Killer Download: Get the most out of XP
(Credit: CNET Networks)Though we have several machines here at Download.com running Windows Vista for testing purposes, I have to admit that I haven't yet made the switch at my workspace. Maybe it's because with Windows XP, I like the way things are set up; I like the look; and I can rest assured that all my favorite downloads are going to work without fail. I'm not saying Vista won't support my programs--and I'm sure I'll make the switch at some point--but for now I'm sticking with XP.
Even though XP is my choice for now, as a major-league software nerd, I still try to find ways to improve upon a good thing. Rather than leaving well-enough alone, I continually search CNET Downloads to see what programs I can find to make my OS run even more smoothly. A few downloads I've come across trim down existing applications, clean out system flaws, and keep the whole XP operating system running at optimal speed.
There are many XP enhancers to choose from, but here are a couple I use to give my computer an added boost. Best of all, they're all free!
Once you've cleaned the cache, check out the issues section to scrub the registry.
(Credit: CNET Networks)CCleaner is an extremely popular program for a very good reason: It works great! Whenever I notice my computer is running a little slow, I run this program as my first effort to fix the problem. With excellent cache cleaning capabilities and a registry cleaner, you really can't go wrong with CCleaner. As an added bonus, the included uninstaller works better than the Add/Remove programs control panel in Windows XP. I keep a shortcut to CCleaner on my desktop.
You'll be surprised with the results you get from this simple application.
(Credit: CNET Networks)RAMBooster is one of the best programs available to free up RAM in a pinch. If you're getting ready to run a memory-intensive program such as Adobe PhotoShop, a quick optimize from RAMBooster can give you the space you need to run the program more efficiently. You can even have it run on a schedule, so you know your computer is using its available RAM the best it can throughout your workday. Of course, if you really want the best experience, you should just get more RAM, but this program is great for those who don't have that option.
Watch as Disk Defrag puts your files back together.
(Credit: CNET Networks)Auslogics Disk Defrag is the third and final program in this particular set of free XP speed boosters and is another one of my favorites. It runs much faster than Windows XP's defrag utility, and you'll notice a difference in system performance immediately. Windows files and applications become fragmented over time, causing Windows to work harder to run smoothly. Auslogics Disk Defrag puts those fragments back together for you to make Windows run at peak efficiency.
If you're not ready to make the leap to Windows Vista, don't worry: Windows XP is still a great system on its own. But if you really want to flip on the turbo boost, download one or all of these free Killer Downloads.
As always your choices a dynimite and enjoy your articles.
In other news, for the thirtieth time, Clean Up! is a great, tiny little app that cleans better than CCleaner (I use both). It should be on CNET, but it isn't...odd...
Many thanks and have a nice day
Manfred
I am runnig xp pro.
I'm beginning to favor pencil & paper over computer any day.....thanks for your suggestions.
Lisa
Pencil and paper seem to be the answer!!
FIRST TIP:
When you get ready to start your computer (originally or after a reformatting) it is vitally important that you NEVER connect to the internet until your ANTI-VIRUS/SPY-WARE/AD-WARE software and FIREWALL have all been installed and activated.
Windows (as a part of it's normal set-up routine) will ask you for permission to connect to the internet for registration. ALWAYS CHOOSE NO until your security software is installed.
Although the Windows firewall should be active by default, if you have another "suite" of security programs, then it is much better to wait until they are installed before opening up your connection to the internet.
THE BEST WAY TO AVOID TROUBLE is to unplug the modem from its power source before you turn the PC on, leaving it unplugged until you are ready to install security software.
During installation, when your security software asks you to connect to the internet, THEN power up your modem and click "yes" or "connect" or "here goes nothing!"
TIP 2:
Then, before you ever restart your computer, install (from software or download) any registry cleaning software as well as any software for optimizing your system functions and download speed.
TIPS 1 & 2 are especially important information should you choose to use System Restore on your Windows PC.
IF your computer becomes infected while using System Restore, you can run your security software to clean the bug away, but it will usually come right back when you reboot.
