While Windows XP already includes plenty of tools to help keep your PC protected and in tip-top condition, some of these can be hard to find or difficult to use, especially such things as the Registry.

BoostXP by Allume, formerly known as Aladdin Systems, is designed to make optimising your system that little bit easier.

You can use BoostXP on a superficial level to change the way Windows looks, choosing icons to represent different folders with customised tool tips to tell you what's inside, create your own wallpaper and screensavers and configure your Start menu and taskbar. Despite the ability to already do this with Windows, the package does make it easy, even for novice users.

The program also goes under the skin of your PC, allowing you to clear out junk from the Registry. There really isn't quite enough explanation about what is being removed, but the package does create a backup before you start to protect you if you do delete something vital.

There's also System Cleaner that bins all the junk items PCs have a tendency to accumulate, including cache and temp files. BoostXP also includes security features, such as the ability to turn off automatic password saving in Internet Explorer and block access to certain programs or Control Panels and Admin tools.

You also get advice on performance tweaks and help with putting this into practice. While it won't do anything for power users, BoostXP is a handy tool for tweaking and polishing Windows.

Contact:
Koch Media 01256 707 767
www.allume.com

System requirements:

• Windows XP/2000