Q: Why am I getting the beach ball spinning for a minute or 2 if not longer?

Considering this is a 2010 Mac, check the disk to see if it needs repairing.

Open the Disk Utility app located in:   /Applications/Utilities

Select the startup disk on the left then select the First Aid tab then click Run.

As far as a backup goes, purchase a external drive then you can use the Time Machine app in your Applications folder to backup your data.

Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac - Apple Support

Although Apple says 2 B of memory will work you will see beach balling with only two GB. Even 4 G is marginial

You Mac support 16 GB (2x8 GB) just make sure that you get memory form a place that guarantees it will work with your Mac like

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_Mac_mini/DDR3

If you can't afford 16 GB replace one 1 GB stick with one 8 GB stick

Also

Run this and post the results here so we know more about your configuration.

http://etrecheck.com/

EtreCheck

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6172