System updates, including Windows update.

System maintenence is essential, with this in mind, windows XP has its own update feature which keeps the system running up to date with the latest drivers and patches. However some components require user attention, such as the graphics card. This component does not have to be updated as long as it has compatiable drivers installed, how ever manufactures (e.g. nVidia) do release new drivers which allow the component to function to there maximum capability. This feature is often used by gamers so that they can play the came at the best frames per second (FPS) they possibly can. Below is a screenshot of windows updater, intsalling new service pack features.

Describe the range of available utility software.

There are many available utility programmes which can enhance computer performance greatly and maintain a healthy computer system free of virus', spyware and many other unwanted intrusions.

Norton 360 Version 2.0 All-in-One Security - This is one example of available utility software. This contains various tools such as a 3rd party defragmentation tool, alongside the standard exepected tools; anti virus, anti spyware, email scanning, firewall protection, backup and restore facility, and rootkit detection. All of these tools will inevitibly enchance computer performance and allow the system to perform to the highest of its capability.

There are many utilites avaiable in software form which will enchance computer performance, these can be anything from factory software which comes alongside computer components such as graphic card drivers.

One utility which from experience, improves computer performance is the AVG virus scanner, which is the core element of the AVG Anti-virus freeware. This utility has been used in a previous blog, which explains what this software actually does.