|
|
|
Healthy, ‘happy’ Windows
WINDOWS XP is Microsoft’s most stable and resourceful operating system to date. But if you do not care for it properly, it can turn into one big mess.
There are many factors responsible for the gradual loss of performance in Windows XP. For example, as you install applications they modify the registry. As the registry grows, Windows has to perform more calculations/work when you want it do something for you. Therefore, Windows gradually slows down over time. Further, a large number of files on the hard drive mean a deterioration in performance as Windows faces problems to find what it is looking for. Moreover, after a prolonged use of Windows XP, files can be fragmented and Windows may have to piece together a single file from many different places on the hard disk. This, of course, causes the performance no matter how fast your computer is.
Just like an infant, Windows XP has a feeble immune system. Without proper supervision, different computer viruses, worms, adware, spyware and other malicious codes can find their way into your computer and cause all kinds of anomalies.
Your Windows XP can give peal performance if you regularly carry out certain preventive measures.
Updating antivirus programs
You should have an antivirus (AV) program installed on your computer. If not, immediately install an antivirus program like Norton Antivirus or MacAfee Virus Scan. Both of them are leading AV programs to date. You can also download a free AV program called ANTIVIR from www.free-av.com. It lacks some of the functions that Norton or MacAfee have but it is effective enough to use.
Installing an AV program is not enough. You should keep your AV program updated as new viruses and worms hit the internet on a daily basis. So update your AV program daily. Most AV programs schedule automatic updates. You can use this feature to save time.
Disk clean-up utility
Microsoft Windows has a little utility called Disk Clean-up. You can launch it through the Start menu/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools. It scans your hard drive for temporary and/or unnecessary files and provides you with an option to clear them. Clearing temporary data from the hard disk not only frees up space but also boost Windows’ performance.
Furthermore, do not leave any files or folders in the recycle bin and keep it empty. Do not allow junk data to take up valuable disk space on your hard disk.
The Disk Clean-up utility does not remove prefetch files which are safe to delete. Look in C:\Windows\Prefetch, and you will find prefetch files for all applications which you run. You can delete all files from the prefetch folder and free up some additional space.
Defragmenting your hard drive
Fragmented files are one the most important causes of decline in performance. Run Disk Defragmenter once a week and immediately after deleting huge amount of data. To use it, click on Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools and then Disk Defragmenter. It lets you analyse each partition of your hard drive and suggests that you either defragment the partition or let it be.
Updating Windows XP
Windows Update is a collection of critical updates, hot security fixes, drivers and help files which you can download to keep your Windows up to date. By default, Windows XP automatic update is enabled. But if you have disabled Windows automatic update, it is very important that you manually run Windows update regularly.
Start Windows update by clicking on its icon in Start/All Programs. Internet Explorer will launch and take you to the Windows update website from where you can download critical, optional and driver updates.
Updating device drivers
The manufacturers of different hardware like motherboards, graphics cards, sound cards and modems release updated drivers for their products on a regular basis. You should visit these websites once a month and check for updates. Reviewed and updated drivers can enhance the performance of your hardware. This is especially true for graphics cards.
It is strongly recommended you use only device drivers with the “designed for Microsoft Windows XP” logo. Installing device drivers which have not been digitally signed by Microsoft may cause critical problems and hamper the performance of your computer.
Beware of spyware and adware
Spyware and adware not only spy how you use your system but they also impede performance. Before you start using the internet, install an anti-spyware program such as Ad-aware. This anti-spyware is freely available from download.com.
Cleaning the registry
Registry is one the most vital components of Windows. All applications that you install modify the registry. Congested registry badly affects performance. Therefore, you need to use registry cleaners like RegSuperme to eradicate unnecessary registry entries.
One should run registry cleaners immediately after uninstalling an application.
Making back-ups
Backing up your data is paramount. You data is always vulnerable to corruption, viruses, etc. It is very important to have a copy of your all important data on secure removable media such as CDs or DVDs. You can use the Windows Back-up program which is preinstalled, if you have Windows XP professional, and backs up your important data. Click Start /All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Backup to launch Back-up Utility.
Reinstalling the operating system
Installing a fresh copy of Windows XP after use for many months is always recommended. Before reinstalling Windows XP, make sure that you have backed up all your important data.
Changing hardware
Peoples who frequently change their computer hardware clearly notice sluggishness during normal PC operations. Do not turn your personal computer into a test-run.
The writer amanatali.goher@gmail.com is a freelance contributor
|
|
|
|
