Running so slow, navigating to anything takes minutes, what do I do?

Question

My computer is running so slow, if I launch anything-including turning on the computer it takes forever to open.  Moving around once open is the same.  I don't know what to do.

Answer 1

Create a new User go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > "+" (make it an admin acct) and test the apps in this new account, if they work the problem is isolated to your User and not systemwide.
There are some simple troubleshooting steps you can take.
Be sure you drive is not overly full. Rule of thumb would be over 85%.
(First, be sure you have a good backup, or create one now.)
If the issue is limited to your user account try starting up in Safe Mode  (It will take more time to startup because it runs a directory check.)
If your apps functions correctly that way, go to System Preferences >> Accounts >> Login Items and remove them. Boot normally and test. If not go to/Users/yourname/Library/Contextual Menu Items and move whatever is there to the desktop. Then do the same with /Library/Contextual Menu Items. Lastly, try moving/Users/yourname/Library/Fonts to your desktop.
* Go to your Finder "Go" menu hold the option key to choose "Library"
Log out/in or restart, if that sorts it start putting items back one at a time until you find the culprit.
If the issue is systemwide then, you may be able to repair this with the Combo Update This is a fuller install, as opposed to an incremental "delta" update so it should overwrite any files that are damaged or missing. It does not matter if you have applied it before.
Remember to Verify Disk before update and repair permissions after update from /Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility.
EDIT: Also, pls go to your Apple menu > About this Mac and let us know Processor and Memory listed.