Slow Internet Performance

[RH]

I have a high speed internet connection (cabel modem) but for the last
several months my internet performance has been very slow and sometimes
causes my computer to lock up. I have checked with my internet provider and
they said it is a problem with my computer not the connection. I also have a
wireless router that I use with my laptop. The internet connection for my
laptop seems to be fine.

I notice when I look at the task manager that I have 36+ processes running
and several of them seem to be the same. Can you please tell me what I can do
to find out what the problem is.

Thank you

 

[RH]

Just in case you need to know, I'm running IE 6 on a Compaq system. I'm not
exactly sure what additional information you would need.

Thank you.

 

[Leonard Grey]

Malicious software such as viruses or spyware could be installed on your
computer.

"How to Tell if a Malfunctioning PC Has a Virus"
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-1054842.html

"Cleaning a Pest-Infected Computer"
http://rgharper.mvps.org/cleanit.htm

 

[RH]

Thank you Leonard. I have Norton Anti-virus installed and it runs a virus
check every day. Currently is says my system is clean. Do you have any other
ideas? According to the first article link you provided, it says windows
operating systems may have similar symptoms to a virus. I guess I am
wondering if there would be something else on my system causing it to run
slow?

 

[Leonard Grey]

A virus is just one of the many types of malicious software that can
infect your computer.

 

[Daave]

I have a high speed internet connection (cabel modem) but for the last
several months my internet performance has been very slow and
sometimes
causes my computer to lock up. I have checked with my internet
provider and
they said it is a problem with my computer not the connection. I also
have a
wireless router that I use with my laptop. The internet connection for
my
laptop seems to be fine.

I notice when I look at the task manager that I have 36+ processes
running
and several of them seem to be the same. Can you please tell me what I
can do
to find out what the problem is.

Is everything about the PC slow? Or is it only online activities? What
Web browser do you use? Have you emptied its cache? A bloated cache can
slow down browsing.

Also, what is your malware status? Which programs do you use to check
for and remove malware? Note that malware (malicious software) includes
both categories:

1. viruses, worms, trojans, etc.
2. spyware, rootkits, etc.

For reference, Malke mentions everything you need to cover:

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Viruses_Malware

Of course, there might be other issues slowing you down, but you should
address the above first.