Running slow

I'm new to this site, and i have a few computer problems. The first one is that my Internet connection is running slow, it takes a few minutes to load a page on Mozilla Firefox, i'm using a Tren-D-Net Wireless Router (hope the spelling is right) I check the connection, it usually runs at about 24Mbps, but now it's about 12Mbps, and it hasn't been working at all the past few days (it make me so )

Secondly my computer in general doesn't work that well, I have Windows Defender and Norton AntiVirius but it still seems to be running really slow (neither of them pick up Virus' or anything wrong for the matter, again so ), and things don't tend to download, Windows Xp Updates don't work (the yellow Shield icon sits on my toolbar and stays at 0%, it gives up after a while though) My Internet Explorer is really slow, i don't even use it anymore because it doesn't work, and i don't run enough Window's Updates through it because they take forever and often don't work the first time. Is there any way to end my Trials and Tribulations? (Am I asking for help now or am I just complaining? Hmm maybe a little of both) i've been thinking of putting everything i want to keep on disks and then wiping my computer and starting over, but i'm hoping i won't have to do that (because i really don't know how) Thank You all so much for answering my computer questions! i really appreciate it

 

Well firstly you should download and run CCleaner to get rid of any unnessary crud:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/CCleaner_d4191.html

There is an excellent selection of all the best freeware apps here:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20

But possibly the best advice I can give is for you to follow the complete spyware/adware/virus clean-up advice here:

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407

 

i have another question. i've been looking at the download page and i've been getting a few software programs for my system, do i really need the recommended amount from every catagory? (that seems like a lot) i already got AVG free, SpywareGuard, and Stinger 3 (my friend got me CCleaner a while ago and it runs through my recycle bin) and Norton Security Center (i don't really know how to use it, it's more confusing then all the others, i think that's because i didn't install it and read the updates) oh and i have a new problem, everytime i boot my computer, or turn it on i get these messages that pop up, it's umm...windows installer and it tries to install stuff, but i just click cancel is there a way to stop it? because it's annoying. thank you for helping me again

 

Okay firstly don't stop MS updates they are generally only for security reasons and important for the running of your system. They are probably automated on your system and will keep appearing until they have completed the update.

Secondly I am certain you have to many apps doing "exactly" the same task so are therefore pointless, taking system memory and slowing your PC down. Norton Security Center is a less than effective resource hog of an app. I will say it has an AV (therefore no need for AVG!) a firewall and other crap that make many feel "secure", lol. IMHO this would be the first app to go. I bet if you open the task manager you will find 5-6 norton related processes running keeping your system nice and slow.

 

So what should i do? and the message doesn't complete, it comes up with an error message and then i just click okay and it closes? my friend had the same problem, but he seems reluctant to help me fix it .