The alternative is to DISABLE System Restore (erasing all previous restore points), clean your system, then reboot and then turn System Restore back on...but even that doesn't always work.
As with anything important, it is best to do the right thing from the beginning. Then you won't have to attempt to disinfect or reformat your system
TIP 3:
No matter what software you are running, when you have tried everything and your XP PC still is downloading slowly, do a "CONNECTION REPAIR" and then test your download speed again. This fixes my download speed problems about 80% of the time.
Two ways to repair your connection:
1. "Right Click" your mouse on the "local area connection" icon" on the lower left corner of your screen when the full taskbar is in view.
Choose "repair" from the pop-up screen and when advised that the repair is finished, retest your download speed or simply attempt another download.
2. Click "Start", "Settings", "Control Panel", "Network Connections" and "right-click" the icon for your "Local Area Connection".
Choose "repair" from the pop-up screen. Proceed as advised above.
HERE IS WHAT WORKS FOR ME:
NORTON 360 ***WITH ALL SCHEDULED SCANS DISABLED except for continual monitoring of browsing, email and instant messaging.
It is up to me to run scans on a regular schedule.
PC TOOLS REGISTRY MECHANIC
Don't forget to compact your registry after cleaning every so often.
ALSO, make sure you scan your registry BEFORE you reboot as well as after, to avoid leaving registry settings which will then be activated on reboot.
PC PITSTOP OPTIMIZE:
This really does the trick with my high-speed cable connection.
IGNORE the persistent check box for "INVALID INTERFACE ENTRIES" when it reappears. This is a problem with settings by ADOBE, who has promised to "white list" the setting, but is under no compulsion to do so soon.
NEXT I use the windows Disc Cleanup utility (under accessories/system tools on your start menu).
I DO NOT compress files and I do not delete downloaded programs (active X files), but I will often find that there are still temporary internet files listed here that have not been cleaned by any of my other programs.
Finally, I use Diskeeper 2007 Pro Premier for defragmenting.
Not only does it defrag your most often used files automatically in the background while your PC is running, but it also allows for quick "manual defrag" as well as "boot defrag", fixing many files that are difficult to defrag when Windows is fully loaded.
When you choose "Boot Defrag", also choose "Run the system CHKDSK utility prior to defragmentation"
ALSO, the program defrag "report" will warn you if your paging file is getting too small for safety.
Finally, I ALWAYS use MSCONFIG to choose which programs should start up.
If you are unsure about a startup file/command, GOOGLE it, and look for answers from "My Bleeping Computer". No Charge.
After all of my changes are applied, I reboot, recheck the settings, and if everything is as it should be, I DO NOT CLICK OKAY.
Instead, click the red X. Otherwise you will be told to reboot your computer if you clicked "okay", even if you didn't change any settings.
I only reboot my computer once or twice a week, so it's not a bother for the MSCONFIG screen to pop-up.
To access MSCONFIG, click "Start" then "Run" and type in MSCONFIG
Choose "Start-up" programs.
Good luck!
Stop all startup programs and XP services that you don't need. Essential programs for my machine: Process Explorer, Auslogics Disk Defrag, Autoruns, Empty Temp Folders, CCleaner, HijackThis! versions 1.99 and 2 (with the .exe renamed analyse.exe), AdAware 2007, SpyBot S & D, AVG Anti-Spyware, Avast! and AVG (AVG always running, Avast! used weekly), Comodo Firewall Pro, Blacklight Rootkit Revealer, SnoopFree Privacy Shield, Cerberus Security Guard, X-Ray PC. Haven't found a registry cleaner that I'm totally happy with yet but I keep looking...
- RAMBOOSTER
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by melconnie
August 14, 2007 8:02 PM PDT
- Compared it to SPEED IT UP EXTREME. Rambooster was a little faster BUT Speeditup extreme freed up a LOT more ram. I will use SPEEDITUP EXTREME.CCleaner seems to work very good
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Showing 1 of 2 pages (55 Comments)Thank You Mel