Do you remember how fast your computer was when you first took it out of the box and had it up and running? Now, each day, does it appear to be a little slower? This may be because you haven't uninstalled all those programs and utilities that you no longer use. Most of these programs leave behind temporary files and registry entries that you don't need and don't want. Just like your car, your computer needs regular maintenance.

Plus, your computer operating system records every visit to every Web site, every document you open, and lots more. Even if you don't mind other people knowing what Web sites you visit, your Internet browser can save personal information about you, such as your name, address, and date of birth, passwords and credit cards numbers.

I believe there are 10 steps to computer happiness. The first two are covered in today's column. In subsequent columns we'll tell you how to check out your hard disk, clean out your cookies, remove spyware and get rid of those pesky programs that start up automatically every time you turn on your computer. By performing all these steps not only will your computer hard disk recover valuable space, but also your computer's speed and performance will be improved. Additionally, you can download the complete "Cleaning the Crud from your Computer" from our Web site at www.gcclc.org. Click on seminar then on the download link.

The first of the 10 steps is just a precaution before performing the other steps. I guarantee that if you perform all 10 steps, your computer will run significantly faster.

Step 1: Create a System Restore point. Any time you try something new or stick your neck out a little, it's great to have a safe harbor to go to. System Restore is like that. When you install new programs or make any significant changes to your computer, it's a good idea to create a System Restore point. It gives you a known starting point you can always return to.

Access the System Restore Wizard by clicking on Start, then All Programs, Accessories, System Tools and click on System Restore.

Click Create a Restore Point and then click Next.

In the Restore Point description box, type a name to identify this restore point. System Restore automatically adds to this name the date and time that this Restore Point is created.

To finish creating this Restore Point, click Create. Now you can always restore your computer to this earlier point in time.

Step 2: Remove unused and un-needed and forgotten programs. To tune up your computer's performance, you first need to remove all unnecessary programs. I install new programs all the time. Sometimes I'm thrilled with the new program and I continue to use it. Other times, it doesn't perform as I had hoped, and the program sits on my computer consuming resources.

Here's what you do to remove the unwanted program: Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

Next, click Add or Remove Programs. Scroll through the list and examine each program. When you click on a program name, Windows XP lists how often it's used and what day it was last used. As shown, Cool Edit 2000 is a good candidate for removal from my computer. You shouldn't remove anything labeled as an Update or Hotfix however, because they improve the security of your computer.

Click the program you no longer need, click the Remove button, and then follow the prompts to uninstall it.

You may have to restart your computer after removing a program. After your computer restarts, repeat the steps above to remove any remaining unnecessary programs.

In the next article we'll get rid of some of that junk that's been accumulating in your computer.

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Roger Thornburn is a volunteer with the Gold Country Computer Learning Center. For information about computer classes or the learning center go to www.gcclc.org or call 273-0497.