[3sprintcar]

I was running XP so for obvious reasons, I needed to update. Bought a new processor (HP Slimline 400-214 PC) loaded with 8.1 which I had heard may be problematic for an old guy with not an abundance of computer savvy. The OS has been sort of frustrating, but after a week I have learned to fairly successfully navigate about.

The problem I can`t seem to figure out is the lag time waiting for a window to load. For example, just now when I clicked on the button to start a new thread, the wait time was 40 seconds! GRRR.

The machine came with McAfee AV. After reading here for a bit I see that I should disable it and enable Defender? I downloaded Malwarebytes because it has never let me down.

 

Anything you awesome guys can suggest to help me out? You have bailed me out once before several years back and I hold your opinion in high regard! Thanks in advance,

3sprintcar

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Hmm, the CPU in that machine is pretty low end. If you want to continue to use that desktop you might want to consider replacing your hard drive with a solid state drive.

 

Go to your Start Screen and type Task Manager then click where the program shows up on the left. In the program, Click on the the at the top called "Performance" On the left there will be sections labelled "CPU" and "Memory" let me know what the percentage beside each is.

 

First, I would go and uninstall any program that you don't think you need. New PCs come with a lot of crapware installed and it may have unnecessary services running in the background.

 

If you want some help determining what you can uninstall download Ccleaner install then run. On the left, click on Tools, then make sure "Uninstall is highlighted. On the bottom right there is a button that says "Save to text file." Click the button, save the file to your desktop, then open the file from your desktop and copy and paste the contents here.

[Trevorever]

Hmm, the CPU in that machine is pretty low end. If you want to continue to use that desktop you might want to consider replacing your hard drive with a solid state drive.

 

Go to your Start Screen and type Task Manager then click where the program shows up on the left. In the program, Click on the the at the top called "Performance" On the left there will be sections labelled "CPU" and "Memory" let me know what the percentage beside each is.

 

First, I would go and uninstall any program that you don't think you need. New PCs come with a lot of crapware installed and it may have unnecessary services running in the background.

 

If you want some help determining what you can uninstall download Ccleaner install then run. On the left, click on Tools, then make sure "Uninstall is highlighted. On the bottom right there is a button that says "Save to text file." Click the button, save the file to your desktop, then open the file from your desktop and copy and paste the contents here.

[3sprintcar]

Thanks so much for responding. I realize that what I bought is not the best, but I don`t need a whole lot with what little I do online. I was eyeballing an 8GB/ 2 TB machine and the Geek Squad says"Dude, are you a gamer? If not, you will NEVER use half of this thing."  So I got 4GB memory and a 500GB HD. Should be plenty for me.

 

CPU-2%

Memory-31%

 

I unloaded McAfee and enabled Win. Defender. I also installed malwarebytes. Is that redundant with Defender? I have picked up some speed doing this and I intend to take your advice and unload stuff I will never use.

Again, Thanks!

[Trevorever]

Yes, 4GB and 500GB are decent enough, it is the processor that is going to slow you down sometimes. Just make sure you don't install anything you don't need to, close programs you are not using, and reboot the computer every once in a while.

 

Are you running Malwarebytes Pro or just the free version? Running Malwarebytes Pro alongside Windows Defender is a great idea. It will keep you much safer than just using Windows Defender. Also make sure you keep up to date with the important Windows updates and keep any applications you use up to date (specifically Adobe Reader and Flash Player. If Java gets installed, uninstall it, unless there is a website that uses it that you go to frequently)

[3sprintcar]

I`d say that the lag is 75% better, and as I navigate more I discover other maintenance tools that need attention, ie: defrag, clearing history and temp files, etc. Think I`m gonna be fine. I will upgrade to the Pro version of malwarebytes as you suggest. have not seen JAVA appear yet...I was here @ GtG with a problem a few years back and was enlightened about the woes. The gentleman that was helping me had me get rid of Java and had me use Firefox and NoScript. Worked Gr8.

 

Thx for what you do!

[Trevorever]

Fantastic! It looks like you can still get a lifetime license for Malwarebytes here. If you go to the Malwarebytes website, they now only sell 1 year licenses.

[3sprintcar]

And...with five bucks off the regular price! Outstanding!