[antbann]

How do i understand the workings of a computer ex: windows regersry etc and my mothering law has a computer and its slow when i mean slow it takes about 5-8mins just to load from boot up any ideas

[evilfantasy]

The Windows Registry is NOT a place for even experienced users to be tampering with. One simple click and there goes your system!

There are many many free tools and methods to work on a slow computer that do not involve opening the registry.

See this post Slow Computer? It May Not Be Malware

[curlyq]

The inner workings will only become apparent with experience and reading up on CPUs, Motherboards, Hard drives, Connections etc. No quick and easy solution.

A very slow computer:

1. Try defragmenting
2. Make sure you have an anti-virus program installed.
3. Install a SPYWARE program
4. Install a Registry Mechanic program

Run all of these and there should be an improvement. If not may heed to upgrade the CPU and Memory.

[antbann]

what programs freeware would you sugest?

[curlyq]

Spyware Doctor, PC Registry Mechanic, AVG Free anti-virus.

[evilfantasy]

Spyware Doctor is good but the free version can be hard to find and the extra baggage it comes with......

Registry Mechanic can be a little advanced for the novice user and is not free.
Lets not recommend anything that is easy to mess up something on someones computer.

CCleaner
Spybot S&D
SuperAntiSpyware
Avast!
SpywareBlaster

All free, all safe.

These two threads have all free reliable programs to keep you safe and running fast.

Keeping Yourself Safe On The Web

Slow Computer? It May Not Be Malware