Optimize Microsoft® Windows® XP Series: Trimming your system bloat - Part 1

Optimizing Microsoft® Windows® XP Series: Post 2 - Part 1

Think about the feeling you get after a huge Thanksgiving feast over at aunt Ida's house.  Do you feel that tryptophan coursing through your veins?  Do you like feeling bloated?  Then why would your computer like that feeling?  If your computer is in need of some spring cleaning, then read on...

Tip #1
I am going to recommend a few thinks that can assist you with controlling bloatware on your computer.  I would highly recommend a good spyware/malware removal tool.  Personally, I would only recommend Piriform® CCleaner and Malwarebytes.  CCleaner cleans up browser history, temporary files that build up, log files, etc.  Malwarebytes cleans up malware (malicious software) such as fake anti-virus programs, pop-up generators, etc.  Both of these are free however, there is a "pro" version of Malwarebytes which also provides real-time protection.  The free version of Malwarebytes does give you a 14-day trial of the "pro" version.  Use them in the following order:

1. Download Piriform® CCleaner, install it, run it
• Run this one to remove temporary files, which will reduce the amount of time spent scanning with Malwarebytes
• CCleaner will clean up the currently logged in profile only.  Run in each user account if you can.  If you can't log in as other accounts, then just expect a longer scan.
2. Download Malwarebytes, install it, run it.
3. Enjoy a malware free computer.

Tip #2

The most common useless software installations are web browser toolbars.  I often remove web search toolbars.  The first think that the computer user says is, "But how will I search the internet?" :-|

Every popular web browser let's you search via the address bar, or built-in search bar.  Here is a list:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla FireFox
• Internet Explorer 9
• Internet Explorer 7 & 8
• Safari
• Opera

Alternatively try using the following search engines:  Google, Bing, or Yahoo!

Tip #3 (click on links at your own risk)

There are some computer users that like all of the neat interactive desktop enhancements that can be donwloaded such as, WeatherBug, Desktop Wallpaper w/calendar program, Google Desktop, Windows  Desktop Search, etc... Do not install any of these programs as all they do is use up your limited computer resources.  You want the weather, go to weather.com.  You want desktop backgrounds, Microsoft® has desktop backgrounds.  Oh, you want a celebrity background, go to Google Images.

Part 2 coming soon...