Windows 7: Maxing out performance.

We all know that, on a high spec system, Windows is (usually) a pleasurable experience. Unfortunately, not everyone has a high spec system, and sometimes Windows can be annoying or just plain cumbersome. There are a number of ways that Win7 gives us to improve the experience of Windows users, but some of them aren't very well known, and some are often just overlooked.


1. Aero.

Since Windows 7 asks for a directX 9.0 compatible GPU with 128MB of Video RAM just to run the system, its clear that aero is asking alot of many lower end GPUs. This is, primarily, a problem only with onboard and older GPUs, since their memory is often shared with the system memory and is therefore even more cumbersome. These onboard GPUs are also, for the most part, rubbish. However, depending on how good a GPU is, there are certain levels of 'toning down' for the UI.


A) Turning off aero, but keeping the same bar 'style'. This simply removes the transparency effect and ultimately takes some strain off of the GPU, meaning the graphical experience is alot more pleasant.

B) Adjusting for best performance. This will remove the 'Aero' style entirely, instead going back to the Grey taskbars and colours reminiscent of Win2k (Windows Standard/Classic). This is achieved by going into My Computer -> Properties -> Advanced -> Performance Settings and selecting 'Adjust for best performance'.


If your PC is spec'd highly enough to run the Aero UI, just not the Aero 'glass', then opt for simply removing transparency. If the other visual effects compiled into the aero UI knock your system off it's feet, opt instead for high performance mode.


2. ReadyBoost

Readyboost, originally, was first intoduced into MS Windows Vista in 2007. However, it didnt see much use for those who had Vista, since it was limited to 4GB in size, and only supported flash memory in SD (Secure Digital) Format. However, in Win7, the 4GB cap has been extended to 256GB, and USB flash drives are now supported as well as SD cards.

This works, because Windows adds the flash device to the system cache, allowing commonly used programs to be stored there, for quicker opening. Many people think that it simply adds the flash device to the system memory pool, but if this were the case, catastrophic system failure would ensue should the device be removed, accidentally or otherwise, while the system is powered on.

3. Simple hardware upgrades

You may (or may not) know that the system requirements for Windows 7 are fairly low, as follows:

CPU -    1GHz (x86 and x64)
HDD -    16GB (x86), 20GB (x64)
GPU -    DirectX 9.0 compatible with 128MB VRAM
RAM -  1GB (x86), 2GB (x64, or with XP mode enabled)

However, I guarantee you that running at minimum spec is not going to be pleasant. Anyway, aside from min. Spec, you'll be pleased to know that most hardware, if installed correctly, is easy to install. A Memory upgrade can be a reasonably cheap way to boost system speed, but make sure you read up alot of the memory you need, the speed your motherboard supports and the data rates.

4. Solid State Drive Technology

It has long been known that flash memory, as a storage medium, is highly preferable to magnetic storage in almost all cases. This is why Flash drives eventually replaced Floppy drives. Solid State means it has no moving parts, and is much more resistance to damage by falling or shock to the device. An SSD (Solid State disk) on a SATA II (3Gb per second) bus will provide phenominal speed for any OS to run on. I think it is a safe assumption to make, that a SSD in place of a magnetic hard drive will boost 'general' usage running speeds considerably.