This site has a ton of information. The name doesn't do it justice in my opinion. It isn't the usual kind of site where the author tells you to disable tons of services and modify settings in the registry, etc.
On the site there is a free download called the Tweaking Companion [177 pages, PDF format].
It describes every aspect of Windows and PCs in detail using easy to understand language.
Discusses what the default settings are and why they are set that way
Indicates which settings you can change and what to expect [good or bad] if you modify them.
But for me the best part is the comprehensive information about WindowsXP
One of the many neat features in the guide is that there are many links you can follow for more information. For instance if you're in the drivers section there are links to places to find the latest drivers such as the vendor's site. There are also a lot of links to helpful software [usually free] for using with the guide or to enhance Windows or the PC.
I was really surprised by his mixed review. He praises the Application cleanng and then says this about the Issues scan:
Finally, the Issues function in CCleaner attempts to find redundant Registry and File system entries. To start with, tick all the options available and then click the 'Scan for Issues' button. A whole range of "issues" may be found, however I strongly recommend against using this section of CCleaner unless you know exactly what you are doing. To be honest I do not trust CCleaner to do something this delicate - registry cleaning is best done by RegCleaner or RegSupreme (See Windows Registry section) which are far more foolproof in detecting genuine registry errors and fixing them.
?!? That's just plain wrong .
I looked over the guide in more detail last night and really didn't make too many changes to my PC. I still think it's very informative and a good way to learn about Windows or to use as a reference guide. I really like the way he uses hyperlinks to point to more in depth information from Microsoft and other sources. The links to the hardware vendors and the freeware apps are a big help at least for me.
And I did find out how to fix a few things that have been driving me crazy for quite a long time:
Windows not remembering their view settings after being closed and reopened.
How to get rid of the stupid boxes under the Desktop icons.
And how to keep the icons set to specific positions on the Desktop instead of them rearranging themselves after a reboot. So in my case it's FTW! lol
@TwistedMetal That is an excellent guide you came up with. Good idea having it both on and offline. Maybe we can get Mr Ghazi to read it and realize that Ccleaner won't harm "the delicate Registry."
CCleaner too aggressive?? Now there's something you don't hear everyday ...
The CCleaner Registry Cleaner isn't perceft (non is), but it's the best cleaner I have used. It's not aggressive at all (it looks just for the basic errors).
I use TG a lot, the optimization guides and the forum is really good. Strange about the CCleaner error, perhaps we should contact the author? He goes on XFire from time to time