I am interested in tuning the performance of my computer, so I am looking for a free utility that checks the computer for the latest version of drivers (for devices such as the graphics card, sound card, etc). I have Googled this query and found many utilities, but they all ask for money before doing anything. Do you have any suggestions for such utilities? Second, can you comment on whether it is worth downloading Linux and dual-booting with Windows XP? (more…)

In the near future I intend to upgrade the single-core CPU in my computer to a new dual-core CPU. However, I have read that Windows may have difficulty recognising the new CPU as it requires a different HAL to be installed on the computer. Can you advise whether this will be a problem? The computer is running Windows XP. (more…)