| Adjust performance options to speed up Windows XP and Vista |
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If you've noticed degradation in Windows performance, then consider changing the performance options. Windows XP and Vista have many visual effects that may noticeably slow down their performance. For example, dialog boxes and menus might not open smoothly, and this is not only annoying - but time consuming.
To help improve the performance of your computer, you can disable some or all of the visual effects. When you disable visual effects, you change only the graphical elements on your desktop; you can still do everything you've always done with your computer - only faster.
To disable all visual effects for the best performance:
1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and click Properties.
2. The System Properties box will appear.
For Windows XP: Click the Advanced tab.
For Windows Vista: Click the Advanced System Settings option.
In the Performance area, click Settings.
3. The Performance Options box will appear. On the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance option.
4. Click OK and Windows will adjust the system for better performance. You will notice a nice performance increase.
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| Cleaning out the dust bunnies! |
Computers have moving parts such as fans. Each fan is important for a smooth operation because they keep the system cool.
Fans tend to pull a lot of dust, pet hair and other particles inside your machine. If left untouched, the dust can interfere with ventilation, which could prevent the fan from spinning, which in turn could cause parts of the computer to overheat and eventually cause your computer parts to fail.
If you have a service contact that covers maintenance, then have your computer taken apart and professionally cleaned. If you decide to clean the machine on your own, then check your computer warranty to verify that opening the computer will not void your warranty.
The websites below offer step by step instructions on cleaning the inside of your machine.
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| Cool Tool of the Month T-Shirt Winner |
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This month's Cool Tool of the Month winner is Glen Wallace.
Glen's winning tool is CPU-Z by CPU-ID. CPU-Z identifies your CPU, cache, motherboard and memory vendor and model, and provides useful information like core speed, bus speed and BIOS version.
Check it out at: http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
Congratulations, Glen!
 Become the very next winner of this fine t-shirt (Click here to see it in detail) by sending us your nomination for Cool Tool of the Month. Click the link above at top left to nominate your choice. |
Welcome to another edition of Keep Your PC Healthy. You know how much we believe in defragging your PCs and laptops to speed them up...but we also recognize there are other ways to help. We look at one way in this issue, whether running XP or Vista. And we also take a look at making sure your PCs are clean. Keeping them clean not only feels good, but really is important! 
