Cleaning Windows XP for Dummies
| 363 pages | PDF Format
Part I: The Basics of Cleaning Your System
Get off on the right foot by discovering why you even need to clean yoursystem (as if you didn’t know). You find out what you should clean, when you should clean it, what tools to use, and whether you should consider getting a
new system.
Introduction 3
Part II: Programs and Data
Programs and data are the two great components of any computer system — including yours. Part II focuses on identifying what programs you have, how to make them run faster, and how to get rid of programs you no longer need. You also find out how to identify all the data on your hard drive, as well as targeting and deleting the data you no longer need. I’ve dedicated a full chapter to concepts about organizing and archiving your important data.
Part III: E-Mail and the Internet
E-mail and the Internet are, for better or worse, a part of most people’s daily lives. This part zeroes in on how you can manage the glut of e-mail you get daily. You discover how to deal with spam and organize the e-mail you keep.
You also find out the telltale signs of virus and spyware infections, as well as how to get rid of these troublesome pests. Finally, you discover how to deal with information (not related to e-mail) that you may receive when using the
Internet.
Part IV: The Operating System
Windows XP is nothing if not flexible and configurable. Part IV discusses how to clean up the user interface so using Windows is easier than ever before. You discover how to streamline Windows so it runs faster, as well as how to
speed up the file system. Microsoft wants you to have the most up-to-date system possible, and Windows XP makes it easy to stay updated with automatic downloads. You’ll understand how to use the update system and find out when it makes sense to get a new system rather than clean up the old one.
Part V: Advanced Cleaning for the Truly Brave
This part focuses on things you can do to implement deep-cleaning strategies. You determine whether you need more memory in your system or a larger hard drive. You discover ways to make your system more secure, and thereby minimize the chance of having others clutter your system. I also discuss the special needs of cleaning up in a networked environment.
4 Cleaning Windows XP For Dummies
An entire chapter covers the ins and outs of working with the Registry, your computer’s central nervous system. You find out how to edit the Registry and use special software to keep it in tip-top shape. The final chapter in this part explains different ways to fix a corrupted Windows XP installation. You even find out how to start all over by wiping
out your computer system and installing Windows anew.
Part VI: The Part of Tens
Ahhh! The Part of Tens. Here’s where you find small, bite-sized tidbits that can help get your system cleaned up and keep it that way. You find troubleshooting ideas, software tools for cleaning, and a multitude of online resources to help
you tidy up.
