Optimize Windows (Vista/7)

Of course you want to get the best out of your Microsoft Windows PC. I highly recommend the following programs:

IObit Advanced SystemCare: Best free optimizer I've ever used. The paid version is even better, but a little bit expensive. It has the best registry cleaner, and very good spyware protection and privacy sweep (e.g., removing your browser history). It also offers lots of small tools for managing startup programs easily, removing old backup files, registry defrag, internet optimization, etc.
http://www.iobit.com/advancedwindowscareper.html

Vista Services Optimizer: Works for both Windows Vista and Windows 7. It asks you simple questions on how you use your computer, and optimizes Windows services accordingly. This can really help speed up your computer and free some memory. IObit Advanced SystemCare has automatic optimization but this is better since it is personalizable to your usage.
http://www.smartpcutilities.com/servicesoptimizer.html

I will provide suggested settings for these programs soon. I will also mention how to keep your hard disk optimized by defragging, and how to keep your applications up-to-date at a later post.

Update: I tried another tool called CCleaner for privacy sweep and registry cleaning. I had more satisfactory results with IObit Advanced SystemCare (it found a lot more things to clean up in the registry). Thus, I'm not providing the link for it, search if you want.