Spring Cleaning

While you're cleaning the windows and organizing your closets (check out this article for some spring cleaning tips with help from Microsoft Office), why not take the time to make sure your computer is running as efficiently as it can?

• Ensure you have the latest Windows Updates for your system.
• Update your antivirus and antispyware programs.
• Run a complete virus and spyware scan.
• Uninstall programs you no longer use.
• Reduce the number of programs that start when you boot up your computer.
• Run Disk Defragmenter.
• Backup your computer.

You should perform most of these tasks a lot more often than each spring, so if you're not sure how to do any of these (and some of them - especially reducing the number of startup programs - are somewhat advanced tasks), don't hesitate to set up an appointment so we can help you improve the performance of your computer.

And if you've had your computer for more than two years but you're not yet ready to replace it, you might want to consider reinstalling your operating system and adding some RAM to make the most out of your computer's remaining life. Give us a call if you'd like more information.

Windows XP - Going, Going, . . .

Many of you have been reluctant to replace your aging computers because of wariness about Windows Vista. For what it's worth, many people felt the same about Windows XP when it first came out, and that's the operating system that most of you don't want to leave behind for Vista. There's good news and bad news, and they're related. The good news is that Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is now available. For many people, that's the benchmark they've been waiting for before making the switch. The bad news is that Windows XP will only be supported by Microsoft until next summer, so you're really only delaying the inevitable.

So, if you've got an older, slower computer and you've been waiting to replace it, we'd recommend that you stop tolerating that old computer and start enjoying a new one!

Interesting Links

If you want to tackle some of the spring cleaning above on your own, these links might help.

• Optimize Windows for better performance
  A number of good suggestions on making Windows run faster. Though it's written for Vista users, the principles are good regardless of which version of Windows you're running.
• Optimize your computer for peak performance
  There's probably some overlap with the previous link, but these are still good ideas on helping your computer to run faster.

Closing Thoughts

Please let us know how we can serve you. And have great week!

Don and Aaron

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