- Disable services you don’t need - see possible list of Services to disable
- Turn off visual effects - over 20 of them; if you want speed over looks
- Delete programs you never use
- Limit how many programs load at startup - made easy with Windows Defender
- Clean up your hard disk - Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup
- Defragment your hard drive - monthly is optimal or when your free disk space totals 15 percent or less
Related links:
Compare Windows Vista Editions
Free Microsoft E-Learning Clinic 3404: What's New in Windows Vista
Guide to Freeing up Disk Space under Windows Vista