How to Make Windows XP/Vista Run Faster - Optimize Disk Drive Space
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As mentioned on the previous page, drive C space is critical to speed. This means you should be optimizing the remaining disk space. I recommend that all useful programs (system-related only, NOT GAMES) should reside on Drive C. The following data/information will be stored on another drive, such as Drive E (aside from the boot drive C and drive D, which maybe used as an optical drive):
- MP3s
- Movies (WMV or any movie formats; that includes DVDs).
- Documents (PowerPoint/Excel and Word files).
- Downloads this means you have to transfer your downloaded files on your desktop to Drive E, for example).
- Games (yes I mean it, they are not useful, and they are disk space heavy. I recommend that they be installed in another drive, NOT IN THE SAME DRIVE AS WINDOWS XP IF POSSIBLE).
Think of disk drive C (where your Windows version is installed) as a highway. The more programs (more vehicles) are on it, the more congested it will become, thus making your system run slowly. By transferring or installing not-so-useful programs to other drives (such as drive E), you are optimizing your disk space. Oh, I almost forgot: always clean your desktop and transfer all files there to other drives, except the boot drive C.
Remove Viruses, Malware and/or Spyware from Your System
If you have a valid Windows XP/Vista installation, I highly recommend that you avail yourself of the services of Live One Care: http://onecare.live.com/standard/en-us/3/default.htm. They offer online scans and corrections of malware/virus and even spyware. Spyware runs in the background and consumes memory resources; it's one of the more common causes of computers running slowly.
In addition, Live One Care offers system tweaks, not only the removal of viruses and spyware, so I'd better include that option too! It will remove problematic or dirty registry configurations.
Delete All Temporary Internet Files and Perform Software Updates (particularly your Windows updates)
Temporary Internet files will clog the C drive and, in time, consume a significant amount of disk space that could slow down your system. So in this case, delete your browsing history at least once a day. This is also useful for security reasons, but use this with caution, as you can no longer go back to frequently visited websites; in this case, you'd better bookmark them.
In addition, software updates such as your BIOS, video card, sound card and even browsers can help keep your system up to date and avoid bugs that will slow it down.
The most important of all updates are for your anti-virus software, which is necessary to protect your computer and help it keep running fast by remaining virus/spyware free.
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