If your computer is setup correctly and you don’t regularly add and remove components or programs,the Windows life cycle usually will last about three years. You will know when Windows is fading by signs it gives you. The most common is GPF (General Protection Fault), you will see this from time to time while using programs in Windows, you know, errors that come up telling you that something has caused an illegal operation and although you have a couple of options, you still wind up using infamous Ctr-Alt-Del soft boot to rectify problem.

This is what’s happening: Time and usage takes its toll on your computers hardware and software. Windows9x/Me is no exception. Each time you add and remove components and/or software Windows has to make massive changes to itself. This includes rearranging files, adding and deleting dynamic linking files and hundreds of other changes. Over time even Windows starts getting Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately there is a cure.

Whether they help you save time, save money, or avoid frustration, these tools and services rate my highest recommendation for just plain making life easier, faster and cheaper.

1. Short Keys - Available free at www.shortkeys.com/lite.htm, Short Keys allows you to create shortcut keys to cut down on repetitive typing tasks. I absolutely love this program because of amount of time it saves me every single day.

2. Good Keywords - Available free at www.goodkeywords.com, Good Keywords enables you to condense hours of keyword research into a few seconds. Find out top keywords your target audience searches for so you can put your advertising dollars in right spot to catch biggest fish.

3. Mail Washer - Available free at www.mailwasher.net, this program enables you to spot and delete spam and viruses before downloading them to your computer. With so much spam clogging my email in-box, I couldn't survive any more without this program!

4. ClickBank - If you sell a downloadable product such as an ebook, report, or software, you can't beat clickbank for processing credit card payments. Not only do they take payments and send you a check twice a month, they also plug your product into an existing network of thousands of affiliates who can sell it for you.