• Author:
  • Simmons, Curt
• Subject:
  Computer Hardware
• Published by:
  John Wiley & Sons Inc (US)
• Published:
  08/10/2004
• Price:
  $37.99
• <  Buy this book  >

Get that snail out of your system
"In these pages, you'll find all kinds of tips, tweaks, hacks, and configuration settings that should help you regain some speed control over Windows XP. I'll also show you how to get rid of the clutter and junk that Windows XP picks up over time..."
--Curt Simmons

When everything seems like slow motion, it's time to call in PC Magazine's favorite system doctor

You have to clean out most things after you use them for awhile. Why should your PC be any different? This indispensable book shows you exactly how to turn that snail into a cheetah by unloading the junk that Windows XP has collected, turbo-charging your system for faster response, cleaning up the Registry, and using all the safeguards provided in Service Pack 2. Just don't be surprised if your PC is faster than on the day you brought it home.

Give Windows XP a power boost
* Make programs start faster with hidden prefetch settings
* Eliminate spyware, adware, and unwanted cookies
* Dump programs you don't need (but know which ones you DO)
* Pre-schedule maintenance tasks
* Boost system startup by disabling features
* Tweak virtual memory
* Learn to work with the Registry
* Update your device drivers
* Beef up your cable or DSL speed
* Learn from special tips and tricks in every chapter

Curt Simmons (MCP, MCSE, MCSA, A+, CTT, MCT) is a technology author and trainer who focuses on Microsoft products.  The author of almost 50 computing books for a wide-range audiences, including, most recently, Windows XP For Power Users: PowerPack, and Windows XP Secrets.

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

Part I: Programs, Junk, and Other Things that Get in the Way.

Chapter 1: Removing Programs and Unneeded Files.

Chapter 2: Cleaning Up the Desktop and Start Menu.

Chapter 3: Managing Notification Area Items and Startup Programs.

Part II: Supercharging Windows.

Chapter 4: Making Windows XP Start Faster.

Chapter 5: Working with Memory and System Settings.

Chapter 6: Cleaning Up the Registry.

Chapter 7: Optimizing Disk Performance.

Chapter 8: Dealing with Hardware Devices and Drivers.

Chapter 9: Optimizing Display Performance.

Part III: Internet, E-mail, and Digital Media.

Chapter 10: Making the Internet Work Faster.

Chapter 11: Dealing with Spam and E-mail Problems.

Chapter 12: Working with Cookies and Internet Security Settings.

Chapter 13: Making Digital Media Faster and Easier.

Part IV: Keeping Your PC Healthy and Happy.

Chapter 14: Automating the Health of Your System.

Chapter 15: Keeping a Check on Your System.

Part V: Appendixes.

Appendix A: Helpful Web Sites.

Appendix B: Running a Clean Windows XP Installation.

Appendix C: Quick Catalog of Helpful Third-Party Utilities.

Appendix D: Keeping Your Computer Secure.

Index.