The random pauses are likely caused by a few basic (repeating) issues.
1. The CPU FAN and Heatsink.
The Intel designs of recent vintage now protect themselves by stopping or slowing down when they get too hot.
What I've yet to see in any machine's documentation is MAINTENANCE of the machine. That is, removal of the case cover about once a year to dust it out and check the fans run at full tilt and are not clogged.
2. RAM.
I have an older P3-1GHz and with just 128M of RAM it was rather sluggish at times. Since it's still usable, another 128M was fitted and it's now much better.
Why this makes a difference. Today's OS (in this case Windows 2000) with all the patches and Explorer updates just is that much bigger.
3. MALWARE.
Now a bigger threat than ever, it's a shame the anti-virus companies have turned a blind eye to software that is not a virus/trojan but can upset your machine. Read http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/
4. Optimizing Windows.
http://www.aumha.org/articles.htm
Bob
Is it possible for the processor to become less effective over time . My gateway with Windows Me and Celeron doesn't seem to cut it any more like it used to . I reloaded all the original software yet it still freezes every 3 minutes ;it never did that when it was brand new. Is it possible that my processor just got old and , instead of just stopping altogether, is running slower. At this point , it's just an academic question for me because I've given up on the contraption and have already ordered a new PC with Windows XP , but it would be nice to know for the future ; after all , why keep on upgrading a setup if it's going to bite the dust anyway ?

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