[Roxy]

I have a new laptop after my other packed up. Also supposed to have the faster version of mobile broadband with this one.  Was all set up for me in the shop, just had to put my dongle in.  Laptop seems to spend its time updating this that and the other, even though I have told it not to do it at this moment, thank you.  Constantly makes a whirring noise, which then stops for a few moments and then starts, and this seems to be slowing my laptop down.

Why is it doing this, and what can I do to stop it?

I am sure someone on here will know, as its driving me mad, and I end up not being able to post or reply as its so slow.

[HappyHippy]

I'm not expert (not by a long shot) but is it possible you've got the automatic updates turned on/off ?
I would try adjusting the setting on that (through the control panel I think) and see if it helps.
Karen x

[suziequeue]

Is it windows or mac.

Windows computers have a habit of doing this. They are so irritating - always doing something in the background and ignoring you when you want it to do something 'cos it's too busy contemplating its own navel (spot the Mac user!!)

Like Karen says - switch off automatic update and all the other garbage that computer outlets get paid to load onto the machines of unwitting customers.......:-(

[Smalltime]

It is possibly too hot if you are sitting with it a flat surface where the fan (usually on the right back, near where the screen joins the keyboard). The whirring is possibly the fan.

It could be the cd drrive, in which case take out the CD. If it is the CD drive then you have virus software which decides to run all the time, slowing your computer down as it repeatedly scans for viruses, repeatedly...and then again an hour later...the bane of most peoples lives, the software designed to prevent a program from running in the background and slowing down the computer (a virus) and what does it do to prevent this? Runs in the background continously and slows everything down 

You can turn off your virus software from running in the background but it depends on the software and it usually not as straightforward as it should be. You will need to do this or it will drive you nuts. However, do update the virus software manually and do run full scans at least once a week.

HTH

 

[bazzais]

Un-install all your antivirus software loaded by the computer manufacturer as they are all a pile of crap and only placed on for commission to make the pc slightly cheaper to sell - then make sure you have the http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/products/security-essentials loaded that will auto update along with your windows update.

Turn off your auto update - but always update before you goto bed, set it to turn off when its finished.

Never run your computer in an un-updated state - updates are for a reason.

To be honest it sounds like Smalltime has hit the nail on the head - check your CD drive and take out any discs.  You shouldnt really hear the hardrive spinning noticably, if you do then keep your receipt cos the hd if failing.

Baz

[bazzais]

I have to leave my computer running all night and even though I am on only 1/4 meg broadband - I still have to have an unlimited package with BT and that just for updating windows, virus, malware and software.

You just need to leave it on overnight and have it updating when you are not using it - if your a light user, it will continue any updates as soon as yu turn it on.