Yes, It's generally a good idea to keep the Disks Defragged, (some people argue that defragging doesn't improve "speed" of functioning, but avoids read/write errors) I think it "can" do both.
McAfee appears to be a major resource consumer on your machine, with (11) eleven processes starting actively at Boot.
McAfee is a fine AntiVirus utility, but is a huge resource hog.
You've apparently "purchased" McAfee and may be reluctant to give it up.
You "could" consider temporarily uninstalling McAfee, and using a lower resource demand utility like Grisoft's AVG AntiVirus version 7.5.
Your machine would continue to be protected with AVG, but resource demand would be lightened.
Your Choice.
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CTFMON.EXE is an MS utility that facilitates various language and accessibility function. It is rarely used by most folks, but installed by default with MS Office/Works. It is a big resource Hog.
"Disable" ctfmon.exe as follows:
Control Panel - Regional and Language Options - Languages - Details - Advanced -
checkmark/tick the box that says "Turn off advanced text services"
Many users report many fewer "unexplained problems" after taking this action, and it can be easily reversed by simply unchecking the same box.
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You can safely "disable" all of the items listed in "Purple Background" on the Windows Results page of your PCPitstop Full Test, using MSCONFIG - StartUp(tab) and removing the checkmark/tick from in front of the item you decide to disable from starting at Boot. Any of those items can be started "manually" as needed.
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You may or may not be using RealPlayer. MS MediaPlayer can handle all or your music and video needs, and RealPlayer is known to create some conflicts with other applications, is a resource hog, and tends to send "too much" user information back to its own website. I'd uninstall it, but it's your choice.
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You may use Yahoo Browser and Toolbar, but it is absolutely not necessary, even for IM.
Your machine would likely run smoother without those Yahoo "overlays" of Internet Explorer.
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I'm not familiar with your free version of Advanced Disk Cleaner 4.7, but there are definitely other well recommended utilities like CleanUp! 4.51, CCleaner, and ATF Cleaner, that are likely to serve you better.
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It is "highly recommended" that you Remove Your Battery when running your machine on AC power.
read up on the recommendation, here.
http://www.pcpitstop.com/news/rob/rcheng0610.asp
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Adobe Reader 8 allows you to view .PDF formated documents, but consumes alot of resources.
You may benefit from changing to a lower impact alternative called FoxIt.
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php
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You have a speedy BroadBand connection. I wonder why the Upload Test failed?
You might benefit from confirming that your Internet Receive Buffer Size is set correctly:
(highly Optional/ your choice)
To change your TCP Receive Window size:
1. Launch window registry editor by clicking on Start | Run .
2. Click in the Open dropdown box and type in regedit.exe then click OK .
3. Back up your registry by selecting File | Export type in a meaningful file name, in the export range section select All and save to your hard drive. To restore your old registry you simply import this file.
4. Next you need to create a new registry key. On the left side you need to go to the directory HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters
5. Select Edit | New | DWORD Value .
6. Rename the new registry key to TcpWindowSize.
7. Modify the registry setting for TcpWindowSize by double clicking on the key.
8. Change the Base Setting to Decimal.
9. Enter the value 64240 and click OK, then exit RegEdit.
10. For these settings to take effect you need to close all your open applications and reboot your system
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Hibernate enabled, HIBERFIL.SYS, are functions used in Laptop machines index and save in the background any work in progress, to guard against data loss if your battery fails/loses charge.
If you are running on AC most of the time, you may find a performance improvement by disabling these items.
To turn off Hibernate and Hiberfil.sys
Right-Click on any open spot on your Desktop
Select Screen Saver - Press Power Settings - Hibernate (Tab)
Under Hibernate "unCheck" the "Enable Hibernate" box or circle
On the Power Schemes Tab be sure you have selected either "Desktop" or "Always On" or "Minimal Power Management" (when running on AC power) "Minimal Power Management" selection will probably give you the most performance improvement when running on AC. You can experiment with these settings and see for yourself.
Click OK to close out Power Options screen
Click OK as you close out of Display Properties
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You may benefit from setting Virtual Memory Management to a PagingFile Size equal to three times the amount of your physically installed RAM (in your case 512mbX3)
To "enable" your Paging/Swap File go to:
Start - Right-click on My Computer - Properties - Advanced (tab) - Performance (Settings) - Advanced (tab again) - Virtual Memory (Change)
Make sure that C:\ drive is selected
Use your cursor to "check-dot" Custom Settings
(Type in the following Numbers:)
Initial Size: 1536
Max Size: 1536
Click OK
Then Click OK as you close out of System Properties
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Please keep us posted with your progess and additional questions.
Best Regards
