All browsers lag/freeze

Firefox/Chrome lags and freezes for a few seconds every time I want to load a new page or open a new tab. I have tried disabling extensions and seeing if that is the problem and even reset Firefox but that did not fix the problem. This started about 2 weeks ago. Not sure if this relates but just figure I should mention it: my right hinge for my laptop broke around that time too. Also, I dorm on a college campus and we've been hit by Hurricane Sandy and Snowstorm Nemo recently and the wifi has been affected and is terrible the last few weeks but not sure if that has anything to do with the browser lagging, but figure I should mention it anyway. I am using an Hp pavilion laptop with windows 7 64-bit, i3 processor.

I have done multiple virus scans and I don;t seem to have anything else affecting my system. Also, the pointer freezes along with the page/tab when it happens.

Are you using wi-fi exclusively to connect to internet? Does problem persist with hard wire connection? You could try rolling back your computer to a date/time prior to the browser lag/freeze by using a restore point.

System Restore

Check Device Manager for any issues.

Device Manager - Finding Unknown Devices

Driver Install - Device Manager

Don't forget to run full scans with your updated anti-virus suite. You could also run a couple more free on-demand scanners since no anti-malware product is 100% effective 100% of the time. Some recommended products are

Malwarebytes

ESET Online Scanner

Have you checked with any other dorm residents if they are having similar problems? What about IT department?