Symptom: Computer is slow 

Problem: Windows Service Process using 100% of cpu

Fix: USB device causing Deferred Procedure Calls to use 40% of cpu

My client had a computer that was bogged down.  Really bogged down.  Click on something and it would take 20 seconds for the computer to respond to the click.  When looking at the cpu usage via task manager I saw that the virus software processes was taking up 100% of the cpu.  Naturally I killed this process and things went back to normal.  The cpu was no longer pegged. 

While computer users are all given an email account, it's uncommon they are warned about the potential problems that will soon follow. After a year or so, it's probable most of the mail they receive will test their ability to identify "spam". Spam is the name given to unsolicited email that wastes your time. The real spam demons are the emails that kill/damage your computer or steal your identity. I believe this is a must-read-article for new computer users. The information here may save you a trip to our office (to rebuild your system). The information here might also save your grandmother's credit record.

How can I prevent Computer problems? This is a question that people have asked me many times. The entire process of reducing Computer problems can be bundled under the banner of Computer Preventive Maintenance. Use this article as a computer maintenance tutorial.

So what you should do as part of preventive maintenance?

Use a good anti virus program. This is the most important piece of work in preventive maintenance. Installing the anti virus program is not good enough. You should do following as well.
Set-up the program to download and install updates automatically.
Schedule periodic full system scans.

Everyone seems to be asking these days: why is my computer so slow? Well, the answer to that question is usually that it’s loaded with programs called spyware and adware. Spyware and adware are programs installed, usually without your permission, on your computer so companies can show their advertisements, log what sites you visit so they know what products you’re interested in and record keystrokes on your computer so they know what you’re talking about. Below are 3 easy steps to take to start protecting and eliminating your spyware and adware problem on your home computer.

First, stop using Internet Explorer! I know you may be shocked, but Microsoft’s internet browser has more holes in it than Swiss cheese! The best alternative is Mozilla’s Firefox, available for free download at Mozilla.org. After installing the browser, it will automatically transfer your bookmarks/favorites and settings over to Firefox. Also, please make sure Firefox is your default browser. Using Firefox will reduce the amount of spyware and adware on your computer by 75%.

The first known use of the expression “spyware” occurred on October 17th, 1994 in a post that joked about Microsoft's business model. Spyware later came to allude to snoop equipment such as diminutive cameras. In early 2000, the man who started Zone Labs used the term in a press release for a new product. Since then, the computer-community has used the term in its current definition.

Spyware often comes wrapped-in with shareware or other software, and with music CDs. The user installs a program, for example, a file-trading utility or music program. The installer also installs the spyware. Even though the acceptable software itself may not do harm, the wrapped-in spyware does. Occasionally, spyware authors will pay shareware creators to wrap-in spyware with their software. An example is the Gator spyware distributed by Claria. There are instances when spyware authors will repackage desirable free software with destructive installers that add spyware.