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Personal Computer Optimization Tips

• Periodically delete temporary Internet files.

• Limit the disk space used for temporary Internet files.

• Reduce the number of programs that start up automatically.

• Remove programs that you no longer want or use.

Periodically delete temporary Internet files.

Internet Explorer saves content from Web pages that you visit in the Temporary Internet Files folder. These temporary files can accumulate and take up space on your hard drive. Sometimes, they may even cause strange problems to occur in Internet Explorer.

To delete your temporary Internet files:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
    
2. Click on the Tools menu and select Internet Options.
    
3. On the General tab, under Temporary Internet files, click on the Delete Files button.

Limit the disk space used for temporary Internet files.

The speed at which you can view previously visited Web pages in Internet Explorer depends on how much storage space you use for temporary Internet files. For example, you can view previously visited pages faster if you increase the amount of storage space. Keep in mind, however, that when you do this, you reduce the amount of storage space that you have for other files, and this can slow down your computer.

To change the amount of disk space that Internet Explorer uses for storing temporary Internet files:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
    
2. Click on the Tools menu and select Internet Options.
    
3. On the General tab, under Temporary Internet files, click on the Settings button.
    
4. In the Amount of disk space to use field, enter a value between 100 and 500.

Reduce the number of programs that start up automatically.

To see a list of programs that start up automatically:

1. Click on the Start button and select Programs - Startup.

To stop a program from starting up automatically:

1. Right-click on it and select Delete. (This will not uninstall the program.)

You can also look for programs that start up automatically in the registry.

DISCLAIMER: Preventing a program from starting up automatically requires making a change to the registry. Only advanced users should adjust the registry. Incorrectly editing or removing entries in the registry can cause serious problems with your computer, which may require you to re-install software including the operating system. You should make a backup of the registry area that you will be working with before making any changes to it. (For more information, see the regedit help.)

To remove a program from the registry:

1. Click on the Start button and select Run.
    
2. In the Open field, type regedit and then click on the OK button.
    
3. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
   CurrentVersion\Run and delete the desired program entry.
    
4. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
   CurrentVersion\Run and delete the desired program entry.

Remove programs that you no longer want or use.

If you want to remove a program that you have paid to license, then be sure that you have the disk to install it again should you want to. Also, be aware that some of your software may have been installed on your computer when you purchased it. Be sure that you can re-install the software individually if you need to. (Some companies only provide a disk that takes your computer back to the factory settings.)

To remove a program:

1. Click on the Start button and select Control Panel.
    
2. Click on Add/Remove Programs.