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The single most effect tip for overall performance is to ensure you have ample
memory. If you do a right click on My Computer and Select Properties the screen
will tell you exactly how much you have. If it's less that 32mb - upgrade. Memory
is inexpensive and easy to install. Many of the newest applications want 96mb
of memory.
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Everything listed in your Startup file will automatically load each time you turn
your computer on. This can bog down the computer, slowing your operations. To
change these items go to your Start Menu>Programs>Startup. Look what's inside.
If you don't need it to start every time, delete it from the menu. Keep in mind,
you're not deleting it from your computer just the menu.
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Turn your computer off. Turning the power off clears memories and unclogs any
glitches in the system. Don't just do a restart though, actually switch the power
off.
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Another fine tuner is in your property screen. Windows defaults to always looking
for a new floppy drive. Turn this off by going My Computer and right click. Then
select Properties and the Floppy Drive tab, deselect the feature and you'll save
some time at boot up.
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If your monitor takes too long to show a new image, you may have a slow refresh
rate, try reducing the number of colors that Windows portrays. Rick Click on your
desk top, select Properties and the Display tab.
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Run Scan Disk and the Defrag - Scan Disk checks your disk's surface, file and
folders for errors. It is a safety check to ensure that there are no corrupt files
on your machine and checks for any potential problems on your hard disk. Scan
disk is found by selecting Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools and
then Scan disk.
