here that do not require hardware upgrades. Your computer should really perform better with it's current hardware configuration.

 

Your computer specs sound pretty good, XP cant utilize much over 3gig of ram, so past 3 gig its pretty much a waste. A P4- 3.2GHZ processor is pretty fast, I would say unless youre a gamer, you have a nice system for general use.
Maybe its time for a fresh install of XP, save your Documents, Pictures, and music.
Some folks reinstall XP a couple times a year..

 

good points made here,,,one thing i noticed, is that your download internet speed is awful.....i get 12mg/s download with cox cable....if you upgrade your internet speed,,,and do a fresh install of windows xp...you will probably be happier.

 

you sound like the cable salespeople.
I am not at all concerned with my internet speed, I don't use it for much besides this site, a few others and email. so it's not a big deal, unless the speed affects how many windows I can have open? and that's why it closes?

 

If you are accessing multiple windows at different sites, Yes. Big bottleneck.

 

For having all those windows open, more RAM would be best. There could be an issue elsewhere.
Does your browser crash if you only have a couple windows open? If it still crashes, RAM isnt the issue.
Google crucial.com advisory tool, they can scan your computer and tell you how much RAM you have and advise how much more you can use. They will suggest the right type/speed of RAM. Its a free scan and a good starting place.

 

Go back and read my first reply. He does not more RAM for his use of a computer. He has plenty of RAM, twice what I have, and I can have that many windows open with no problem.

No, for mere casual and minor web surfing, which is what he does, he does not need to upgrade to a faster Internet service. Besides, that has nothing to do with slowness in switching from one window to another, which is his main complaint. He has a general performance problem, not an Internet access speed problem.

 

Right there is his clue, isolate and decide.

 

never considered that because I didn't think could be so.
I can't see how that would cause my computer to be slow at switching windows though,

I just checked my disk defrag and it says I don't need to for my C drive, 1.47GB the main drive I use, but my D drive 94 GB, keeps having the error DISK CANNOT ANALYZE when I go to analyze to see if I should run the defrag on it.


that, coupled with the Windows update that won't get installed, coupled with the occasional 1-3starts to bring up windows, all concern me and I have no idea where to go..Should I go look for Malware and follow that threads instructions?
Even though those directions seemed a bit intimidating to me.