PC Tune Up: The Basics!

In this report, you'll discover info and guidance about how to clean up your computer's hard drive. When I say "clean out", I mean clean up; you will be able to delete unnecessary files to aid in keeping your PC up to speed. You'll learn how to test and clean up your system tray. (The system tray can be found in the bottom right hand corner of your computer display. It's generally right beside your clock.) You are able to get rid of any icons you do not need, also!

Do you know that just getting rid of unwanted/unneeded icons and their applets may also make your personal computer run faster, with less problems? In reality, this ought be the first undertaking you do when conducting maintenance. It's the simplest and will help your computer! Essentially, if your PC is be freezing up or you are getting "illegal operations" messages, just removing unnecessary icons may be the beginning stage to restoring your computer's original settings.

For the most part, all applications on your personal computer will end up putting an icon in your computer's system tray. Many applications install an icon in the system tray. These icons are fairly helpful in directing your personal computer to the programs that you have to use. The single bad thing is that these icons use a portion the memory your personal computer needs. They may use some of the juice your computer needs to direct other applications.

Generally, the more icons you click on, the more applications your computer is running. This signifies that the computer is using valuable memory space and power. The more applets that are utilized simultaneously, the more time it takes your personal computer to function. So to make up for the lost time, your computer will then look for other ways to speed up the process and everything it does will in essence create a buildup of information. This info will really pile up over time and unless it is removed, it may finally lead to your computer experiencing some severe troubles.

The most effective way to deflect these issues is to perform a simple tune up process to remove undesired clutter from the systems tray. This is really a very simple job, so do not be afraid to do it yourself! Next we will spend a short time demonstrating how to remove this clutter. The process identified below is written mainly for those using Windows 98 SE and/or ME/2000/XP. Since, for the most part, these are the main Windows programs in use today.

Before you start the procedure of getting rid of unwanted/unneeded icons from your system tray, you'll have to print out these commands. If you don't print the instructions, you'll be totally lost if and when you should be required to restart your computer. (Which is typical when removing items and re-programming your personal computer.) Generally, you'll be able to utilization these instructions as a template for the complete procedure. If you need to keep referring to the web page, you're more likely to get confused! Save yourself a lot of inconvenience and back up the information with a paper copy.

Now, the following can assist you in removing the unwanted icons and, hopefully,help your computer run faster:

Click on "Start"

Click on "Programs"

Click on "Accessories"

Click on "System Tools"

Click on "System Information"

Click on "Tools"

Click on System "Configuration"

Click on "Startup" (far right location)

Next, it is best that you check some of the basic items, including:

System Tray

Scan Registry

Task Monitor

Load QM

Load Power Profile (have a 2)

Anything associated with your video card

Just in case you run into any problems, there are basic troubleshooting tasks you will be able to easily perform, including:

Restart (be sure that you are in "safe mode")

Re-check everything that you unchecked (to save time, enable the checkbox for everything)

Restart

Uncheck items not listed above

Restart

Repeat until all that you do not want are unchecked

Do not worry if your personal computer does not start properly after carrying out these steps the first time. Simply restart your personal computer in a safe mode and go through the complete application again. You may also undo any of the changes, if you feel this isn't helping your computer run more smoothly and advance to the next job.

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