Computer Tweaks For Non-GeeksEasy Tweaks For Your Windows XP ComputerTable of ContentsBasic Windows SettingsWindows Automatic Updates Internet Explorer Settings Windows Power Settings Windows Firewall Virus Protection and Antivirus Software Antispyware Software Disk Cleanup Disk Defragmenter Check Disk Utility Hardware Upgrades Old Files Old Programs Good Free Software Basic Windows SettingsYou may not even be aware of how your Windows Computer is set up.Most people don't really care as long as it continues to work. It doesn't really even matter until it begins to slow, lock up or crash. By the time you start thinking about looking for help, there's a good chance you've already got real problems. Adjusting some of the basic settings on your Windows Computer can help it to work less on things you probably didn't even know it was working on. One setting that you can change is the overall appearance of your Windows Computer. If you really like the looks of the Windows XP graphics, you'll want to pass on this one.
This will be a more plain appearance, but should help with your computer's performance. Windows Automatic UpdatesMicrosoft Windows likes to help you out with frequent updates.What this amounts to is Security Fixes and Patches and Updates that should be downloaded and installed on a regular basis. If you don't let Windows have its way with this, it can sometimes give you fits. The best way to handle this (unfortunately) is to just let the Windows updates download and install when they want to. To set your Windows Updates to Automatic:
This can be pretty inconvenient if you're PC is not always on and not always connected to the internet. If you don't want to be fiddling with this when it wants you to, you can check the other boxes to download and/or install them when you choose. You just don't want to put it off for too long. Table of Contents Download The Printable PDF Version of This Manual Internet Explorer SettingsWhen you are surfing the internet, Internet Explorer stores a history of where you've been to make it easier for you to go back if you want to.This information also makes it possible for you to view these pages without an internet connection, or to work offline. There are a lot of different settings in Internet Explorer. If you decide to mess with them, it's a good idea to only change one thing at a time. That way if (when) you screw something up, you can go change it back. (This is good advice for any program settings you make changes to.) Considering your internet connection is currently working, it's probably an even better idea, just not to mess with things. DO MESS With This: (This setting will delete your temporary internet files when you close Internet Explorer. If you use a dial-up connection and/or like to work offline sometimes, you might want to skip this one. Or . . . You can try it, and if you don't like it, change it back later.)
Now 'Disk Cleanup' will have one less thing to do. Windows Power SettingsSometimes problems occur when your computer has "gone to sleep".It may not want to "wake up" for you or may not come back from Standby Mode. Sometimes hitting the Escape Button on your keyboard might help. (Note the key words here "sometimes" and "might".) You may be better off if your computer isn't trying to figure out if it's "tired". When you have it on, just leave it on. If you want it off, shut it down yourself. To Change Your Power Options:
This isn't necessarily something you have to do, but if your computer doesn't respond to mouse or keyboard activity after it's gone to sleep, you might want to. Table of Contents Download The Printable PDF Version of This Manual Windows FirewallThe Firewall included with Windows XP is kind of nice.One thing that is nice about it is that it's pretty easy to work with. The suggestion here is, turn it on and leave it on. To Change Your Windows Firewall Settings:
You may want to add another firewall with a security suite. There's nothing wrong with that, but you may have trouble tweaking your settings. They do tend to block practically everything. This is a good thing, but you should be prepared to work with it. If you think you might want to check out an additional firewall, one of the best available (ZoneAlarm) Virus Protection and Antivirus SoftwareYour Antivirus Software should always be set for Fully Automatic Updates and Downloads.It should only be turned off to install new (safe) software. Let's use Computer Associates Internet Security Suite for our examples here. CA is a Good, Proven, Trusted, Effective, Fully Automatic Antivirus Program. 
Keep It Automatic - It Really Is This Simple!
Be sure to Click "Apply Changes" before closing out the Security Center. This is also where you go to Set The Automatic Update Options. Again this should always be set to update automatically . . . PERIOD! 
The antispyware and antispam are also pretty good if you're into the suite. If you're the type who prefers Free as opposed to Care-Free, try the AVG Free Antivirus Edition 8.0 Download. You may encounter difficulty removing an existing antivirus software installation. This can be especially true with Norton Antivirus Software and McAfee Antivirus Software. If you have either of these, you might need AntiVirus Removal Software. Additional information on Switching Antivirus Software. AntiSpyware SoftwareSpyware Programs can collect your personal information without letting you know and without asking for your permission.From the Web sites you visit to usernames and passwords, spyware can put you and your confidential information at risk. In addition to privacy concerns, spyware can hamper your computer's performance. To combat spyware, you might want to consider using one of the free anti-spyware software programs that are available. 
