How to get your computer back in shape

If your computer is slow and cluttered with programs you never use, you can get your computer back in shape by doing a fresh install of Windows. This first thing you want to do is back up your data files (pictures, word documents, music, etc). Before you actually do the back up, I recommend installing AVG anti virus and running a virus scan to make sure you're not copying a virus.

After you back up all data files, it's time to reformat the drive. Reformatting the drive removes, deletes, and destroys any and all files on the drive. The reason you want to reformat is because your system may have spyware and or a virus, and the only sure way to remove spyware and any viruses is to totally wipe the drive clean by reformatting. I use a program called Darik's Boot and Nuke to wipe my hard drive. I also found a program called Ultimate Boot CD which appears to include Darik's Boot and Nuke plus other utilities.

After you reformatted the hard drive, then you simply put your W indows XP disc in the CD ROM drive, it will ask you a few questions, then start installing. AS SOON AS THE INSTALL IS COMPLETE YOU MUST TELL WINDOWS TO CHECK FOR NEW UPDATES. More than likely, the Windows XP disc you have does not contain the many updates Microsoft released to patch security holes (i.e. Service Pack 2). After installing updates, you'll have to reboot your machine, and then tell windows to check for updates again. I recommend you continue to check for updates until Windows says there are no more updates (sometimes you have to check for updates 3-4 times before you get them all).

After you have all updates installed, the next step is to install an anti virus, I recommend AVG. Personally, I don't install a firewall because Windows XP has a built-in firewall, and I am behind a router - which is a firewall. At this point if you want to install any anti spyware program, now is the time to do so.

The final step is to copy your data files back to your desktop, and install any programs you use (i.e. MS Word, Excel, etc). Here are some of my favorite programs:

Web browser - Fire Fox
E-mail - Thunderbird
PDF viewer - Foxit
Office Package (Word processor, Spread sheet, etc) - Open Office