Although processor speeds are ever-increasing, our computers nevertheless seem to be getting slower. Slower to boot up, to shut down, and to open programs.

Speed hogs are mostly programs, many of which you don't even know are open and operating. Some programs, like Real Player and Quick Time, open in the background every time you boot up. These programs then search their web site for new updates when you aren't looking. Some, like Microsoft Office, load programs into memory to make Office open quicker, but slowing everything else down a little until then. Sometimes a hidden process, like Indexing Service or a virus scan, is consuming processor time in the background.

Sometimes dozens of programs will be loaded into memory on boot-up, most of which are not necessary until you open them, and all of which slow down your computer. When you turn on the computer, each has to open, do a few things, and log-on to their server online and look for updates. With all that going on, it could take 5 or 10 minutes before your computer is ready to let you get to work.

At LaptopDoctor.com we look for speed hogs on our client's computers. One had over 3 dozen programs opening, half of which were malware and spyware. We also scan for rootkits, trojans, worms, malware, spyware, hijackers, and virii, using the most sophisticated, latest tools.