August 1, 2011

You keep seeing all the advertisements for optimizing and speed up Windows.  Well, save your money and just do a few simple things and your computer will run as fast as possible.

First of all, anytime you install a new program, do a custom install.  This usually gives you an option of what modules and accessories you want to install with the program.  Make sure NOT to install anything which has to do with web update checks, customer satisfaction surveys, feedback surveys, etc.

Make sure that things like printers, etc. don't add modules to order supplies, copy or print things to the web, anything which will tie up system resources.

Watch the system tray ( the area on the taskbar by the clock) and make sure new icons aren't added when you install your software.  If something you don't want gets installed, check the Startup folder on the Start menu and make sure something hasn't been added there.  Sometimes, if a new icon shows up, try right clicking on it and see if there is a Preferences or Settings choice on the menu and try disabling it there.  You can also check Control Panel and see if you can remove the modules you don't want.

Any software which you purchase to speed up your computer is going to do these simple things.  Save your money and do it yourself.