Windows XP Dos and Don'ts - Part 4
DON'T compress the contents of your hard drive to save space. Compression slows down your whole machine. Just buy a new drive.
DON'T download, install, and uninstall random apps and screensavers from the Internet. They're common vectors for web cooties.
DON'T opel) e-mail attachmets from people you don't know, or executables from people you do know (they should know better!)
DON'T install Windows XP over a previous installation. Always format your hard drive and install Windows from scratch for optimal long-term stability.
DON'T install more than one antivirus utility and firewall. These prograrm need low-level access to the operating system; it can cause major problems for Windows if multiple apps are competing for resources.
DO block firewall access to programs you're unfamiliar with.
DO create WindoWs XP restore points before installing drivers, service-packs, or other system-altering software.
DO be Vary of "system optimization" software that doesn't tell you exac:tly What it's going to do! These apps usually deliver nothing more than snake oil.
DO clean the fans inside your PC case regulaly in order to keep them running at maximum efficiency.
DO defragment your hard drive periodically to ensure maximum transfer rates.
DO run "msconfig" occasionally and trim your PC's startup programs to just the essentials.
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