HELP YOUR COMPUTER RUN FASTER-
with what is already on your computer!
*Click on Hyperlinks for more Detailed Information*

The first three tips apply to
Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows XP
They are the most important for system maintenance.

Remove Unused and Unnecessary Fonts-the more fonts you have, the longer it takes the programs that use them to load. So install fonts sparingly. And remove fonts you don't use. I also include Installing Fonts and Previewing Fonts

Delete and Remove Junk Files-how to remove Temporary Internet Files, Temporary Files, and Cookies yourself. And how to use Disk CleanUp to do most of the work. And always empty your Recycle Bin!

Defragment Your Hard Drive-For various reasons and over time files on your PC are not put back where they belong. So, it takes longer and longer for your PC to run programs, as it has to search the harddrive hunting for all the files needed. Anytime my computer slows down- the first thing I do is to follow  this Defrag Procedure. Most of the time it solves my problem. I Defrag at least once a month

Recently (2005) I discovered that Windows 98, does not have a good defragging program, especially if you haven't defragged for a long time. It seems like the Program just keeps starting over and it takes FOREVER. I have tried many of the solutions offered in the forums for this, but the easiest way is to get an older version of Norton's Systems Works (2003 works--2005 doesn't) and run their disk defrag. On one friend's computer after we had spent hours on trying all sorts of fixes, it took 20 minutes to defrag with Norton's. (NO-I do not own stock in Norton's, but I do believe investing in their System Works is money well spent.

I have been very happy with Windows XP and beyond the tips above--I can only offer the tip that I have followed (and recently it was confirmed by a Microsoft Tech support person)
DO NOT GET THE AUTOMATIC UPDATES-
UNLESS YOU HAVE AN ISSUE ADDRESSED WITH THE UPDATEYOU WILL DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD TO YOUR COMPUTER.

As for Windows Vista--my recommendation is to wait until the Software is created to go with Windows Vista--
And realize you will be buying ALL new Programs for Windows Vista.
You will NOT be able to UPGRADE, because your old programs may not install on Vista.

These next two tips apply to Windows 95 and most of you have gone beyond this...

Convert to Fat 32-If you have not already converted from Fat 16 you should do so now. When you try to convert Windows will let you know if you have already Fat 32 or if it is possible to convert.

A New Tip I Have Just Used-I have just tried this tip myself. I have not noticed much difference-but then I don't have a major need to speed up my computer. It hasn't caused any troubles that I know of, yet. Use at your own risk!

 I will be adding more tips as time permits!
Also Please feel free to email me with questions about these tips or other questions you have concerning your computer. 
If I do not know the answers-I will try to find them for you!