1) Too many programs and/or browser tabs are open.

At some point, your computer’s memory and processing speed will not allow for the seamless switching from one open program to another. As for keeping multiple tabs open in your browser for future reference — if any of them auto-refresh (think news sites and live streams) or continue to download and rotate advertisements, you will notice a serious difference.

2) Your hard drive or memory could be maxed out.

IT experts estimate that even at 85% capacity, your computer’s efficiency and productivity can be reduced to a crawl. Programs, application updates, Internet downloads, and temporary files are the main culprits for taking up hard drive and memory space, along with large industry-specific files for those in the graphic design, architecture, and engineering worlds.

3) Unnecessary software updates are overloading your machine.

Many programs and applications come pre-installed with automatic updates activated, but these can take up valuable hard drive space and interfere with normal functions when auto-installers turn on. They can confuse computer users, as well, and put your company’s security at risk.

4) Too many applications automatically open when your computer starts up.

Similar to how some applications come preset to install updates without warning, many are programmed to automatically load upon startup. This can prove to be a massive drag on your computer’s processing speed, both when you first fire it up in the morning and throughout the day if you are not aware that these programs are running.

5) Your computer could be infected with a virus (or saddled with an ineffective anti-virus solution).

Some viruses do run unknowingly in the background, collecting critical information like usernames, passwords, financial information, and health care data. Most consumer-grade anti-virus solutions cannot detect such illicit operations, which makes multi-layered, constantly evolving security software a must for any business in the 21st century.