1. See how many processes you have running in the
background. Kill unneccessary memory hogs like cisvc.exe.
2. How much RAM do you have? 256Mg RAM is a suggested
minimum for Windows XP, and 512Mg of RAM is probably
better. RAM is fairly cheap, and if you have an expert
install it, you can have your BIOS settings checked while
you are at it.
3. You are going to need to do frequent disk maintenance
to keep any kind of performance. Nothing fancy, but every
week or so you should:
a. delete all temporary internet files and other
temporary files you don't need;
b. use the disk cleanup function in Accessories.
c. use the disk defragmenter in Accessories.
d. delete the old virus pattern files and the log files
in PC-Cillin.
4. Take it from me, having personal experience with PC-
cillin: Its firewall will NOT protect you very well.
5. Is your hard drive old? Three things, one performance
related and the other two not:
a. Get a new hard drive that operates at 7200RPM. The
faster it turns, the less time the rest of the system has
to wait for access to information, and;
b. Get a new hard drive because old hard drives fail,
sometimes without warning. If they start to fail, the
failure process accellerates (there's no such thing
as "only one bad sector"). Burn CDs if you have to of
your personal files, but see about a new hard drive.
c. Once you get a new hard drive installed and all your
programs and OS moved and all that, and it's working
fine: Take out your old hard drive and physically destroy
it and then throw the pieces away. Hard drives CANNOT
be "safely" erased. If you have any personal information
on the drive, it can be found and restored.
