iMac slow, locks up

[Sevieman]

I have an iMac with Mac OS X, version 10.4.11. It keeps getting slower, and the beach ball appears more and more often. It locks up more frequently.

I only use email, internet, iTunes, Adobe, Word, excell. That's about it.

I am a novice and would appreciate any ideas. The Geniuses just say. "Bring it in." but that is such a hassle, I thought I would look for some forum help first.

Sevieman

 

[Hellhammer]

Try OnyX

 

[dexthageek]

Could be the HDD. Open "Console" and see if OSX is reporting any CRC errors.
You can also check the S.M.A.R.T status on the HDD. I would try a third party app for that. When my HDD started to fail, DiskUtility said there was nothing wrong.

Edit: I believe Onyx will also tell you the S.M.A.R.T status.