Windows XP tweaks will help your operating system fit your needs. When you first get your computer, it has factory direct settings and drivers, that normalize the performance and appearance of a particular brand or model.

Make DMA your Choice

Direct memory access (DMA) is a technique that transfers data from the main memory to a certain device without ever passing through the CPU. Computers that have DMA channels can transfer data to and from devices much more quickly than computers without a DMA channel. This is useful for making quick backups and for real-time applications.

Here is what you do to make sure you have DMA enabled. Go to the control panel by clicking "Start" on your toolbar, and then go to the control panel either on the right or in the settings folder. Once the control panel is open, click on "System" and a new window will pop-up. Then click on the "Hardware" tab, and go down a little and clock on "Device Manager".

Then just take look at the properties of your Primary IDE Channel, by clicking on "Primary IDE Channel". Once that window is open, click on the "Advanced Settings" tab, and make sure that DMA (if available) is checked for both devices. Do the same thing with the "Secondary IDE Channel" too. The most important of Windows XP tweaks.

Clean Out System Tray

If your computer is new, watch for a gradual slowdown of your computer. When it does start to slowdown, you should use this helpful tip.

Delete every unnecessary program/application that you no longer are using or need. These applications drain your CPU and RAM, which means that your PC will gradually slowdown if you do nothing.

Keep your Drivers Updated

Easy and fast, yet most PC users never bother. Keeping on top of video card and chipset drivers by visiting the manufacturer's site frequently can deliver amazing performance benefits.

We recommend a once-a-month checkup of drivers. You'll be happy you did this Windows XP tweak.

Convert Your Drives To NTFS

If you want to get the most from your drives, you may want to convert them to NTFS. Here's how: Open a command line and type:

Convert x: /fs:ntfs

.Except you will replace the "x" with your drive's letter-name. NOTE: Back up your important files before attempting this conversion.

Defragmenting

This is the easiest of all Windows XP tweaks, and a must for busy PC users. Here's how to do it. Regular defragmentation can improve your machine's hard drive performance by massive amounts. To begin defragging, right-click your hard drive in My Computer, select Properties, go to the Tools tab, then click defrag. Do this religiously every month or so and you'll enjoy smooth sailing.

Use Quick Launch

Common problem, a simple solution. Instead of cluttering your Desktop with shortcuts, just right-click the Taskbar, go to Toolbars, and make sure Quick Launch is checked. Then drag your favorite shortcuts to the Quick Launch bar for easy access, anytime.

Speed Up Your User Interface

Today's PCs often come to you with many graphical bells and whistles, and while they're cute, they rob your system of fundamental power. Faster is better.

Here's our recommendation: Go to the Display control panel, click the Appearance tab and hit the Effects button. Uncheck the first two options, as well as "Show shadows under menus." Use minimal graphics and go faster.

Visit windowsupdate.com Regularly

This is a big Windows XP tweak. Also very fast and simple. The "patches" that are made available on a weekly basis not only provide protection for your PC, they are also designed to improve performance. We recommend at least twice per month that you visit windowsupdate.com

Create One-Click Access To Device Manager

To open Device Manager in Windows XP without the hassle of going to System Properties, just create a shortcut to "devmgmt.msc"

On-Screen Keyboard

Another one of the great Windows XP tweaks revealed. You may need it if you can't get to your keyboard. Here's how: Open My Computer and browse to C:/Windows/System32 then double-click osk.exe. The keyboard operates with simple point-and-click commands.