Getting to know your Windows system.

Tools to hep with routine tasks and maintenance of your PC operating system.

Perhaps it shouldn't need saying but I'll say it anyway: PC's are radically different to the switch-on-and-leave home electronics such as TV's and even DVD recorders. The very reason that websites such as this and a multitude of others (plus books, magazines and commercial services) exist is because computers are complicated things. They need to be understood (to a certain extent) and maintained. The closest equivalent I can think of is the family car except that few computer "mechanics" will charge you a week's salary to replace a bit of broken plastic.

Computer enthusiasts will have a whole library of software tools and applications just for ensuring that the PC runs at optimum performance levels. The Windows operating system itself includes some of these utilities at installation. They are not always easy to find and they are not always easy to use. I'll try to help. I'll point you to some useful stuff, most of which is freely available - either included already with your Windows system or downloadable from the internet.

Index of Articles in this Category

The index below will be updated as and when new articles are added.

• Working with Windows: A digest of the tools available for working with and understanding the Windows operating system.