Vista has automated some of its maintenance tasks, such as defragmenting your hard drive and backing up key system files and documents. To keep your hard drive defragged regularly:

• Click on Start
• Click on Computer
• Right-click on the hard drive you want to schedule
• Open its Properties menu
• Click the Tools tab
• Click Defragment Now
• Check the "Run on a schedule" box
• Use the Modify Schedule button and drop-down menus in the next screen to set your schedule