Computer gurus & HL2/Steam Users , need input, advice..

[OCDP]

Having a problem with Half-Life 2 .. I had been able to play this game before with no problems at all. But now when I do play it is a bit choppy at times, and kind of stops for a second at the most, but it's very annoying as it's frequently happening.

A while back some admin on Counter-Strike (i think) did something to my steam and my CS ran choppy as well.. I am wondering if this has something to do with it?

I am at a loss, this kind of stuff totally confuses me, if anyone has any insight please chime in

Thanks
Scott