pc running slow

[pcdummy]

i have has a pc world own brand emachine 580 running xp home edition with 258mb ram and 8ogb hard drive for 2 years and gradually as i have installed stuff on it , it is running a lot slower.
I noticed when i go into the task manager ans look at the processes that there are 47 items listed with most having my name next to them.
The cpu usage seems most times to be 100%.
My questions are
1) Do i need all these on there
2) if not how do i know which ones to remove safely and how do i do this
3)Could i it maybe the type of programme i'm running or even spyware making it slower.
I am on broadband connection so it should be quicker than what it is and i defrag the disc regularly although it doesnt seem to make it much quicker.
Please try and make any answers in laymans terms because i am as my name suggests, thank you.

[pcdummy]

ok thanks i'll try that then and take it from there

[Zxian]

Have a look at the very first Sticky at the top of this thread.

I outline everything that is probably slowing down your computer and fixes for it.

Hope this helps.

[pcdummy]

Thanks for your reply, i know i might sound a bit dumb but what do you mean by the sticky at the top of the page

[pcdummy]

i think i might have answered my own question because now my question has gone to the top of the list i can niow see the sticky you meant sorryyyyyyyyyy , one last question on it though, if i have an account and my son has an account on the same computer do we both need to do it as he has different programs than myself i think or is one suffice? thanks for helping

[Emma18]

Your new to forums aren't you?

He means the very first few posts which have sticky by them.

Kind regards
Emma.

[Jazz]

i have has a pc world own brand emachine 580 running xp home edition with 258mb ram and 8ogb hard drive for 2 years and gradually as i have installed stuff on it , it is running a lot slower.

Two years is an awfully long time for a puter. Imagine running a car and not servicing it for two years. It may run, but not that well.

A clean installtion is the only option, IMO. Naturally, do a comprehensive backup first.

Clean Install Windows XP

When you are up and running, do the procudures as outlined in Zxian's Sticky in order to keep your system in tip top shape: -

Windows XP Solutions - An Outline - PLEASE READ

Furthermore, ir order to run XP Home or Pro effectively, you need to have at least 384MB of RAM, if not 512MB, IMO. The more the merrier, as XP just loves RAM.

Good luck............

[pcdummy]

Thanks emma and jazz, yes as you have guessed and as my screename implies i am useless with computers and yes new to forums but hopefully will get better as time goes on.
Thanks for all your help and comments and i will try them and report back, because i'm guessing this wont be the last of it.

[Jazz]

Hey, we all had to start somewhere. That applies to anything in life.

However, I would sincerely recommend the advice I gave you...