Make Windows XP Run Faster

Microsoft Windows XP is always running and doing things in the background, even when the computer seems to be idle.  There are a number of factors that can gradually decrease your computer's performance over time, but, luckily, there are usually things you can do to restore Windows XP to new life without having to reinstall the operating system.

• Make sure that you download all the latest drivers for your hardware.  In many cases, the developers have optimized them for better performance.
• Download any and all Windows Updates to maintain the security and integrity of your operating system.  New flaws and security holes are being discovered all the time and you need to make sure that you are protected from all the newest exploits that people have discovered.
• You can turn off many of the special effects Windows uses to make the interface pretty.  Most of them are purely cosmetic and you can gain a noticeable performance increase by turning them off.  Simply right-click on your "My Computer" icon and click on "Properties."  Open the "Advanced" tab and click on the Performance "Settings" button.  Select the circle next to "Best Performance" and click "OK."
• Make sure that you have adequate memory in your computer.  Windows XP needs a minimum of 256 MB of RAM to perform passably, but runs much better with more.
• You can use a program called "msconfig" to disable any programs that are loading when your computer starts.  If there are programs loading that you never use and simply run in the background, disable them to free up a bit of memory.  Many branded computers come with a number of programs such as this pre-loaded on them.  A word of warning, though, don't turn off something if you don't know what it is. If you're unsure about a program, do a bit of research on it before disabling it.
• If you don't have a current antivirus program running on your computer, install one right away.  AVG Antivirus is available for free on the Internet and uses up much less memory than commercial software such as Norton Antivirus or McAfee Antivirus.  Regularly scan your computer for viruses and spyware, as they are the worst offenders in slowing down a computer.
• Defragment your hard drive regularly to reduce the amount of time your computer needs to sit and read the hard drive.  To access the defragmenter, just go to Start->(All) Programs->Accessories->System Tools->Disk Defragmenter.