This guide consists of several random tips you could do to optimize your computer(s). It is probably not a good idea to go down the list doing everything mentioned. Focus on things pertaining to you, and your system...some tips may not apply to you. There will be a lot of information below, most concentrated around Windows XP, and I will keep this guide up to date as things change. I hope you find it informative. ENJOY!!
One thing that I'll discuss before the listing starts is the defragmenting of hard drives. Defragmenting is not always the answer to problems. I hear that a lot around my work place and in various conversations. It is a process that holds some weight but it's not the fix-all cure by any means.
For those that are not completely sure, defragmenting reorganizes all the data on a hard drive so that each file is arranged in a contiguous place on the disk. I think that in the Windows 95 and 98 days, defragmenting was the answer before in-depth system issues were addressed. Nowadays, that is no longer the case. Serial ATA hard drives, NTFS (NT File System), 7200 and 10,000 RPM hard drives, with 8mb cache buffers helped to throw the need a little further back. So see, you remember or know of all these...it's been a while since defragmenting was the ultimate fix now hasn't it?
So why is defragmenting still important? Heat, power consumption, and disk failures. The heat occurs when the disk is in seek mode looking for the file(s) you've selected and if they are not contiguous; the longer the seeking process; the more heat generated and power consumption or your PSU (power supply unit) being used. Disk failures, well...if one should occur and you disk is not properly fragmented, recovering lost files may be more of a task than intended.
Next question I'd be able to think of on this would be, what is best program to use when defragmenting? Every company wants you to think it is there application that does it best, but truth is, Windows XP built in defragmenter is all you need for this task.
So aside from defragmenting and what it prevents or helps with, what else can be done to optimize a system ran by XP?
** If your PC has less than 512 MB of RAM, add more memory. It is an inexpensive way to speed up your system's performance. If you are unsure what to buy you can do one of two things if not both. Take one of your memory sticks to the store with you and write down your motherboard's information. This will ensure the retailers can help you buy compatible memory for your system.
** Ensure that Windows XP is utilizing the NTFS file system.
Here's how:
[imgl]http://www.xtreme-source.com/techniique/tutorials/pcopt/ntfs.jpg[/imgl]
Check for File System Type:
Double Click "My Computer" > Right Click on the "(C-Drive)" > then select properties > --- The file system type should read NTFS or FAT32. If it says FAT32, backup any important information on your system.
Convert from FAT32 to NTFS
To convert it to NTFS, do the following: Start > Run > Type "cmd" > then click ok. > at the command prompt type "CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS and select ENTER
It may take a little while to convert but this conversion offers better security, reliability, and more efficient performance...especially with larger hard drives.
** Disable file indexing
[imgl]http://www.xtreme-source.com/techniique/tutorials/pcopt/indexing.jpg[/imgl]The indexing service extracts information from documents and other files on the hard drive and creates a "searchable keyword index." All you need to do is right click on the hard drive(s) in question while in the My Computer view and select properties. At the bottom of that window, you will see the info to the left. Just uncheck the "Allow Indexing Service to index this disk for fast file searching" and you're done.
**Empty the Windows Prefetch folder on occasion
Windows XP can "prefetch" portions of data and applications that are used frequently. This makes processes appear to load faster when called upon by the user. Over time, the prefetch folder may become overloaded with references to files and applications no longer in use. When that happens, Windows XP is wasting time, and slowing system performance, by pre-loading them. Nothing critical is in this folder, and the entire contents are safe to delete. Those of you using the little guide I made about Making Applications Load Faster, this will help to optimize it's performance. This is just like clearing your cache files for an internet browser, only towards your programs versus online content.
The folder is located here: C:WINDOWSPrefetch
** Update the PC's video and motherboard chipset drivers. Also, update and configure the BIOS. See your components manufacturer's site for details on how to accomplish this for you specific board.
** Run a disk cleanup about once a month.
Double-click the My Computer icon. Then right-click on the C: drive and select Properties. Click the Disk Cleanup button and delete all temporary files. Simple.
** Upgrade the cabling
Be sure to use 80-wire Ultra-133 cables on all of your IDE devices with the connectors properly assigned. Of course, I recommend 1,000 times over, if your system supports it...make the switch to Serial ATA hard drives.
