THE PARISH OF WOOD GREEN
Vista x64 help page

 

Before doing anything :
make sure your system is running all the right kit! This is important - as x64 will start up so much quicker if you are.
So - no EIDE drives - just get SATA's
Get plenty of RAM - Vista loves it, and then you need some for your other s/w - so at least 4GB

 

 

if you are not used to REGEDIT - don't be afraid to start digging into it - however, its always a good idea to set a RESTORE POINT before doing anything at all to your system.
This information can help to get your pc working a bit faster if you follow the instructions carefully.
* * * please remember : you make alterations to your system's settings entirely at your own risk * * *

programmes
1. as with Win XP :  to make sure that your operating system, and therefore your whole pc, runs smoothly and well with XP, DEFRAGMENT your hard drive/s regularly. Either with the on-board defragmenter start : all programs : accessories : system tools or any other you have bought.
Use disk cleanup regularly too (in accessories as above).

2. Make sure you're running ANTI-VIRUS  SOFTWARE : AVG from www.Grisoft.com.
NEVER open any new software or floppy disk on your pc without scanning it
Run your anti-virus software regularly - keep your machine as clean as possible. Remember also to update the software regularly. AVG now has the ability to stop unknown exe's from hanging around on your hard drives . .

3. Make sure that all the drivers for the hardware on your pc are up to date - check with websites for upgrades etc.
This is very important, as Vista relies on drivers that are written especially for it.

4. Remember to EXIT PROGRAMMES that're running in the background before installing any new software - especially anti-virus software.

Install any new software using the manufacturers instructions (usually on-screen). Re-Boot you system after install (Re-Boot twice is quite often a good idea, to make sure that new prog. you've installed becomes part of your system) 

5. check for critical software updates regularly from www.microsoft.com - security issues are sometimes identified and new software made freely available to download and install : you may simply wish to leave the update d/l and config to be done automatically . . .

If you do choose to update, be careful to set a RESTORE POINT before installing ANY software - just in case things go wrong, and you need to return your system to a point before the new installation.

To set a RESTORE POINT right click on Computer . Properties . System Protection . Create

If things go wrong with an installation, uninstall the new software first at the same place as the above  Computer . Properties . System Restore and chose the restore point you set

6. Its a good idea to install a FIREWALL to give added protection to your PC.
A Router will probably have its own installed, but then - why not sit behind two or more? . . . take your pick from a number of available options

COMODO is really good - and free!

7. Trojans etc. ?
get AVAST cleaner - again, its FREE!

If you run an anti-virus programme to rid yourself of them, beware - as they often lurk around in places which don't get cleaned out by this method e.g. your PREFETCH file LOOK HERE FOR DETAIL

 

windows startup - is it slow?   prefetch help

Here's what to do: 1. To clean out the PREFETCH FILE
MY COMPUTER / C:WINDOWS / PREFETCH     Delete everything EXCEPT the LAYOUT.INI file.

 

The SIDEBAR - WIDGETS to enjoy

Clock - a nicer clock for you to use . . CLICK HERE  unzip and double-click the VistaOrb Icon to install
Recycle Bin - another nicer addition for you desktop . . CLICK HERE to download . . double-click to install
ShutDown - great little widget . . CLICK HERE to download . . double-click to install

London Tube Map - a handy little widget - CLICK HERE to download . . double-click to install
Metro News - CLICK HERE to download . . double-click to install
CountDown - CLICK HERE to download . . double-click to install

 

Great FREE programmes (simply GOOGLE for them):
Oo OpenOffice3  is a great FREE word processing suite
Firefox3 is the best browser . . . and there's an e-mail package too - Thunderbird
AVG antivirus
Comodo firewall

 

[Disclaimer: Modifying the System/Registry can easily cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. We cannot guarantee that problems resulting from modifications to the Registry can be solved.          Use the information provided at your own risk]