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WINDOWS 98 uses new features to make your computer start up and shut down more quickly. However, there are a few things you can do to shave off a few seconds during the boot process.

One of the things is the "seek new floppy disk" command that is on by default. Win98 checks to see if a new floppy disk is installed every time the computer boots, but this setting can be turned off. To do so:

• RMC (Right Mouse Click) on My Computer and choose Properties from the menu.
• Click on the Performance tab and then click the File System button. You will now be in the File System Properties dialog box.
• Click on the Floppy Disk tab and deselect the check mark for Search For New Floppy Disk Drives Each Time Your Computer Starts.
• Click OK to close the File System Properties dialog box, then OK again to close the System Properties box.
• Reboot the PC for the change to take effect.

Shutting Down Windows 98 Remember Windows 95? It, too, had quirky problems when it came to shutting down, since it would often hang during the shutdown process. Many times this happens simply because the computer is connected to the network. When Windows 95 shuts down, it attempts to uninitialize device drivers. However, some drivers just cannot release themselves. This occurs most often with network drivers. Microsoft has tried to resolve this problem in Windows 98 by forcing a fast shutdown without uninitializing these drivers. Windows 98 lets you slam the door shut without telling anybody that you are leaving. This feature executes by default, but it creates its own set of problems. So, to fix this bug, er, I mean to disable this feature:

• Launch the System Information tool by selecting Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Information.
• When the System Information tool launches, click on the System Configuration Utility from the Tools menu.
• Select the General tab and click the Advanced button.
• Select the Disable Fast Shutdown check box and click OK. (If you don't have this option available, then you're running Windows98, Second Edition. (See my article in next month's newsletter "Do You Need Windows 98 Second Edition?")

Disable Scandisk after a Bad Shutdown There is a bonus item in this dialog box in addition to the above settings. You have probably experienced a message or two from Windows 98 saying, "Your computer was not properly shut down. To avoid seeing this message in the future, shut down your computer properly." Don't you hate when your PC acts like your mother?

After seeing that maternal message, the Scandisk utility kicks in to check the drive for bad sectors and performs other tests. This slows the startup process, while also managing to tick you off. However, you have a chance to rise above the petty tyrants in your life! From the Advanced menu above, select the option for Disable Scandisk after bad shutdown.

In order for these changes to take effect, you will have to restart your PC. Now go away, Mother.