Speed up Vista

Step 1: Software

Here you'll learn more than a dozen things you can do to speed up your Windows Vista computer, from simple changes you may not have thought of to ways to streamline the inner workings of your computer. Don't worry -- we'll walk you through it step by step.

While Windows Vista makes many improvements to security and other features, it also includes its fair share of programs that use a PC's resources you may not want to run. In this step, we'll show you what programs in Vista you can turn off to free up system resources.

Trialware
Let's start with your hard drive to remove some unnecessary files. The more programs on your hard drive, the longer it takes a PC to find anything.

Vista comes with many software packages preinstalled; you can decide which you want to run or disable.

You'll see a list of all the programs that came preinstalled with your new PC. Some of these software packages are "trialware", in which you may have 30 days to try the software. Often, this software is bundled with Vista from your PC manufacturer or Microsoft. It's up to you whether you want to try the software or delete it from your PC.

When you're done, it's time to disable some unnecessary software that comes with Windows itself.

From the Programs and Features window:

1. Click "Turn Windows features on or off" on the left side panel.
2. User Account Control will ask you to confirm; do so.
3. You'll get a list of Windows built-in software, much of which you'll never use. Uncheck whatever you don't need.

If you're not sure whether you need something or not, hover your mouse over it to get a description. Some likely candidates for removal are Games, Indexing Service, Print Services, Tablet PC Optional Components (unless you have a tablet PC), Telnet Client and Telnet Server, and Windows Fax and Scan. If you still aren't sure, leave it alone.

Disk clean-up
Next, if you've been using your PC for a while, let Windows Vista free up file space on your hard drive.

1. Click your Start orb, then Computer.
2. Right-click on your hard drive.
3. On the General tab, choose Properties.
4. Click "Disk Cleanup".
5. In a few moments, you'll get a list of what Windows doesn't need anymore. Make sure all the boxes are checked, then click OK. you'll be asked to confirm your choices; click Delete Files.