Sounds like it could possibly be spyware or virus program scanning things when you click to start them.

Might want to from the Run line on the Start menu type in
CleanMgr
and choose for the whole computer, which will clear your internet cache and some other crapola too.

You might also want to in that Run line type
ChkDsk /C:
which will check your files for errors, and disk for errors too at next boot which sometimes a simple thing can cause slowness like you describe.

Thanks Mikie -

Ok, now I'm flummoxed. There's no "run" on my start menu! Yes, I know "run" and used it often on my previous computer. But I can't find it on this machine (is it because of Vista or am I just eager to blame everything on Vista? ;-)

Now I'm asking how to find "Run"!

Oops - did a search and Run popped up. So - now I'm off to do as you suggested.

Thanks - will update.

Suzieque

Now I'm asking how to find "Run"!
lol...Not laughing at you, but with you. Been there...done that.

and choose for the whole computer, which will clear your internet cache and some other crapola too.

mikie, I did a search but can't find a file called "crapola"..hahaha

I have a folder named Anyfile that has a subfolder named that.

Susieque; are you running an up to date antivirus program and firewall. If not, there is no real excuse as there are lots of good free one out there

if a computer suddenly starts to run slow it is generally due to an infection of spyware or virus or some type of malware.

Make sure your antivirus program is fully updated and is running full scans at least once a week. Get and run a good antispyware program and run it at least once a week.
Superantispyware is free and good
http://www.help2go.com/tutorials/protect_your_pc/superantispyware_tutorial.html

If you are using Vista at the very least have the windows built in firewall turned on.

the general way to clear the cache in the browser is to click on tools, internet options then clear temporary internet files.

Spyware and virus infection is of course a possibility. I found Super AntiSpyware not overly impressive, but choice makes the world go round.

Have you been adding and removing applications? Today when many applications are installed they want to be part of the startup and operate behind the scenes in some capacity causing slowdowns. If you have been removing applications a cluttered registry could cause a slow down.

If you are uncomfortable using the Run line, CCleaner would do a fine job for you on Vista and all its nooks, cranies and corners. Just download and install it. Use the default settings. It's free and user friendly. There is also a registry cleaning tool which will allow you to create a backup if you so desire.

Also, you can access the error checking utility by START>Computer>right click on the c/ drive> Properties>Tools>Error checking and then reboot.

The same path will take you to a disk defragment if you so desire.

DA

Hi again - I did what mikie suggested and that seems to have helped a bit. I do have an antivirus program that runs but I'll admit that I'm not diligent with looking at it. Will do so, and also try some of the other suggestions.

Thank you all!

Suzieque

suzieque if you only have an antivirus program and no designated antispyware program you really should get one on your pc. I put that link to the free superantispyware and tutorial. It is a manual program if you get the free version you do have to open it about once a week, hit the update button then hit the scan button to have it scan your pc and clear it.

Could you tell us what AV program you are using. If it is Norton, McAfee or another paid program, you realize that it must be renewed on a yearly basis or it is not working

Here's some suggestions from Microsoft.

Here is a link that might be useful: 5 ways to speed up your PC

suzie-
You can set up your antivirus to automatically run on a regular schedule so you don't have to remember to run a scan. and you can also set it to automatically download and install updates. What AV package are you running?