XP performance tools

In Windows 2000 and XP, you can right-click My Computer and select Manage to see a great selection of these tools.

The Computer Management window brings together many Microsoft Management Console snap-in controls that would otherwise have to be launched individually. (These Microsoft controls can be recognized in the Windows System32 folder by their .msc extension.)

Alternatively, you can open the Computer Management window by clicking Start, All Programs, Administrative Tools, Computer Management.

If you don't see the Administrative Tools option on your Start menu, Right-click the Start button and choose Properties. Click Customize.

If you're using the Classic Start menu, check Display Administrative Tools in the list at the bottom and click OK.

Although the items on the Administrative Tools menu are about system maintenance and configuration, a few of them (like Services and Performance) can also be useful for tweaking system efficiency.