Windows XP to the wirl’

First, install windows xp. Not all computers you buy come with windows xp, some may have windows vista, or windows 7. Whatever the operating system, revert to windows xp.

Hardware requirements for windows XP is very low. Below is a table showing the minimum requirements for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Clearly the requirements of Windows XP are less. This means that there are more resources available for running other applications. For example, if you purchased a computer with 1GHZ processing speed then, with Windows XP you have 0.75GHZ available for running the other programs unlike the other operating systems which will not allow you that much resources. In other words the computer running Windows XP performs faster.

Software - Windows XP is the most stable operating system which provides the platform necessary to run all windows based applications. Low crash rates, no annoying security confirmation messages, fast boot are all a few features of Windows XP that towers it over the rest.

Network and file could not be easier. Create a work group, share your files, print using centralized printer are all integrated to the Windows XP.

Small tweaks that boost performance

Disabling startup items is one way of speeding up your computer. Have you ever boot your computer and waited over 5 minutes for the OS to finish loading while these annoying programs fill the task bar? Well, none of those icons next to the clock are necessary (except the anti-virus). Adobe updater, Skype and Yahoo messenger are just a few of the common ones. Disable them. Here’s how to do it.

Click StartèRun--Type--“msconfig”--go to Start Up--Disable all

Adjust for best performance is another way to keep your computer looking simple while reducing the amount of resources used. How to adjust for best performance?

Right Click “My Computer”--Click Properties--Click Advanced tab--Click Virtual Memory--Adjust for best performance

Disable windows update. Windows offer you an option to keep it up to date. Once you have installed Windows XP service pack 3 (SP3) there is no need to update. Sure, Microsoft will tell you that there are some important security updates but like my SOC 120 lecturer said, there was always a problem, there is a problem and there will always be a problem. So, to install any new updates will not improve your computer but instead keep giving you annoying update messages, use your internet bandwidth, and just reduce the efficiency of your computer.

Install a cool antivirus program.

Now I know that many of you have heard of Norton and McAfee but have you heard of Avast or AVG? Well, both Avast and AVG have proved better than any other antivirus I have ever used. When installed, ignore the upgrade ads and simply register it for free protection.

Avast download: http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download

AVG download: http://free.avg.com/us-en/free-antivirus-download

Do not install both at the same time.

Play solitaire and mine sweep.

Many people will think that solitaire and mine are childish games but these should be the first activities on your new computer. Here is why, solitaire helps you with using the mouse (clicking, double clicking, click and drag, right click) while teasing the brain. Mine sweep makes pushes you to think critically and carefully before making your next move. Playing these games also introduce you the computer’s Start button. All in all, play these games, it will help.

Browse using Google Chrome internet browser. There are many internet browsers available and Windows come with Internet Explorer. According to the hits on my website, over 50% of the people visiting my site use Internet Explorer. However, the fastest internet browser is Google Chrome.

Google Chrome download: http://www.google.com/chrome

Do not install toolbars! Read your installations carefully and uncheck any options that require you to install toolbars.

Finally, run the following programs:

1. 1.The installed antivirus
2. 2.Disk defragmenter
3. 3.Back up (to dvd) and store in packs not in individual cases.