I for one do not recommend such software.  It is my experience that these programs are more fluff than substance.  Just my two cents, I hope others check in on this topic. Removing unnecessary startup programs from loading and running and having at least 1 GB of memory will help in top performance. A defrag once in a blue moon may offer some small benefit too.

I agree.

 

Also, do not be tempted to run "free" online optimising scans that promise to find problems slowing down your PC. Invariably they will find a lot- that only buying the software will fix.

 

One legitimate online scanner that is worth trying is at PC Pitstop: http://www.pcpitstop.com/pcpitstop/default.asp

Run the "Full Tests" (under "Test My PC" ). It will analyse and benchmark your PC, and make suggestions for tweaks that you can do yourself.

 

Do not, however, try the "Free Performance/Optimize 1.5" scan promoted at that site. It will find a lot, in order to goad you into buying their commercial software.

RAM is your best optimizer.