Want a faster and powerful PC? It's there on your desk. This work offers techniques that can be used to achieve both targeted improvement and better overall system performance. It covers topics including: enhancing performance by removing unneeded items; making smart tradeoffs; removing unneeded registry entries; and, using command-line utilities.

Once you've helped your system live up to its potential, help yourself by turning to "Microsoft Windows XP Power Productivity", also from Sybex. You'll find expert instruction on harnessing native Windows functionality and third-party utilities to work faster and smarter.

Contents at a Glance.
Introduction.
Chapter 1: Cleaning for the Novice.
Chapter 2: A Gentle Introduction to Windows Washing.
Chapter 3: Cleaning the Hard Drive.
Chapter 4: Performance Tuning Applications.
Chapter 5: Saving Data for Later.
Chapter 6: Detecting Registry Leftovers.
Chapter 7: Memory Hogs and Other Vicious Beasts.
Chapter 8: Keeping Your Windows Clean.
Chapter 9: Controlling the User.
Chapter 10: Guarding against Outside Dirt: Keeping Adware, Spyware, and Nuisances at Bay.
Chapter 11: Automating Cleanup Tasks.
Chapter 12: When You Make a Mistake.
Appendix A: Additional Cleaning Tools.
Appendix B: 52 Quick Tips for Cleaning Windows.
Glossary.
Index.