74. Increase desktop graphic performance

If you have an older computer and are unhappy with the sluggishness of the new XP interface, or if you simply want XP to be as zippy as possible, you can increase the responsiveness of the desktop by disabling some of the graphical 'frills' that are packaged with the default XP settings.

To do this, right click on 'my computer' and select 'properties.'

Choose the 'advanced' tab and under the 'performance' heading, hit 'settings.'

From here you can adjust the graphical settings of the XP interface. Choose 'adjust for best performance' to turn all the non-essential features off, or you can cherry-pick from the window below.

75. Make 'my computer' open faster

The Windows XP operating system automatically searches for attached and network printers and remote drives and folders each time you open 'my computer.' This can cause a considerable delay before you can actually see the icons.

If you find yourself using 'my computer' often and gritting your teeth at the delay, there is an easy way to speed things up.

Open 'My Computer.' Go to 'Tools\Folder Options...'Select the view tab and uncheck the 'Automatically search for network folders and printers' box. Click OK.

'My computer' will now open much faster.

76. Remove the need to enter a password to login to XP (be careful!)

If you are exasperated by the welcome screen and the need to enter a password for your user account, you can disable this fairly easily, but be careful. If your computer is connected directly to the Internet by a cable or DSL modem, do not do this. It's just not worth the risk.

In fact if you are at all concerned about the privacy of your data, keep a strong password enabled for your XP user account. If you are sure you want the password gone, and the welcome screen with it, here's what to do:

To get rid of the welcome screen, you need to have only a single main user account and have the Guest account deactivated.

Go to 'start\run' and type 'control userpasswords2'

Remove any other user accounts that appear on the welcome screen by highlighting them and using the 'remove' button.

Now go to 'start\control panel\user accounts' and select your user account.

Choose 'remove password' and enter your password to strip it from your account. Note the warning.

Windows XP should now boot straight up without the welcome screen or a password prompt.

77. Sort out spam

Wading through acres of spam in order to retrieve the few valid emails from your inbox each day can really slow things down. It would be ideal if you could automatically sort out all the junk so you could quickly read your email.

The good news is, with a couple of quick adjustments to Outlook Express or your mail client of choice, and a freeware program called POPFile, you can!

See PCstats Guide right here for details on this procedure. You'll be glad you did.