Having a computer that has no “kinks” is a great asset. It saves us time, money, and frustration. There are many ways to optimize your computer to avoid the aggravation of one that causes problems and tries your patience. Are you having problems with Windows 7? Let’s explore some of the ways to optimize Windows 7 and keep the frustration with your computer at bay.

1. Control Startup Programs in Win 7

Let’s first start with a “How to” on managing startups for Windows 7. Some programs are designed to start automatically when Windows 7 starts. Software manufacturers set their programs to open in the background, where you can't see them running, so they'll open right away when you click their icons. That's helpful for programs you use a lot, but for programs you rarely or never use; this wastes the memory and slows down the time it takes Windows 7 to start up. Here are some steps you can take in eliminating these unused programs, and increase the startup speed of Windows 7:

• Decide for yourself if you want a program to run at startup. How can you tell what programs run automatically at startup? Sometimes this is clear, because the program adds an icon to the notification area on the taskbar, where you can see it running. Look here to see if there are any programs running that you don’t want to start automatically. Point to each icon to see the program name. In order for you not to miss any programs that are running, be sure to click the show hidden icons button.

• After you check the notification area on the taskbar, you might still miss some programs that are running automatically at startup. AutoRuns for Windows 7, an application that you can download from the Microsoft website at no cost, shows you all of the programs that run when you start Windows 7. You can stop a program from running automatically when Windows 7 starts by opening the AutoRuns for Windows program, then by clearing the check box next to the name of the program you want to stop.

• Some people prefer to manage which programs run at startup using the System Configuration tool. For more information, see Start System Configuration.

This is the biggest concern you’ll have with slow startups in Windows 7. By following these simple instructions, you’ll be able to speed up the start time for the Windows 7 operating system.

2. Uninstall Unused Applications

There are other ways to optimize Windows 7. Let’s list some of the problems, and how to eliminate them. Computer manufacturers include new PCs with programs you didn't order and probably don’t want and will never use. These often include trial editions of programs that software companies hope you'll try, find useful, and then pay to upgrade to the full version. If you decide you don't want them, keeping the software on your computer will most certainly slow down your PC by using precious memory, disk space, and processing power.

It's a good idea to uninstall all the programs you don't plan to use. This should include both manufacturer-installed software and software you installed yourself but don't want any more.

• Open Programs and Features by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Programs, and then clicking Programs and Features.

• Select a program, and then click Uninstall. Some programs include the option to change or repair the program in addition to uninstalling it, but many only offer the option to uninstall. To change a program, click Change or Repair.

• If the program you want to uninstall isn't listed, it might not have been written for Windows 7. To uninstall the program, check the information that came with the program.

• To learn more about turning off programs and features that are included with Windows 7, see Turn Windows 7 features on or off.

3. Learn to us Windows 7 Features to their Fullest

Windows 7 has a wealth unique operating system features, including the Snap feature. Let’s talk a little about the Windows 7 Snap feature and some of the others. Here are some great new features for Windows 7:

• Snap is a way to resize open windows.  You can do this by simply dragging them to the edges of the screen. Depending on where you drag it, you can make it expand vertically, appear side-by-side with other windows or take up the entire screen.

• Get Access your Things with Active Search –  use Windows 7 Pin and Jump Lists to keep the programs and files you access close at hand.

• Create and share movies – create movies and slideshows and share them online.

• Keep your PC protected without interruptions — suffer fewer system messages and User Account Control alerts without sacrificing security.

• Get Better compatibility— Windows 7 works with a larger number of software and devices automatically.

• Touch and tap—greater interactivity with touch-screen PCs and notepad PCs

• Share files and devices between multiple PCs— share files, music, photos, and even printers across the Windows 7 "Homegroup" networking.

• Support more media—control photos and videos on your home PC with remote streaming.

• Entertainment—Watch TV shows and manage media with Windows 7 Home Media Platform

• Manage devices easily—manage printers, music players, cameras and other devices with fewer driver errors and device errors.

As you can see, there are many ways to optimize and utilize the many features of Windows 7. By removing the unwanted files from your operating system, you’ll enhance the startup speed of your PC. Getting rid of those cluttering software programs that you never use will make your PC perform in a way that you’ll get all of the enjoyment out of the list of great features of the Windows 7 operating system.