There are several things that make a computer run slow:
1. RAM - If you are running XP you should have at least 512MB of RAM. If you are running Vista - 1GB.
2. Too Many Programs running at start up.
To fix this - START > RUN > type MSCONFIG into the text field and click on OK.
When the System Configuration window opens go to the SERVICES tab and TIC "HIDE MICROSOFT SERVICES" un-TICK the rest.
Then go to the STARTUP TAB and untick everything. Click ok and REBOOT the pc.
Now take a look at TASK Manager and see what the processor and memory are doing.
In the Performance Tab on Task Manager (Ctrl-Alt-Del) look at the CPU usage. Just sitting there is should be less than 3%.
Take a look at the PF usage. PF usage is the actual amount of memory that is being used.
Compare this with TOTAL in Physical Memory.
IF PF is larger that TOTAL you need more RAM.
Remember to convert Total from Kilo to Mega bytes by moving the DEC point three points to the left.
3. Virus and Spyware
4. Fragmented Hard Drive
5. Hard Drive is full and swap file (virtual memory) can not work correctly.
6. Corroupted Regestry.
7. Faulty Hard Drive.