Cleaning Out Your Programs in XP

Keeping your system clean is as important as anything you can do to achieve optimal performance from your computer. A cluttered computer can be one of the biggest hindrances when it comes to system functionality. So if you find it takes more time to open and run a program than it should, this article will offer a few beginner's tips for cleaning out Windows XP.

I wrote an article recently on ASP Free discussing a few simple ways to make your system run faster using the Task Manager on Windows XP. Most of the methods offered a temporary fix for when you are running multiple programs at once and need to prioritize your time in some way. However, doing a complete overhaul of your system can provide numerous long term benefits. The only thing you need to determine is whether your system actually needs cleaning (hint: it does).

It's hard to find someone with a computer who doesn't use it on some sort of regular basis, whether it be at work or at home. It's hard to find someone without a computer period. And even minimal use can result in some old files creating a backlog in your system. The point is, a quick dust up can never hurt. Still not convinced? Here are some of the pros and a few of the cons (just a few) of cleaning up XP on your computer.

Pros

First of all, there's the obvious issue of speed. A clean system will run faster than one cluttered with useless programs and old data. Then there's efficiency. How long does it take you to find the program or file you want to run after searching through the vast layers of your start menu, or worse, the Windows search tool? It can also save you money by creating more space on your hard drive, instead of having to go out and get a new one. The fact is you will have a lot less to worry about if you know there isn't some rogue virus hiding in the deepest depths of your system. The chances of a sudden crash or loss of data decrease dramatically with a tidy system.

Cons

If you're like me (lazy), then you'll probably want to know how long this is going to take. Naturally, that depends on the mess you've made in your system, but even the smallest mess will take at least an hour to completely clean. As for a large mess, well let's just say you'd better have easy access to a fridge and a toilet. Then there's the fact that you may not know how to use all the tools needed to clean your computer. Don't worry though, at least for this article. The techniques I discuss are unbelievably basic, but essential. Hopefully it won't be too much of a chore, at least not yet.