While not really a performance enhancer, the Disk Cleanup utility will check your drive and compile a list of temporary and unnecessary files that you can delete to free up space on your PC. It also offers the option to compress older data files to save room. It can be found at 'start\programs\accessories\system tools\disk cleanup'

Finding and removing spyware

For a more detailed examination of what spyware is and how it can affect your computer, see our previous beginner's guide on the subject. For now, try downloading the Ad-Aware and Spybot search and destroy software mentioned in that guide. Update them both and run them to cleanse your system of unwanted software that may be slowing down your computer and Internet performance as well as compromising your privacy.

This is essential for the health of any PC, and may well improve your performance if your PC turns out to be infected, as several strains of computer virus may adversely affect your PC's operating efficiency. See our article on viruses and online security for more details.

For further hardware and software performance tweaking information, consult the guru. Colin has compiled an excellent collection of tips and tricks, which you may find of use in your journey to restore your PC's lost youth.

-Dual OS Installation of WindowsXP 32-bit/64-bit -RSS Feed Setup & Subscriptions - Windows XP Service Pack 2 - Firewall Setup and Configuration -Eliminating Spyware and Hijacker Software - Diagnosing Bad Memory - 101 Tips and Tweaks for WindowsXP - Burning CDs and DVDs - Optical Drives & Recording Formats - Securing Your Wireless Network - Little Known Features of WindowsXP - Ergonomics & Computers - Annual PC Checkup - Installing WindowsXP - Encryption and Online Privacy - Home Networking and File Sharing - Forgotten Passwords & Recovery Methods - Preventing Data Theft from a Stolen Laptop - Creating a Weblog / Blog - Installing RAID on Desktop PCs - RAM, Memory and Upgrading - Ten Steps to a Secure PC - Flashing A Motherboard BIOS - Windows XP Safe Mode Explained - Upgrading Win98 to Windows XP - USB Memory Drive Projects - 104 Great Tech Tips for Windows XP - Unattended Windows 2000/XP Installations - Linux Part 2: Installing a PC - Understanding and Tweaking WindowsXP Services - Linux Part 3: Installing New Software

- The Registry: Backups, Repairs, and Protection - Diagnosing Bad Hard Drives - Decrypting Document & Zipped File Passwords - Spyware protection and Removal - Wireless home networking - Internet Connection Sharing - Remote Access to Computers - Hard Drive Data Recovery - Firewalls and Internet Security - Back up and Restore Data in WinXP - Assembling Your Own PC - VPNs and Internet Connection Security - Legally Copying Software and Music - Setting up a FTP Server in WinXP - Creating MP3 Music Files - Stopping Spam - Cloning WindowsXP - Browser Hijacking and How to Stop It - Printer Sharing on a Home Network - Converting Videotape Into Video Files - Creating a WindowsXP Install CD with Service Pack 2 - Creating a Flashing a Video Card BIOS - Making DVD Movies from Video Files - Synchronizing Files and Folders - Crash Recovery and the Blue Screen of Death - Most Common Ways to Kill a PC - WindowsXP Command Prompt - Linux Part 1: Getting Familiar - Understanding and Creating Batch Files - Website Hosting From A Home PC - Formatting and Partitioning a Hard Drive - Website Hosting With Apache