Ad-Aware 2008 Free is a very good spyware removal software. Run this when you finish surfing the internet. It's a nice compliment to CA Antispyware. Disk CleanupThe Disk Cleanup utility is really a pretty good one.The Disk that gets Cleaned Up is your computer's Hard Disk. You'll also hear this referred to as the Hard Drive. It's the same thing. This is the part of your computer that stores information. Over time, your hard drive will accumulate a lot of useless garbage on it. How it does and Why it does are two really good questions. Without opening the floor to a heated debate, let's just say the answer is the same for both of these questions. It Just Does. You might also be surprised to learn that it's your responsibility to manage this data. Don't worry. The Disk Cleanup Utility does make this pretty painless. It will do a lot in a fairly short amount of time. It will clear . . .
You can perform any or all of this with a single cleaning. 
To run disk cleanup:
(The "More Options" Tab here is for more advanced users.) Depending on when you last ran this, it might take a while. Don't cancel it. Let it do its job. Table of Contents Download The Printable PDF Version of This Manual Disk DefragmenterTo understand the disk defragmenter, you need to understand the way in which information is written and organized on your computer.Remember, your computer's hard drive is where the information is stored. Any time you hear a term that contains any portion of the word "defragment", this is a reference to defragmenting files, folders or information on your computer's hard drive. What this means is, the little bits of data that are randomly written to the hard drive are to be rearranged into a more organized fashion, so they can be found more quickly when they are needed. If you're going to be running Disk Cleanup as well, Run Disk Cleanup First. Basic "Rules" of Disk Defragmenter:
(Right Click a blank area of Your Desktop. Click 'Properties', Click 'Screen Saver') 
OK, Now To Run Disk Defragmenter,
This may take longer than the disk cleanup but it will indicate its progress for you. Again, don't cancel it. Let it do its job. Don't try to do other things on your computer while these utilities are running. How often should these actions be performed? Well, how much do you use your computer? In addition to running 'Disk Defragmenter' at regular intervals, (monthly being optimal) there are other times you should run it too, such as when:
Check Your Hard Disk For ErrorsTo run the Check Disk Utility:
Tip: Only select the 'Automatically fix file system errors' check box if you think that your disk contains bad sectors. Get More RAMHave you ever been told this?Do you have any idea what they're talkin' about? "RAM" and "memory" are terms that are interchangeable. This is where your files are "used" and where your programs "run". Random Access Memory has evolved to DDRAM and SDRAM, but it basically still does the same thing. Bigger and faster computers permit bigger programs, which in turn, creates the need for more memory. If you're running an older computer, you may benefit from installing more memory. Upgrading RAM is relatively easy and fairly inexpensive these days (1 Gigabyte for less than $100). Memory Suppliers Your Mailbox Is FullDo you save E-mails?Go through and get rid of anything you don't need. This excess data can also hinder your computer performance. Remember to delete your deleted items too. Dump this excess baggage to help free up space. Those cute jokes and videos can take up large amounts of your hard drive. If you want to keep them, put them on a disk before you delete them. The same goes for music downloads and especially movies. Put your favorite songs on CD's, movies on DVD's, and get them off your hard drive. If you don't know how to convert and burn CD's or DVD's, check into a USB flash drive. Storing files to these devices, is as simple as drag and drop. Table of Contents Download The Printable PDF Version of This Manual What Does That Button Do?When did you use that program last? Do you even remember what it is?Nearly every computer has some type of program that has been loaded onto it and never (or hardly) been used. Make sure you know what the program is before you remove it. If you think you might want use it . . . someday, you should make sure you have the disk, authorization number, or e-receipt. Always delete programs through their uninstall link on the Start Menu, or through the 'Add or Remove Programs' utility ('Start', 'Control Panel', 'Add or Remove Programs'). Only remove programs from the list in 'Change or Remove Programs'. This is the default list you will see when you open 'Add or Remove Programs' (the top left box will be highlighted). There will be system updates and patches in this list too. This is another reason to only remove programs that you are certain that you know what they are. 
Some examples of programs that might be considered for removal are:
Good Free SoftwareEverybody loves free stuff.The problem is, most free stuff isn't free at all. You pay for it in some way or another. Most of it is nothing more than an abbreviated version of the real program that they want you to buy. Sometimes it's a 'Bonus' for buying something else. Whatever the case, free is definitely a term that is overused and exaggerated to the point where it is nearly meaningless in most instances. There are some real free programs that are available and some of them are even good. Good Luck finding them. Locating and testing them will take you forever and a day. These are all pretty good ones:
Remove them if you don't want to keep them or decide not to use them. Defragment after installing and or uninstalling. 
Tip For Downloading Software When you are prompted to 'Run' or 'Save' the download, select 'Save'. Save This To A Familiar Location (My Documents, Etc.) If you have trouble installing the software, you won't have to download it again. Other Considerations
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