6 Tips for optimal performance : Windows XP

Have you noticed that your computer does not perform as fast as it was new ? If the answer for this question is positive, it means you are not maintaining your computer effectively but  Just using it and keep using until it stops working one day. You blame it to the hardware or to windows or a software or whatever . You prefer it to just format and load windows again and back to sucking it again until it stops working.. But If you could maintained  your computer as you maintain your self , it can long last without problems.   In this post I am going to note 5 tips on how you can easily maintain your computer for optimal performance for long run.

 

 

[stextbox id="info"] 1.  Make sure you are using NTFS file system on your computer. [/stextbox]

 

NTFS file system is much reliable then FAT32 and highly recommended for optimal performance. To check the file system on your computer, Simply right click on the drives and choose Properties as shown in below image.

 

 

 

 

 

If your computer is not using NTFS then you should convert your file system to NTFS.

 

[stextbox id="info"] 2. Update the drivers for your graphics card and other devices at least once in 6 months. [/stextbox]

 

You can get the drivers from the manufacturer’s website. I would highly recommend to use the drivers ONLY from manufacturer’s website as its tested and known to be working. Note that a buggy driver can cause your system to become unbootable.

 

 

I am listing some of the computer manufacturer’s websites for quick reference.

Acer	http://www.acersupport.com/
Apple	http://www.info.apple.com/support/applecare_products/service/features.shtml
Compaq	http://www.compaq.com/country/cpq_support.html
Dell	http://www.dell.com
Gatway	http://support.gateway.com/support/
HP	http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/support.html
IBP	http://www.ibm.com/support/us:
Micron	http://support.buympc.com/
NEC	http://www.necus.com/support/
SONY	http://www.ita.sel.sony.com/support/
SUN	http://www.sun.com/supportraining/
Toshiba	http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su/su_sc_home.jsp

 

[stextbox id="info"] 3.Leave at least 3 GB of space free in the C: (or OS) drive.[/stextbox]

 

Windows need some space free in the OS drive for its temporary works. Leave at least 2-3 GB space free in the C: drive to avoid performance sluggishness.

 

[stextbox id="info"] 4. Cleanup your computer using Disk Clean up utility once in a month[/stextbox]

 

 

Manual fix  :  To access disk cleanup in windows XP : -

1. 1. 1. Go to  Start menu => All Programs=> Accessories => System Tools and then click on Disk Cleanup.
      2. It might ask you to select the drive you want to clean.Select each drive (one by one)
      3. After selection, it will prepare cleanup and present you with below screens.

 

 

 

 

 

Check the checkboxes you want to cleanup and hit OK. It will flush the things into black hole and your computer will feel a lot relaxed.

 

 

 

[stextbox id="info"] 5. Optimize drives for faster read-write : Defrag it [/stextbox]

 

At least once in 6 month you should defrag your hard drive. Disk defrag makes the read and write faster. Soon we will see an article on how disk defrag works .

 

[stextbox id="info"] 6. Check your drives for Error.[/stextbox]

You should regularly check your hard drive for file system errors and fix it before it become worst. If you are in a area where power cut is common, you  Must check your hard drive once a week. Its easy to do. see how in below image .

1. 1. Click on start and then run. type cmd and press enter.
   2. on the command prompt type “chkdsk C:” and press enter.

 

It will start disk checking and show you the result after some time. If you see any errors you should consider fixing it..Be aware your computer is on risk..

To fix it, simply add /f at the last of the command.

[stextbox id="alert"]Be aware that running chkdsk with /f option can cause data loss ,even make your system unbootable.So backup the data before choosing this. [/stextbox]

 

last but not least..

 

Upgrade to windows 7  .. Seriously it rocks !!!

 

There are n number of reasons which directly effect the performance in windows XP however listed above are some of the top ones.

Do let me know if this is helpful for you..All questions are welcome..