Does the spinning version of either of these look familiar?
There are some “popular” reasons why your computer may be slow, and although it varies case by case, those reasons include things like: viruses, malware and lesser known ones like an over-crowded desktop or over-filling your Hard Drive, but the hidden reason I want to tell you about is (drum roll please): Technology.
Yep, technology is probably why your computer – or phone – is slow. But more specifically: advancing technology. Let me explain.
We’re Moving Fast
Technology these days improves at an alarming rate. And along with big advances in hardware technology (like faster computer chips, cheaper and faster Memory, bigger Hard Drives, etc.) there comes big advances in software technology (your Operating System, Apps, Programs, etc.).
Imagine you’re a software engineer at a big tech company like Apple. Your pals over in the hardware department tell you about how much faster the next round of computers and phones will be. Your code-filled eyes would glaze over with joy that you’ll FINALLY be able to add some of those super cool features you’ve wanted to add but had to set them aside because the computer wouldn’t be powerful enough to do it. But now they will be. Yay!
Well, the NEW batch of computers will be.
So if you’re like me, there you are, “upgrading” to the newest Operating System – Yosemite on Mac or Windows 8.1 on PCs currently – and suddenly things don’t run as fast. Sure, there are some cool things happening, but it takes a while for them to happen. And now imagine it’s a year or so even later and you upgrade to that next latest-greatest version of the Operating System and it runs even slower!!!!!
It happens with phones too – I think even more harshly.
And what follows in close step with the Operating System upgrades? You guessed it: your favorite programs also have to upgrade to take advantage of the newest technology. It’s like crack to engineers. But that just means more and more and more is being asked of your poor older, slower computer.
It’s a vicious cycle.
So your computer or phone isn’t dumber now and no, I don’t actually believe, as a friend suggested to me the other night: “Yeah, they put that virus in so you have to buy the new phones.” What he didn’t think of was that he also put the new Operating System, and all of the updated Apps on his old phone.
“Yeah, they put that virus in so you have to buy the new phones.”
Of course, I’m not sure I’d put it past any large company in these days of planned obsolescence, so I put a survey down on the right to get your take on it. Is it a conspiracy? I’m interested to see what you think. And leave a comment below with your point of view!
Not Twinkies
Unfortunately, unlike a Twinkie, there will always be a limited shelf life of a computer or cell phone, and that shelf life seems to be getting shorter and shorter. I used to be able to count on getting 4-5 years out of a computer but now it’s closer to 3 for me. And I could usually get at least 2.5 years out of a cellphone but that’s slipped closer to 18-24 months.
Here are some recommendations to help alleviate this, now and going forward. And these are actually what I do:[list style=”tick-round”]
- Have your system checked for any components that may be failing (Memory chips and Hard Drives go bad, etc.).
- Check for an Malware or Viruses – make sure you have a good anti-virus installed (especially if you’re running Windows). There are lots of programs out there that do it, both free and not too expensive.
- Make sure your Hard Drives are not too full – they should never have less than 10% available space. 20% or more free space is best.
- Don’t have too much stuff on your Desktop. It actually effects performance. Every icon on your desktop requires memory to store and redraw when windows and apps move around or close.
- Here’s the big one going forward: Buy the fastest and most powerful computer you can afford. Even more powerful than you think you’ll need. Although you may not need to do computer-intensive tasks like editing video, the extra few hundred dollars you spend now on the faster system (faster processor & more RAM) will probably gain you a year or more on the life of it going forward based on nothing other than Operating System and the closely following programs that will also upgrade to take advantage of the new hardware and software advances.
Cell phones are a little tougher because they’re not as customizable so we’re a bit more stuck on that one. I just keep mine until I can’t take it anymore!
And I suppose I don’t have to tell you to make sure you have back-ups of your information. Especially if you notice it slowing down. If it’s a hardware problem, like if the Hard Drive is failing, you’ll have little recourse once it fails for good.
I hope this helps. And I wish we sold hardware as this seemed like a good plug for it, but we just build great websites. So if you need a great website that runs great on ANY computer system – or tablet – or phone – call us and we’ll take great care of you!
All the best,
Michael Duff
Founder
Leave A Comment