7 Must-Haves for Windows XP Netbooks

As of 2008, 90% of the netbooks that were shipped were shipped preloaded with Windows XP (Wikipedia.) Users are beginning to prefer this operating system over older systems such as the Linux system simply because they are more familiar with it and because it’s becoming so accessible in so many netbooks. But still, there are certain tweaks and things you can do to make your Windows XP run even more like a dream than you’re used to on your desktop computer. Here are the top 7 utilities that will make using your netbook an even easier and truly more enjoyable experience.

SyncToy. This is a utility that automatically syncs two different folders, meaning that you can easily carry around all the stuff on your netbook that’s on your desktop computer, without a big hassle transferring files.

Tweak UI: This utility customizes Windows XP especially for small screens such as netbooks. This means that you can make those wee little boxes look much bigger and it will be much easier to work within them.

Virtual Desktop Manager: This will open up 4 different desktops from you to work from. So you can check your email from one, browse on another, and play a game on another. It makes your machine run more smoothly and doesn’t leave you waiting for your memory to catch up with your mouse.

SharpKey: Because the world of netbooks is still a relatively undiscovered one by manufacturers, many netbooks are made in the same areas, giving some differences in keyboards. This utility will allow you to place the keys where you are most comfortable with them.

Foxit Reader: If you have Adobe Reader on your desktop, you need Foxit Reader on your netbook. It works the same way as Adobe, with the ability to read PDF files however, it takes up far less resources to do so and so is perfect for a small system.

Xplorer2: This is a utility that makes it easier for handling files in such a small space. Instead of clicking, cutting, copying, and pasting, this makes it easy to just drag and drop the files or folders.

WindowsMovieMaker: This is a great little tool that will take all of the pictures on your netbook and turn them into a slide show for you!