Project #1: Get Windows in Gear
Start With a BackupAll PC tweaking begins with a backup, even if you simply create a new restore point. To set one in XP, click Start, Programs (or All Programs), Accessories, System Tools, System Restore, choose Create a restore point, click Next, and step through the wizard. In Windows Vista, click Start, Programs (or All Programs), Maintenance, Backup and Restore Center, select Create a restore point or change settings, choose System Restore, click Next, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Restore points won't solve all your problems. That's why one of the most welcome new tools in Windows Vista is Complete PC Backup, which creates a snapshot of your machine, including all of your applications, settings, and data files. Later, if (when?) your hardware fails, you can restore the entire system, not just your files. (Note that Complete PC Backup is not available in Windows Vista Home Basic or Home Premium.)
To create a backup, click Start, Control Panel (or Start, Settings, Control Panel on the Classic Start menu), Back up your computer (in Classic View, double-click Backup and Restore Center). Choose Back up computer and follow the steps. I recommend making a backup at least once per month if you use your PC for work, and a minimum of once every six months no matter how much or little you use it.
Always back up before you make any big changes to your PC's configuration (note that Windows creates a restore point automatically prior to every new software installation and any other significant system change).
Stop Unnecessary StartupsWhenever you start your PC,

Various services and programs start up in the background, often without your knowledge. Most of them are programs or services you need, such as your firewall and antivirus software. But some, such as instant messaging apps that you rarely use, do nothing but squander system resources and slow down your PC.
The simplest way to remove the autostart apps you don't use is with the System Configuration utility: Click Start, Run (or just Start on Windows Vista's menu and type in the Start Search box), type msconfig, and press . Select the Startup tab to see the programs that start with Windows. Uncheck those you don't want to run (see ). Next, click the Services tab to see a list of all the services running on your system. Think twice before you uncheck a service, however; many are required to keep your hardware and software operating. The Process Library describes thousands of Windows services and programs, and tells you whether they're necessary. If you're not sure whether you want to run a service or program, enter its name in your favorite Web search engine and look in the results for a description.