This is a common phrase uttered by frustrated PC users.

Choosing a new computer is not an easy task. The process often involves a significant amount of time, effort, and money, so when you leave the store with your new PC, you expect its performance to reflect your dedication and the cost.

Everything runs smoothly for a few months, and you are satisfied with your purchase, asking yourself why you didn’t make the switch sooner.

Then… suddenly…

S-L-O-W…

The though of having to start the process all over again runs through your mind.

If it makes you feel any better, it happens to everyone.

Here are a few steps we take to determine if repair or replacement is the best option for you:

• We check to see what’s running: extra processes, Windows updates, a poorly written program, or just too many things in the background.
• If unnecessary software is running, we help you uninstall the programs that aren’t needed or determine which one is causing the problem.
• Tech Tip: Do NOT run Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and iCloud all at the same time. Enough said. 
• We troubleshoot Windows updates. If an update finishes and causes the computer to slow down, this often requires its removal and uninstallation. Same for drive updates.

If all looks well, the best “bang for the buck” upgrade is RAM. These types of upgrades are quick and relatively cheap, even if transitioning from 8 gigs of RAM to 16.

If your computer is 4+ years old, it is time for the “repair versus replace” conversation. PCs in the workplace can last 4 to 5 years, but by the 4th year, they feel very slow. You CAN upgrade a 4-year-old PC, but the money and time is usually better spent on a new one altogether.

As you can see, a slow-running PC is the bane of the workday. However, a quick call to your I.T. company may ease your mind before you jump to any conclusions.