Everyone has heard about computer viruses and how they can corrupt files and, at the very least, slow down system performance. But did you know that even un-infected computers don't perform to their true potential? Most brand name computers are hindered by unnecessary pre-installed software that leeches system resources. Since operating systems usually have a generic configuration not tailored to your specific usage, chances are many settings can be optimized or turned off completely to reduce loading times and speed up everyday computing.

Below is our recommended 15-point PC tune-up checklist of the procedures we recommend for optimizing your computer. These procedures are geared toward improving Windows XP, but can be modified to suit most versions of Microsoft operating systems from Windows 95 to Windows Vista.

1) Clean Case Interior
Dust particles build up over time inside a computer case. Small particles in the dust can short out system components or even start a fire. We recommend cleaning out your computer case at least every year to avoid such hazards.

2) Run Anti-virus program
We run the latest version of several free anti-virus programs. These programs will clean most virus problems, but if it's a tough one, we have several more robust virus programs to track down and destroy the bug.

3) Run Spyware cleaner
Have you ever seen pop-up boxes on your desktop that try to sell something or entice you to click? Most likely that's a result of spyware running on your computer. In worse cases, you might not even see the spyware at all because it stealthily wants to open your computer up to attacks or steal your personal information. We can track down all the latest spyware tactics and delete them forever.

4) Run Registry cleaner
When your hardware or software settings change over time, your system registry includes out-dated entries, like a library catalog that list books that are no longer in circulation. An inaccurate registry can create conflicts between crucial components, slowing down the computer or making some things not work at all. We clean out unnecessary items from the registry and make sure all components are running optimally.

5) Disable Remote Assistance
Do you ever allow someone to access your computer from a remote location? Probably not. The idea was that it could allow a technician to remotely troubleshoot a customer's computer. Unfortunately, it opens your computer up to spyware and virus attacks. We will reconfigure your computer to disable that function.

6) Install Microsoft high-priority updates
Microsoft has to constantly push out more updates to its system to keep it running smoothly and protect it from new threats. We will make sure you are receiving the most recent Windows security updates so you don't fall behind the curve.

7) Optimize swap file size
Your computer uses its memory (RAM) to quickly access programs and files. When the RAM is full, your computer uses a swap file portion of the hard drive to store more data. When the swap file portion size is not set to the correct size, your computer could crash. We will set your swap file to the appropriate size based on your hardware configuration to optimize performance.

8) Optimize recovery file size
The default recovery file size is set to your original factory conditions, which is more suited to older computers with smaller hard drives. Your computer may have a much larger hard drive and would not need such a large percentage of its storage dedicated to recovery. We will check that your recovery file size is sufficient for your quantity of data and set it smaller if needed.

9) Optimize Visual Effects for performance
Older computers struggle with some of the newer graphics of modern programs like shadows behind menus and animations. For newer computers, the visual effects can usually all be turned on. For older computers, we will turn some of the effects off if we decide that they may slow down your performance.

10) Remove Internet Explorer temporary files
Internet Explorer is set to retain 20 day worth of browsing history, file cache, and temporary files that you downloaded from the internet. Depending on your internet usage, these files can quickly add up, slowing down web page load times. Some of the IE temporary files could also potentially host viruses. You don't need the temporary files anymore after they're used the first time, so we'll delete them.

11) Remove unnecessary startup items
Most installed programs like to make themselves start faster by creating an entry into your startup menu. When you turn on your computer, all those little startup programs are also loaded, which slows down the time it takes your Windows desktop to appear. Most likely, you don't use all of these programs very often or at all, so its not worth the performance hit to let them quick-start with Windows. We'll remove the unnecessary startup items and leave the most crucial ones.

12) Remove file system temporary files
Windows file system temporary files are like Internet Explorer's temporary files. They are old files used once and no longer needed. We need to remove them for the same reason - they slow down performance and may contain viruses. Once removed, your hard disk utilization will improve and fragmentation (see step 14) will decrease.

13) Disk error check
A common source of slow computer performance is a hard drive disk error. Sometimes, sectors of the physical hard drive can become damaged or contain corrupted data. We run a disk error check and fix sectors that can be repaired. If the hard drive is potentially going to fail because of excessive errors, we will recommend a replacement drive.

14) De-fragment Disk Drives
When you use your computer for anything, data is being constantly written to the hard drive, moved to other sectors of the drive, or deleted. Over time, files become fragmented across the entire hard drive. When you try to access fragmented files, the response time is slow because your operating system is searching all over the hard drive for little bits of data to reconstruct the files. We will run a defragmentation program that will pull many of the fragmented files closer together on the hard drive and allow them to be accessed much more quickly.

15) Hardware Upgrade Recommendations
The final touch to getting your computer running at its true potential is to make sure it has the hardware it needs. During our tune-up, we will get an idea of what additional components you may need for a better experience. The most common upgrade recommendation will be more memory (RAM). Older computers came pre-installed with 256mb or 512mb of RAM. Current computing situations can struggle by with that amount, but would really come to life with at least 1gb (1024mb) of RAM. If your computer is hobbled by lack of hardware, we can find the right part for you and install it for a small cost.