Make your Windows XP run at full speed.

Although we at Download.com have many computers installed with Windows Vista for testing or other purposes, my workstation has remained on the XP system. Perhaps it's because I'm accustomed to how Windows XP operates and am too lazy to reinstall various software, or maybe it's to avoid the troubles that might come with software incompatibility. I'm not saying there are any issues with Vista's software compatibility, and I will eventually transition to Vista, but now is not the time.

Currently, I am quite satisfied with XP, and it is also the platform with the richest variety of software. However, I still frequently look for system optimization tools on CNET Downloads that can make my XP run faster. The software I choose includes organizing existing software, cleaning up system junk files, as well as optimizing system settings and performance.

There are currently a large number of software options online aimed at optimizing XP system performance. Below, I will discuss the system optimization software I commonly use, and all of these software options are free.

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