10 Simple Ways To Speed Up Your Windows XP
If you're still operating on Windows XP and have noticed that it starts running a little slower, or your PC is just being cranky in general, don't worry — there are a myriad of ways to speed up Windows XP. We've put together this handy list to show you 10 simple ways that might work for your PC.
1) Repair the Registry - Deleting unneeded files will free up space and make your computer run faster. You can use the built-in Disk Cleanup utility or CCleaner to do this.
2) Uninstall Programs - Old programs can be an issue for older operating systems like Windows XP, so it's best to uninstall programs that you no longer use. Be sure to check the program or application's uninstaller option on your start menu.
3) Defrag Your Hard Drive - Make sure your hard drive is completely defragged so that each file is placed together on the same part of your hard drive. This will make it easier for Windows XP to access data quickly.
4) Update All Drivers - Be sure to update all drivers, especially video drivers, to their latest versions because older versions have been known to cause problems.
5) Check Your Startup Programs - Programs that start up with Windows can slow it down, so you may want to do some research into whether they're necessary or not.
6) Empty Recycle Bin and Temporary Files - Both of these programs can hold a few unneeded files that waste hard drive space. These can be emptied by going to the Windows Start menu and selecting "Run", then typing "recyclebin" without the quotes.
7) Run Anti-Virus Software - Viruses can play havoc with your computer and cause you to lose valuable data if not removed quickly. Check with your antivirus software company for the latest updates.
8) Clean up Date & Time Settings - The Date & Time settings can confuse Windows XP, causing it to run slower, so it is best to make sure they are set correctly. Go to the Windows Start menu, select "Run" and type "datetime" without the quotes.
9) Clear Cookies and Temporary Files - Cookies and temporary files can store data that windows xp might need, so it's best to delete them from time to time. You can do this by going to the Windows Start menu and selecting "Run", then typing "explorer" without the quotes.
10) Reboot - If all else fails, reboot your computer.
Source: [http://www.ehow.com/how_6817615_speed-windows-xp-2.html]
Title: 10 Simple Ways To Speed Up Your Windows Vista
ZDNet & CBS Interactive Inc. The Emerging Tech Weblog, March 15, 2008
By: Tom Spring
<nowiki>http://windowssecrets.com/2008/03/15/10-simple-ways-to-speed-up-your-windows-vista/</nowiki> and <nowiki>http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bottomsup/10-simple-ways-to-speedupwindowsvista/22776</nowiki>
<nowiki>Abandon all hope ye who enter here. There are still a few areas in which Microsoft can help you get the most from Windows Vista.</nowiki>
<nowiki>That kind of Windows Vista rage is often the result of user error. It's that sort of attitude that keeps people locked into a system instead of trying out new and better ways to use it.</nowiki>
<nowiki>They're still arguing about what works and what doesn't work on Windows Vista, but these 10 tips tend to follow the same basic format. They'll help you improve your overall experience. </nowiki>
<nowiki>1. Update Your Drivers</nowiki>
<nowiki>Plug new hardware into your machine and install the latest drivers directly from the manufacturer's web site. You'll avoid a lot of trouble if you do this before you get started.</nowiki>
<nowiki>2. Use a Dedicated Administrator Account</nowiki>
<nowiki>Microsoft has already said that it will support XP Mode in at least the next two service packs for Vista, so you can still run XP programs in a virtual machine on Vista.</nowiki>
<nowiki>"I used to think that I could help people by teaching them. I realized that I can't, at least not in the traditional sense. I can help them by giving them the ability to learn on their own."
~Steve Wozniak
</nowiki>
<nowiki>3. Optimize Your Start Menu</nowiki>
<nowiki>The Start menu is something of a mess at this point, but Microsoft has made several updates to it in the last few months. Here's what you should do: </nowiki><ol type="1"> <li>Right-click My Computer and select Properties.</li> <li>Select the start menu tab and click on Customize. Click on Apply. Here's the important part:</li> <li>Click on Organize and make sure that <nowiki>All Programs</nowiki> is selected. Click on Apply.</nowiki></li></ol><!--LINK-END-->
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br><!--LINK-START-->
4. <nowiki><a href="http://windowssecrets.com/2008/02/08/12-simple-ways-to-speed-up-your-windows-vista/"> 10 Simple Ways To Speed Up Your Windows Vista</a></nowiki><br>
<br>
<nowiki>http://windowssecrets.com/2008/02/08/12-simple-ways-to-speed - up - your - windows - vista /</nowiki><br>
<nowiki><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/08/tech/main3698901.shtml"> 12 Simple Ways To Speed Up Your Windows Vista</a></nowiki><br>
<nowiki>http://tech.cbsnews.com/specials/vista-tips/?section=25&coll=1&pgtype=sectionfront</nowiki><br><!--LINK-END-->
<br>
<br>
<br>
<p></p>
5. <nowiki><a href="http://windowssecrets.
Conclusion
<nowiki>10 Simple Ways To Speed Up Windows Vista
ZDNet & CBS Interactive Inc. The Emerging Tech Weblog, March 15, 2008
By: Tom Spring
http://windowssecrets.com/2008/03/15/10-simple-ways-to-speed-up-your-windows-vista/ http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bottomsup/10-simple-ways - to - speedupwindowsvista/#comment_16515835 <nowiki>3.<nowiki> Avoid using the standard user account.