How to Get Rid of Spyware and Make Windows Run like a Dream

When I first got a computer I was 16. The hard-drive held 2GB and had like 16MB of RAM. I had the 28.8 dial-up modem. Don't all those numbers seem like a crazy faded memory? Well anyway, within a week I had a virus, a Trojan nonetheless, and I had to call Texas to get instructions on how to get rid of it. Back then spyware wasn't an issue so much as password-stealing Trojans or treacherous blue screens of death. I learned a lot of things about computers since then, and one of them is how to make Windows run like gold; the other is how to keep malicious sons of bitches out of hard-drive and off your files. {Note that I'm giving this tips based on Windows XP}.

1. Know what starts when Windows starts.

Go to START, then click RUN and type in "msconfig". This will bring up your Microsoft Configuration tools. Click the tab marked STARTUP. Look and see what's checked. Those are the programs that are starting when Windows starts. The default setting is for all of them to be selected, which is why when you get a new computer you should do that, first thing, because if you leave it on the default setting with everything starting when Windows starts, your computer will run a lot slower than necessary. Change it so that only what's ONLY necessary will start when Windows starts. Then click APPLY. You'll have to restart before the changes will take effect.

2. Disable the Messenger.

Windows XP comes with a Messenger, that, while I'm sure is meant to be ever so helpful, is nothing short from mind-numbingly obnoxious. It pops up at inopportune times and sends you messages you don't want nor care about. If that's something you desire, do nothing. If you want it gone do the following.