02-02-2015, 11:36 AM
To check that you don't have any "malware", download Malwarebytes: https://www.malwarebytes.org/
Once you've allowed it to scan the system, follow that with CCleaner: https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download
This will identify things that are not needed on the machine, and allow you to remove them. It will remove detritus from the registry and file system.
The free versions of these are perfectly adequate.
As you are running Firefox, you are already in a decent position regarding web security. Make it better by installing AdBlock Plus and Ghostery (if you haven't already). Also, change the privacy settings to disable 3rd-party cookies, as these are sometime used for tracking purposes. And make sure that you're keeping Flash and Java up to date...
Cookies aren't stored in the Windows registry. They are pretty harmless in general - although the ones used for tracking might raise an eyebrow - and they aren't able to slow down the way the operating system runs. Likewise, the temporary internet files don't cause a problem beyond occupying space - I just let the browser manage them.
Sometimes, poor performance is caused by an update pushed out from Microsoft. In general, enough people complain, and a fix is rolled out within a few weeks. Try searching the internet for reports from people who have exactly the same model netbook as you.
You can use the task manager to look at the CPU usage, and identify which process it consuming excess CPU time. Make sure you've clicked "Show processes from all users" option. In case you're not sure how to start Task Manager, you can do Ctrl+Alt+Delete, and there is a link from there. Or, right-click on a blank area of the taskbar, and click on "Start Task Manager".
Good luck
Mark
Once you've allowed it to scan the system, follow that with CCleaner: https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download
This will identify things that are not needed on the machine, and allow you to remove them. It will remove detritus from the registry and file system.
The free versions of these are perfectly adequate.
As you are running Firefox, you are already in a decent position regarding web security. Make it better by installing AdBlock Plus and Ghostery (if you haven't already). Also, change the privacy settings to disable 3rd-party cookies, as these are sometime used for tracking purposes. And make sure that you're keeping Flash and Java up to date...
Cookies aren't stored in the Windows registry. They are pretty harmless in general - although the ones used for tracking might raise an eyebrow - and they aren't able to slow down the way the operating system runs. Likewise, the temporary internet files don't cause a problem beyond occupying space - I just let the browser manage them.
Sometimes, poor performance is caused by an update pushed out from Microsoft. In general, enough people complain, and a fix is rolled out within a few weeks. Try searching the internet for reports from people who have exactly the same model netbook as you.
You can use the task manager to look at the CPU usage, and identify which process it consuming excess CPU time. Make sure you've clicked "Show processes from all users" option. In case you're not sure how to start Task Manager, you can do Ctrl+Alt+Delete, and there is a link from there. Or, right-click on a blank area of the taskbar, and click on "Start Task Manager".
Good luck
Mark
