A computer question

[Mups]

Does anyone know why my computer keeps suddenly 'freezing?'

I am writing something,  but when I go to 'send'  it just freezes.
Also, trying send replies to posts here, it will suddenly freeze and not Send.

A little blue circle keeps going round and round at the top of the page and the message - "Not responding"  appears.

Have I got a bug or something?  Any ideas how to fix it please?

[klondike]

I asked https://chatgpt.com/

why does my computer show A little blue circle that keeps going round and round at the top of the page and the message - "Not responding" appear

The response was

The spinning blue circle and the "Not responding" message typically indicate that an application or process on your computer is temporarily unresponsive. This happens when a program is busy and cannot immediately handle user input or communicate with the operating system. Here are some common causes and potential solutions:
Possible Causes:

• High CPU or Memory Usage:
  
  • The application or other processes may be consuming too many system resources.
• Software Bug or Glitch:
  
  • The application may have encountered an internal error or bug.
• Heavy Workload:
  
  • The program might be processing a large task, such as loading a complex document, rendering graphics, or performing calculations.
• Insufficient System Resources:
  
  • Your computer might not have enough RAM or processing power to handle the task.
• Background Processes:
  
  • Other applications or background processes might be slowing down your system.
• Disk or Network Issues:
  
  • If the application relies on file access or an internet connection, delays in those resources can cause it to freeze.
• Outdated or Corrupted Software:
  
  • The application or your operating system might need updates to fix performance issues.
• Hardware Issues:
  
  • Problems with your hard drive, such as bad sectors or slow performance, can lead to unresponsiveness.

How to Fix the Issue:

• Wait a Few Moments:
  
  • Sometimes, the application will recover on its own, especially if it is performing a heavy task.
• End the Application:
  
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager (on Windows) or Command + Option + Escape (on macOS), and force close the unresponsive program.
• Check System Resources:
  
  • In the Task Manager or Activity Monitor, look for processes consuming a lot of CPU, memory, or disk resources. Close unnecessary applications.
• Restart Your Computer:
  
  • A reboot can clear up temporary system glitches.
• Update Software:
  
  • Ensure the unresponsive application and your operating system are up to date.
• Free Up Resources:
  
  • Close unused programs or browser tabs to reduce the system load.
• Scan for Malware:
  
  • Malware can slow down your system. Run a scan using a trusted antivirus program.
• Check for Disk Errors:
  
  • Use tools like CHKDSK (on Windows) or Disk Utility (on macOS) to check for hard drive errors.
• Increase System Resources:
  
  • Add more RAM or upgrade your hardware if your computer consistently struggles with resource-intensive tasks.
• Reinstall the Application:
  
  • If the issue is limited to a specific program, reinstall it to fix potential corruption.

I'd add to that poor internet connection.

[Mups]

Thank you very much for your informative answer, Klondike.

It is still doing it,  although not as much.

I think it does automatic updates,  and automatic scans toom  but the Ctrl/Shift/Esc  are worth remembering.    Do I press all 3 altogether?

[klondike]

I didn't produce that stuff myself. I just typed the query I showed into ChatGPT an pasted in the answer. I'm using it more than Google now to find answers to tech stuff as it goes the searches and pulls out what mat well be the best answer although that isn't guaranteed.

Whenever something shows a number of keys to produce an action they should all be held down at the same time.

If it is the internet connection to blame it may be a poor WiFi connection if you are using that. Your distance from the router is important with WiFi.