If you're experiencing problems like long waits while your computer boots up, or long waits in calling up web pages, it may be because you need to clear your temp files folder and memory cache more often. Getting into the habit of performing this simple task after you install a program or when you go online, if you don't already have your browser set to do so, can save you lots of waiting time. Your system can get bogged down with unnecessary files. The first and most important thing to do - clear your temp files folder. This can be found in your Windows directory. Click on the folder that says "Temp," and you will more than likely see files that you could never possibly identify. By deleting these files, you will be freeing up an unbelievable amount of space. Anytime you install a new program, files that are used to initiate the installation of the program, temp files, go into this folder for later removal by you, the human being in this scenario. You'll be amazed how much it can speed up your system. Also, don't forget to dump your recycle bin. Now for clearing your cache. If you use Netscape Communicator, go to edit, then preferences. Click on Navigator, then at the bottm of that page, click clear history. If you use Netscape Gold, go to Options, then Network Preferences. Click the Cache tab, then click the "Clear Memory Cache Now" button, and all the old files which are stored there are cleared. This allows the newer versions to come up more quickly, thus speeding up downloads. To clear these files off of your hard drive, click "Clear Disk Cache Now." The default setting for the memory cache should be set at 600, with the disk cache set at 5000, for maximum performance. If you use Internet Explorer, there are also a couple of folders on your hard drive it's a good idea to keep cleared out. Both are in the Windows folder. The first is the "history" folder, the second is "temporary internet files." Both of these folders store files from from the pages you've gone into online. This storage function is performed automatically. In IE, click View, then Internet Options. At the bottom of the box, click "clear history", and also go to Temporary Internet files and delete files. If you use AOL Internet Explorer, click Pref, then Navigation. At the bottom of the box, click "clear history." If you want to change the settings for the temporary internet files function, go back into options in IE or properties in AOL/IE. Click Advanced, then under Temporary Internet files, click Settings. There, you can empty the folder or change the amount of drive space these files are allowed to occupy. If your entire system seems sluggish, you might need to defrag. This is another task that should be done on a fairly regular basis. It clears out all the leftover junk, to keep things running smoothly. Related stories: Browsers Clearer Pictures Digital Cameras Faster Computer Speeds Future PCs Java Enabling Your Browser Screen Area Settings Upgrading Memory Home | Overview | About Us | Ads | Art | Businesses | Carrboro and Area Stuff | Carrboro Map | Computer Stuff | Downtown Carrboro Map | Events | Prices | Restaurants | UniqueOrn Enterprises