Posted by Jim 2.0 | tagged: PC, computer, Jesserer, Kaczor

You've tried to keep your computer running lean and mean by following #6, 7 and 8 in my 10 Computer Tips Every Newbie Should Know. But is your PC still just plodding along when you have more than one program running?

One thing you might not have realized is that besides just the programs you opened, your computer is likely to be running a whole mess of other programs, tasks and utilities on its own. Some of these programs are necessary for your computer to function properly, and should not be messed with. Others might be useless, memory-hogging junk that could be deleted for better performance, using your Windows Task Manager.

Unfortunately, computer files are usually given cryptic names like "drgtodsc.exe" not "HEY, YOU DON'T REALLY NEED THIS." So how can you tell what to delete and what to keep?

Fortunately Kevin Purdy of Lifehacker.com has written an excellent step-by-step article on how to do just that, complete with links to software that will help you decipher what's what, prioritize your programs and kill the bad ones before they crash your whole system.

Just be advised: I'd say it probably takes at least an intermediate level of computer skills to follow Kevin's directions, so if you get flustered by things like email attachments, you may want to have a tech-savvy friend walk you through the process before you go on a delete-spree.

Happy streamlining!