Even with the introduction of the more recent versions of Microsoft Windows such as Windows Vista and the upcoming Windows 7, many PC users still prefer to stick to their Windows XP mainly because of its ease of usage. 

However, as many users may have noticed, Windows XP can make your computer perform slowly or automatically load your computer with unnecessary updates.  Here are some easy-to-do tips you can do to optimize your computer usage.

How to speed up the Start Menu

Clicking on Start may take several seconds, especially if your computer is loaded with programs.  To make it appear faster, click Start and then go to Run.  Type "regedit" to open the Registry Key Editor, then navigate to the following key:  HKEY_CURRENT_USER / Control Panel / Desktop / MenuShowDelay. 

Change the number into anything lower than 400 such as 1 or 0.  If that does not work, click on an empty section of your desktop and click Properties.  Then, click the Appearance tag followed by the Advanced button.  Turn off the option titled "Show Menu Shadow" and click OK followed by Apply.

How to stop Windows XP from updating automatically

Windows XP has a default operation that routinely scans for and automatically downloads updates to your computer.  Although it may seem convenient at first, users with slower Internet connections or even slower performing computers view this operation as more of a nuisance. 

To control or even disable Windows XP's automatic updating, click Start, then go to Control Panel.  Click the System icon and choose the Automatic Updating tab.  You can either choose between choosing on which updates to download, or you can update your computer manually (which means turning off the automatic updater).  If you want to check for updates, open your Internet Explorer and click Tools on the menu, then select Windows Update.

How to increase your broadband connection

For some reason, Windows XP tends to perform slower while online compared to other operating systems even on broadband connection.  To resolve this, make sure you are logged in as Administrator, then click Start and Run.  At the prompt window, type "gpedit.msc".  Navigate through the window as so:  Local Computer Policy / Administrative Templates / Network Branch. 

Then, highlight the "QoS Packet Scheduler" on the left window.  Meanwhile, click the "limit reservable bandwidth option on the right window, then check the "Enabled" item on the Settings tab.  Change "Bandwidth Limit %" to "0" (zero) and click OK.  Note that this tip may also work on dial-up connections.