[dumbcluck]

..it does really make a huge difference. I have a Desktop which I built myself with Windows XP installed. I purchased the Win OS so that I'll be able to "clean up" the cobwebs so to speak and re-install the XP OS.
In fact I have just done this. I have not done it for approx 4 years and it was well overdue. I clean the HD periodically and Defrag but this "clean up" is the best. It's comparatively a huge job as when you format the HD you delete everything on the PC including installed programs (incl anti virus programs), viruses and modem drivers which you'd have to re-install later. So what I did to save me placing disk after disk in the CDROM to install deleted programs I "burnt" all the programs on a DVD size disk. So all I have to do is place one disk in the CDROM and just install program after program from it.You can actually see the PC running smoother after the re-installation. You see although you may have anti virus programs on your PC they are not a guaranteed 100% protection so you are liable to pick up a virus here and there and the only way...the only way to rid of them is formatting.

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[JJ]

I'd recommend moving up to Windows 7 if you have a decent specced PC. It's much faster in just about every way.

Also, for the love of god, avoid using McAfee AntiVirus, it's a slow piece of crap. I used to work as an IT technician, and more than half the customers I saw had issues with how slow it made their computer. Try AVG Antivirus (there's a free version at http://free.grisoft.com)

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[Senexx]

In order of free recommendations

Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE)
Avira Antivir Personal (www.free-av.com)
Avast
AVG

And of course Malware Bytes AntiMalware (MBAM) & SuperAntiSpyware (SAS) as antimalware

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[dumbcluck]

Thank you for that info. I am always asking questions that is how you learn I guess.
I find that computers are like homes....you keep them clean and uncluttered and they work well for you. As I said I built my own desktop PC and I have only a 38 GB hard drive but...I keep it well cleaned (uninstall unused programs) and defrag constantly and thus keep it well "trimmed" and even though I am on dial up the PC runs "smooth as silk"..not as fast as broadband but fast enough

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[dumbcluck]

Thank you for that info. I am always asking questions that is how you learn I guess.
I find that computers are like homes....you keep them clean and uncluttered and they work well for you. As I said I built my own desktop PC and I have only a 38 GB hard drive but...I keep it well cleaned (uninstall unused programs) and defrag constantly and thus keep it well "trimmed" and even though I am on dial up the PC runs "smooth as silk"..not as fast as broadband but fast enough

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