** Remove all spy ware from the computer
Use free programs such as Ad Aware by Lavasoft or SpyBot Search & Destroy. Once these programs are installed, be sure to check for and download any updates before starting your search. Anything either program finds can be safely removed. Both of these applications and more are available here at xtreme-source for download.
** Remove any unnecessary programs and/or items from Windows Startup routine using the MSCONFIG utility.
Here's how: Start > Run, type MSCONFIG, and click OK.
Click the StartUp tab, then uncheck any items you don't want to start when Windows starts.
** Programs that just don't matter anymore...
Remove any unnecessary or unused programs from the Add/Remove Programs section of the Control Panel. Once this has been done, and your system restarted; you may need to manually delete left over program file folders from their install directory. The default location is: Crogram Files. If you really want to go above and beyond; deleting irrelevant registry entries could also help to clean up clutter. If you are not sure about messing with your system registry files, then don't. From there you have 3 options: use an application that will do it for you, ask for help on doing it in these forums, or leave it be. I recommend not choosing number three.
** Extra animations...
Turn off any and all unnecessary animations, and disable active desktop. In fact, for optimal performance, turn off all animations. Windows XP offers many different settings in this area. Here is how:
Select the System icon in the Control Panel. Next, click on the advanced tab. Select the Settings button located under Performance.
Now look around, test out some features...see what you want or might not want; then check and uncheck at your own free will. There is absolutely nothing in that window of "visual effects" that could harm your system if disabled.
** Registry Tweaks
If you are familiar with out PC tutorial section at all, you'll have noticed that the staff and members have added quite a few registry tweaks. Many of them can be helpful to your system in more ways than one. If you feel comfortable trying some, please do. If not, just ask one of us, or someone for assistance. The BEST advice anyone can offer when it comes to registry editing is, "Always Make a Backup".
** Anti-Virus Protection
I will say this; there are always new developments and "so-called innovative ways" for people to penetrate networks, systems, and even your personal computers and laptops. This bullet of the guide will not say, you must use anti-virus protection. If you do use anti-virus protection make sure it's up to date as often as possible. Also, make sure that you are not using conflicting protection programs. If you do choose not to have a way of prevention/protection, I trust you have enough knowledge to handle such incidents or at least the means to recover your system, network, and/or files.
** Physical cleaning of the casing and hardware
I've heard a many things on this; annually, every 4 months, every 6 months, the list goes on. Bottom line is; you are the only one that knows the condition of your PC and it's components...or at least you should know them the best. Depending on how well your case is built, sealed...the climate you're in (i.e. desert, city), physical location of the computer(s), and other factors all play a role in the detailing of your PC's components. The best advice I can give is to check your system periodically, clean when necessary. Dust can contribute to a lot of bad performance of your system (i.e. overheating, slow browsing, slow performance).One of the most effective tools are air cans. Clean your systems, cake-like dust bunnies are never good!
** Disable unnecessary services
Windows XP loads a lot of services that your customer most likely does not need. Here is the guide on navigating and accomplishing this task: How to Disable Unnecessary Services
** Faster Burn Speeds...
Free and effective are firmware upgrades for just about ever cd or dvd recorder available. Just look at the drive manufacturer's website for the latest updated firmware to apply it to your setup. In some cases, firmware updates may give your burner faster speeds.
You can also use applications to update a firmware to many drives. One application that works really well is DvD Decrypter. If you use this application, it's more than just an image burner and dvd converter. How??
All you need to do is open the application then go > Tools > Drive > Check for firmware upgrades (at the very bottom). You will then see a window pop-up similar to this:
It will give you current firmware for the drive selected, like above, once you select ok it will check the web for your latest firmware. If you have a new one available, download it, then install to your system. A restart may be needed once done.
** Do not partition the hard drive
Windows XP's NTFS file system runs BETTER on one large partition. Reformatting the hard drive is not required to re-install an operating system. The only time partitioning is beneficial to your system is when you are running more than one operating system. Otherwise, enable NTFS (like shown earlier) and press forward...
- This guide will contain ongoing updates: Check back on occasion.
