What are you doing these holidays? Perhaps if you do not have any plans these holidays, its time to oil your squeaky windows (and by windows I mean your OS). Windows installation does get sluggish by time. Windows file system is such that it needs a defragment after a certain use. But more than blaming the file system, we collect a lot of junk in our normal usage. So, here’s a check list to make your windows installation as fast as a fresh install.

1. Organize files and folders

Download! trash! Download! trash! Ya, my default download folder is named as trash and it stays in the corner of my desktop. Just before writing this post it had about 300 items and it took a long time to open it and longer still to scroll through it.

Organize your folder and files and name it wisely. Like put you music files in and folder in appropriate folder named Audio or Music.

2. Delete files you don’t need anymore

Nothing to explain here. Just go and press the delete button but be careful do not be in a hurry, you might loose some important documents.

3.Specify how folders open

Use Filmstrip for folders containing few photos or videos. On the other hand use Thumbnail for large number of photos and videos. Similarly, icons for documents,etc. Use these to benefit you as want them.

4. Update Windows

Usually, I keep Automatic Updates off for bandwidth purposes. But, its time to update Windows.

5. Remove programs you don’t need anymore

You can use Windows default Add or Remove Programs feature (or Uninstall Programs in Vista) to remove programs you don’t need anymore. But even better use Revo Uninstaller. Why use Revo Uninstaller instead? Because not only does it just uninstall a program—it also removes all traces of the program from your system where the basic uninstaller may not. Revo also boasts a Hunter Mode for uninstalling apps by dragging a cross-hair onto the app you want to uninstall, whether it’s the app’s system tray icon or just a shortcut. It even helps manage your startup applications.

6. Defragment your hard disk drive

Defragmentation improves your computer’s performance by reorganizing your files. Again you can use the default Defragment tool available in Windows or use Auslogics Disk Defrag or JkDefrag instead. Auslogics Disk Defrag is a fast and effective disk defragmenter intended to replace the Windows default. It’s quick and easy to use, and Auslogics DD provides a nicely formatted report of the latest defrag, including a motivating “Defragmentation has increased this computer performance by X%” message. JkDefrag is an open-source disk defragmenting tool. Unlike Auslogics DD, JkDefrag boasts command line support to allow you to set up your disk defrags on a schedule. Perhaps even better, JkDefrag has an installable screensaver that will automatically start defragging your hard drive whenever the screensaver is launched—it even displays the defrag process.

7. Run the Disk Cleanup tool

Another way to find wasted disk space is to use the Disk Cleanup tool. Yes, I now Disk Cleanup utility is pretty lame. If you feel the same skip to next in the list.

8. CCleaner

CCleaner or Crap Cleaner does every bit as its name suggests. Running CCleaner on your system promises to free up space, keep your computer running smoothly, and protect your privacy. It’s also very fast and very easy to use.

9. Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware

AVG Free does a very good job as a Anti-Virus cum Anti-Spyware. And its FREE. You might be running any antivirus but make sure to run a Full System Scan.

10. Backup data on CD/DVD

Backup your data on CD/DVD. Again you can use the default program in Windows or use Ashampoo Burning Studio Free. Free application Ashampoo Burning Studio Free is yet-another CD and DVD burning utility. Ashampoo handles virtually any burning need, from music CDs and video DVDs (Blu-ray support included) to data discs. It also supports burning compressed and encrypted backup discs. Granted, there are already plenty of burning utilities already available, but for anyone who remembers how difficult it used to be to find a free app to handle this sort of thing (i.e., not Roxio), the more options the merrier.

ImgBurn is highly recommended for burning ISO.

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