[T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide] eparico:
Hey Agent,

If you're running a 32 bit operating system, the maximum amount of RAM any computer/laptop will be able to handle is 3GB. You could get an extra 2GB stick to fill that slot on your laptop but it would only use 1GB. If you're running a 64 bit OS, then you can extend to 4GB and above. If your processor is saying it can handle 4GB, that would be if you had a 64 bit OS.

There are a bunch of free anti-virus tools out there. Avast, AVG and Microsoft Security Essentials are all well known, all of which get great reviews and work effectively. I use AVG on my computer but if I had a choice, I'd be using Security Essentials. It has a small file size compared to AVG and Avast and it scans for both malware and viruses. I was using it some time back but for some odd reason, it kept randomly crashing on me. I've never been able to find out why or replicate this problem on another computer so I think it has something to do with the hardware on mine.

Another piece of free software you might want to look into is Malwarebytes. It's a malware/spyware removal tool that can help pick up malicious software that anti-virus programs don't always find. Excellent tool, a must have for any computer user. Install, update, and do a full scan. This could take some time so make sure you pick a frame where you won't be needing your laptop.

I also echo the comments of others on this thread who have said to upgrade to Windows 7. I've fixed a lot of computers in my time and have found that even without a user messing up a computer on their own, Vista is buggy at best. Even if you have to pay for it, it's worth the investment. If you go this route, make sure you buy the full version and not just the upgrade so you can wipe your system clean and start from scratch. Just like rooting your phone, make sure you back up your data before doing this.

Ccleaner is also an effective tool but be careful using the registry cleaner. Make sure if you do use it, that you back up the registry entries you're deleting when prompted to do so. Although not often, I've had computers act up on me after using it and had to restore the backup. Inside Ccleaner, there's also a function in the Tools menu called "Startup". Anything that's checked is set to start with your computer, most of which aren't necessary and can dramatically slow your computer/laptop down. A simple way to tell what's starting with your computer/laptop would be to look at the number of icons on the bottom right side of your screen by the clock. If you have a bunch, you should disable what you can.

If you don't use Ccleaner, you can also get to your startup entries by typing MSCONFIG in the search or run functions in your Start menu.

Really, the only software's you need to start with your computer are your anti-virus and if you have one installed, the firewall. For laptops, there might also be a touchpad function that you'll still need as well, and if you use iTunes I've found that it's temperamental and won't work right when it doesn't start with your comp.

Long winded reply but when fixing a comp, it's best to provide as much info as possible instead of not enough. Hope this helps!

Edit: I just looked at your screenshot and you're running a 32 bit OS (x86) so the most RAM your laptop can handle is 3GB

Edit2: If and/or when you install a different anti-virus program, check the website of the current one you have for a removal tool. Removing anti-virus programs through the Programs and Features function will sometimes leave residual files and registry entries in your computer and when you install a new one, it could cause your computer to slow down.