Slow Computer or Network Performance

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🖥️ Computer Performance Troubleshooting

🔍 1. Basic System Health Check

  • Check CPU/RAM usage in Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS)
  • Look for background apps or services hogging resources
  • Check disk usage and SSD/HDD health (use tools like CrystalDiskInfo or smartctl)
  • Inspect temperatures — overheating causes throttling (HWMonitor, Macs Fan Control, iStat Menus)

🧼 2. Cleanup & Optimization

  • Disable unnecessary startup programs
  • Uninstall bloatware or unused apps
  • Run disk cleanup, or clean system caches
  • Defragment (only for HDDs, not SSDs)
  • Check for recent updates or misbehaving patches

🛡️ 3. Malware/Spyware Checks

  • Run a full antivirus/malware scan (use Malwarebytes or Windows Defender)
  • Look for rogue browser extensions or adware

⚙️ 4. Driver and OS Updates

  • Update:
    • Graphics drivers
    • Network drivers
    • Storage controller drivers
    • BIOS/UEFI (if applicable)
  • Ensure OS updates are current, or roll back recent ones if issues started after an update

🔌 5. Hardware Bottlenecks

  • Upgrade to SSD if still using HDD
  • Add more RAM if usage is constantly near 100%
  • Check for GPU thermal throttling or VRAM overuse (especially with rendering, gaming, or AI tasks)

🌐 Network Performance Troubleshooting

📶 1. Local Network Check

  • Reboot router/modem
  • Test using a wired connection to rule out Wi-Fi
  • Try another device on the same network — if they’re slow too, it’s a network issue
  • Run ping, tracert (Windows) or ping, traceroute (macOS/Linux) to check latency and hops

📡 2. Wi-Fi Specifics

  • Check signal strength (move closer to router)
  • Switch between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
  • Change Wi-Fi channel (especially in congested areas)
  • Update router firmware
  • Consider mesh or range extenders for larger spaces

🌍 3. External Connectivity

  • Run a speed test (e.g., Speedtest.net) to measure up/down and ping
  • Test against multiple services (e.g., YouTube buffering vs. file download)
  • Use tools like iperf3 or Wireshark for advanced diagnosis

📈 4. Network Saturation

  • Check for bandwidth hogs (e.g., backups, torrents, video streaming)
  • Look at QoS settings on router — throttle less important traffic
  • Limit background syncing (OneDrive, iCloud, Dropbox)

🛠️ Advanced Tips (Power Users/IT Pros)

  • Windows: Use Resource Monitor, Process Explorer, or LatencyMon for in-depth analysis
  • macOS: Use powermetrics, fs_usage, or dtrace for advanced profiling
  • Network:
    • Use netstat, nload, iftop, or tcpdump for traffic inspection
    • Check for DNS issues — try switching to 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1
  • Check logs (Windows Event Viewer or /var/log on Linux/macOS)

Networking Windows

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