• Speed up your Windows XP with these practical tips.e-mail account image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
  
  The Windows XP operating system may not be standard on computers any more, but if you are still using it, it can be frustrating when newer programs run slower on the operating system. However, there are some practical ways you can speed up your Windows XP to help this aging platform keep up with modern software.
  
  

Update the Software

• Windows XP, like other Windows platforms, is subject to periodic updates that enhance performance and fix bugs that can cause errors. The last update for Windows XP is known as Service Pack 3. To see if you have this update, go to the "Control Panel" in the "Start" menu and select the "Automatic Updates" icon. When the new window pops up, make sure the "Automatic" option is enabled, and then press "OK." If an update is available, it will begin downloading automatically.
  
  

Disable Indexing

• The Windows XP operating system automatically indexes files and programs so that they are easily searchable. However, if you do not use the search function very often, you can disable this function to eliminate this unnecessary process. To disable indexing, open the "Control Panel" and then go to "Add/Remove Programs." Select "Add/Remove Components" from the sidebar and then uncheck the "Indexing" option.
  
  

Reduce Recycle Bin Memory Reserve

• Although it is easy to think of the Recycle Bin as just a void where unnecessary files go to die, it can actually be quite a drag on Windows XP's resources. By default, Windows XP reserves 10 percent of your hard drive just for Recycle Bin content. This is a lot of space, and can slow down your computer. To reduce the Recycle Bin's memory reserves, select the Recycle Bin icon and then right-click. Then select "Properties" from the sub-menu and slide the drive space slider down to between 3 percent and 5 percent.