WinVistaClub : Arresting Windows Rot.

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Arresting Windows Rot !

If you are a Windows user, you know this ! As time passes by your once snappy windows starts become sluggish. The problem is that its a process that just seems to occur over a period of time...without any warning ! Usually the machine just starts freezing more often or giving the BSOD's frequently. The only cause for this is a long period of (heavy) use. And the most to be affected after the rot sets in, is the (Internet) Explorer !

"Windows Rot" is defined in the UrbanDictionary as the process by which a Windows machine becomes progressively slower the longer you use it and the more software you install on it. This condition is generally ascribed to a deterioration of the Windows Registry, caused by applications that use it improperly and don't clean up after themselves.

Call it the natural ageing of Windows, if you wish, but then there are a few steps or precautions one can take to prolong this process. Here are some :

1) Avoid installing/uninstalling too many software. The more software you install/uninstall, the more sluggish you can expect your machine to get gradually. Many program leave their traces in the registry, even after they are uninstalled. At times even program folders or components of installed applications are left behind when the programs are uninstalled. Sometimes un-installations just go wrong leaving a mess behind. So best to be very clear of what you want. These days with so much craplets being pre-loaded on an OEM machine, this gets even worse !

2) Do not install too many fonts. Every new font you install uses memory. Having just too many fonts takes its toll on Startup. To check out how many fonts your machine has, Go to the Control Panel and click open the Fonts icon. Having around 500 fonts should be just good enough. Select fonts you know you don't need, right-click, and click Delete. Do take care that you don't end up deleting System fonts. If you need to have more fonts, use a good Font Manager to enable/disable fonts on the fly as and when you require them.

3) Avoid installing warez and be careful with Freebie Offers ! Stay away from shady websites which promise you free pirated websites, cracks, games, screensavers, music, etc, as you'll never know when your machine'll be hit by spyware ! Even though you may end up removing it with your ant-spyware, the damage will have been done.

4) Take care of your PC ! Use a good Junk Cleaner like, say freeware CCleaner, to identify and delete the junk files, invalid registry entries and invalid shortcuts, regularly. A monthly run is good enough, but if you use your PC and/or surf intensively, a weekly run should be fine too! Defragment your Registry and your Disks too occasionally. Also run your antivirus and anti-spyware software regularly. Make these a monthly habit, atleast. Check out How To Make Vista Start, Run and Shutdown Faster.

And has Vista done anything to take care of the Windows Rot? Most say yes; as Vista has virtualized parts of the registry, as a security fix. Only time and personal experience will tell, though !

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Clean MORE with the Windows Disk Cleanup Utility.