suggested I delete any programs not used in 2 years, but even current programs used like MS Office, JAva, etc, all have 'last used' dates as 2008.also, how about all the programs which get updated but up to three previous versions, or with service pack updates remain using lots of space/time - are they all necessary, and how do I tell?Thanks anybody,CN 1 person needs an answerI do too

suggested I delete any programs not used in 2 years, but even current programs used like MS Office, JAva, etc, all have 'last used' dates as 2008.also, how about all the programs which get updated but up to three previous versions, or with service pack updates remain using lots of space/time - are they all necessary, and how do I tell?Thanks anybody,CN Unless you're running low on disk space (in which case, the best solution is to buy a bigger disk), having old programs that are installed but little used does not affect your computer's performance at all.Do not rely on the information in Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs as being accurate, either the "last used" date or the "size." This information is notoriously unreliable -- but you should know if you've used an application. With respect to Microsoft Office, I don't know, but if I had to guess, I'd guess that the "last used" date refers to the last time you installed, updated, or uninstalled one of the Office applications. For example, my Microsoft Office reports that it was "last used" in April 2006, notwithstanding that I just used Word (an Office component) about 10 minutes ago. And note that there is no entry in Add or Remove Programs for Microsoft Word.What was the suggestion to remove programs supposed to accomplish?

Who suggested that?If you are having a performance problem you should consider different/wiser counsel.Here is one explanation of how Add/Remove comes up with the last used date and size:http://blogs.msdn.com/b/oldnewthing/archive/2004/07/09/178342.aspx I need YOUR votes and points for helpful replies and Answers. I am saving up for a pony!