Cheat Engine

[AdamWest]

First, you have a new computer and you want it running the way it is now for awhile. First things first, UNINSTALL ANYTHING NORTON-AFFILIATED!!!

Norton programs WILL slow down your computer. Trust me.

Okay, next you'll need a good AV. Go with Kaspersky, and perform a virus scan twice a week with it. Give me sometime, Ill find a nice Kaspersky download

Second, if store-bought uninstall all of that crap that the company put in. Like, I just got this shitty Acer for now, and it comes with a SHITLOAD of Acer programs. Its garbage, trust me uninstall the programs that aren't needed.

Third, Do a defragmentation of BOTH DRIVES, atleast once a week. Also, clear up temporary internet files, cookies, etc.

When you startup your comp, you dont want a 30 minute boot do you?
How To Change Startup Programs
Windows XP:
Step 1. Go to Start=>Run
Step 2. type in MSCONFIG, press enter
Step 3. Go to startup, and click disable for any you wish to keep from startign upon bootup.
Windows Vista:

Step 1. Get to your start menu
Step 2. Go to the "Control Panel"
Step 3. under "Programs" go to Change Startup programs"
Step 4. Now, go to Show All Users if you want to change this for all users, otherwise skip this step
Step 5. Browse the list, clicking disable for any you want to keep from starting upon boot-up


And lastly, don't install alot of things. Cant remove a program you dont need? Download something like Eraser( pm me for this too later) and use that to clear your drives without the need of a reformat or clean install.

[thexav]

Most of it is true. Good guide

[Localhost]

I found a nice cure for all these problems.. it is Linux...

1) You wont get a virus... so no need for an AV

2) Its free... we all like free!

3) No defrags

4) Most Linux distros give you nothing that you dont want... only the essentials (Browser, add/remove program, calculator, terminal, gcc, ect)