TIPS FOR BETTER GAMING PERFORMANCE:

1) Re-start your computer before playing any high-end games. This will "clean out" the RAM and make the whole PC run faster.

2) Have a look in Task Manager for any unnecessary processes. This includes anti-virus, anti-spyware programs etc. It's a good idea to leave firewalls on though. "explorer.exe" is a big hit on system resources. After launching your game, open the Task Manager and end "explorer.exe". To get it back after playing your game, just select New Task in the Task Manager and type in "explorer". Always remember to re-start security programs after playing. Experiment with turning off different processes - generally anything with a username instead of SYSTEM beside it should shut down fine. To get your PC working normally again after playing, simply restart it.

3) Regularly perform maintenance on your PC, e.g virus scans, spyware scans, registry cleans, disk defragmentations and disk cleanups. All of these will help to improve computer performance. I do this to my PC every Sunday.

4) Open up your PC once in a while and give it a while and give it a thorough cleanout. Clogged dust around components and in particular around the CPU can slow down your computer, make it noisier (the fan runs faster due to a hotter CPU due to dust) and in some rare cases cause a fire. If your graphics card has a fan on it, its a good idea to clean that too.

5) Keep up-to-date with the latest graphics drivers, DirectX updates, etc. Create system restore points before each of the updates in case the changes are not to your liking.

RECOMMENDED SOFTWARE FOR GAMERS:

1) FRAPS OR OTHER SCREENSHOT UTILITY: Share your favourite in-game moments by taking a screenshot. At the press of a button, screenshot utilities such as FRAPS (payware) or FSScreen (freeware) will instantly take a snapshot of your game and save it in a folder of your choice. FRAPS also has a video utility, ideal for making short movies of your adventures.

2) XFIRE: Sort of like an in-game MSN program, this software will let you communicate with any friends who have Xfire. It's handy if you get bored during a long stakeout, or if you want to work out a strategy with someone playing the same game as you. Signatures showing when you are online and what games you have been playing recently are also available. It's free - www.xfire.com .

3) TEAMSPEAK: This enables the user to join a server simply to talk with other gamers - it can help when attempting to organise 'Close Vicinity Flying' or to even organise ATC, aircraft or squad tactics!  - www.goteamspeak.com . (Thanks T. Black)