I don’t know exactly what the problem is, but it only recently started happening. Every now and then my computer freezes when I’m on the internet, and I’m beginning to get really annoyed by it(the computer actually froze twice while trying to post this message). Anyway, I doubt it’s my connection speed that causes it, because I use a cable modem. I’m thinking it’s a virus, but I do use an anti-virus program, AVG 6.0. Maybe I should use something better, any suggestions?
Does it freeze only when on the internet? It still could be your cable modem, as bad connections, and wires are often a common failure.
Well, it has frozen up at least once or twice while off the net, but I don’t use the computer much without using the net.
Does it only happen after the computer has been running for a while? If so, overheating (CPU, memory or video card) could be the problem. If it’s more prone to freezing when it’s being worked hard, this also suggests this problem.
Driver conflicts are another possibility - if you’ve installed any new hardware recently, try uninstalling it and see if that helps.
And do the usual Adaware and Spybot checks for crapware.
I second the overheating suggestion. =)
A few years ago I had a computer that was doing similar things. I spent a day tearing it apart and checking things but couldn’t figure out what was going on. Just as I was about to give up I finally noticed that the CPU fan would barely turn - it would turn a time or two then stop, then give a quarter turn and so on. I went out to Radio Shack, replaced it, and the problem went away.