This tip is for tweakers and power users who are looking to take complete control over their Windows installation. If this sounds like you then take a look at XP Smoker (also available for Vista users).
XP Smoker allows you to change various settings in the Windows Registry. These settings can improve the performance for your computer drastically. You can also stop and disable useless services in Windows XP. And in the end, you will reduce subsystem bottlenecks, increase application and boot speeds, and ultimately increase the stability of your system.
While their description sounds like many optimization utilities out there, this tool combines everything into one (performance, UI, functionality, etc). Additionally, XP Smoker offers an ‘Internet Optimizer’ (not sure exactly what that means though) that claims to increase your browsing speed up to 100% regardless of your connection speed.
The only drawback to this application, is it is not free. There is a 7 day/50 use trial period to see if you like the program, but after that you have to purchase the program to continue use. If you don’t like having to dig in the registry yourself, this tool might be for you.
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I haven’t tried the XP/Vista version but I did have it on a Win 98 PC and I was very suprised when it knocked spots off all the other so-called “optimisers” (and I tried most of them at that time!). It really did what it said it would. Quite noticeable speed gains. Hopefully, the later version lives up to its older brother’s reputation.