PC Running Slow After Surfing Net

tnorman7 · 12-03-2008, 08:23 PM

After surfing the internet for a period of time my PC begins running very slowly and often freezes up. I run Windows 98SE & McAfee, and I have a broadband connetion. I have deleted cookies and temporary internet files attempting to eliminate the problem. What else can I try?

**OldGrayGary** · 12-04-2008, 01:07 AM

Hi tnorman7

I don't recommend visiting the Internet from a Win9x/Me computer anymore - it's difficult to secure: fewer and fewer vendors offer compatible antimalware programs. The Win9x/Me problem with "resource" usage can also be a problem in this area, because of the multi-tasking necessary to run a real-time antivirus scanner and a firewall. Win9x/Me machines also tend to have less total system memory (because of the age of the hardware - maximum RAM limits were relatively low) - and the needs of recent antivirus and firewall programs keep creeping higher and higher ... slowing an older system down unacceptably.

A reasonable alternative might be to try a light version of Linux for Internet access (Windows 9x/Me can stick around "offline" for old games --- just disable the network adapter in Win9x's "Device Manager" --- . . . Linux/Win9x dual-boot systems are very easily setup).

If you must stick with Win9x, check out the advice over on the Security forum here at TSF - they can help you if your system is fighting exploits and infections. Mention that you are running Win98 right away, so that you can get appropriate Win98-compatible pest-cleaning tools. It's best if your Win9x machine is behind a hardware firewall, too (which is likely, if you have a router built into or attached to your broadband device).

Best of luck
. . . Gary

12-03-2008, 08:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
tnorman7 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1 OS: win98 SE	PC Running Slow After Surfing Net After surfing the internet for a period of time my PC begins running very slowly and often freezes up. I run Windows 98SE & McAfee, and I have a broadband connetion. I have deleted cookies and temporary internet files attempting to eliminate the problem. What else can I try?

12-04-2008, 01:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
OldGrayGary Mentor, Microsoft Support Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Woodland Hills, CA Posts: 2,240 OS: Windows 98se/2000/XP/Vista	Re: PC Running Slow After Surfing Net Hi tnorman7 I don't recommend visiting the Internet from a Win9x/Me computer anymore - it's difficult to secure: fewer and fewer vendors offer compatible antimalware programs. The Win9x/Me problem with "resource" usage can also be a problem in this area, because of the multi-tasking necessary to run a real-time antivirus scanner and a firewall. Win9x/Me machines also tend to have less total system memory (because of the age of the hardware - maximum RAM limits were relatively low) - and the needs of recent antivirus and firewall programs keep creeping higher and higher ... slowing an older system down unacceptably. A reasonable alternative might be to try a light version of Linux for Internet access (Windows 9x/Me can stick around "offline" for old games --- just disable the network adapter in Win9x's "Device Manager" --- . . . Linux/Win9x dual-boot systems are very easily setup). If you must stick with Win9x, check out the advice over on the Security forum here at TSF - they can help you if your system is fighting exploits and infections. Mention that you are running Win98 right away, so that you can get appropriate Win98-compatible pest-cleaning tools. It's best if your Win9x machine is behind a hardware firewall, too (which is likely, if you have a router built into or attached to your broadband device). Best of luck . . . Gary __________________