Maximum PC

my computer runs and about every 10 mins or so has a lag spike on its end like its preforming some task not sure what i notice it more when im playing a game such as counterstrike or diablo or something it really is a pain but also my msn messneger lags whenever i send a message and do anything (related?) but i ran spyware scans and virius scans and defraged i donno what it is any ideas?
thanks
Brandon

the first thing I can thing to suggest, Is the next time it bogs down open task mgr and try to see what process is taking all your processing/memory power.

also have what os (win98/2k/XP...etc)

if win2k or XP have you checked the event logs for errors/warnings?

win xp 512 ram geforce mx440 80 gig hdd p 4 1.6 nothing spectacular im saving up to build a new 1

My problem sounds like yours. I have an ASUS A7N8X deluxe 2.0 with a barton 2500. I am using the on board 3-com nic and I experience lag or even minor freeze ups. During these times my network activity goes to zero. I haven't had time to work on this yet but I am going to focus on 3 areas in no particular order :

1: new windows updates installed
2: programs accesing the net such as realplayer, messenger, Kazza etc..
3: update drivers for my NIC and mobo