The default install of Windows XP includes features and
processes most users don't need. If you're involved in gaming or
multimedia, and you can't afford a top-of-the-range PC, here are
a few tips to get the most out of your machine.
For beginner users:
1. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Settings.
Select: Resolution 800 x 600 pixels and Colour Quality Medium
(16 bit).
Click: Apply.
What it does: Reduces system
overhead. Less work for your CPU.
2. Go to: Start.
Right click: My Computer.
Select:
Properties > 'Advanced' tab > Performance > 'Settings' button >
'Visual effects' tab.
Select: Adjust for best performance.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Removes unimportant
cosmetic effects, thereby reducing system overhead.
3. Go to: Start.
Right click: My Computer.
Select:
Properties > 'Advanced' tab > Performance > 'Settings' button >
'Advanced' tab.
Select: Processor scheduling > Programs.
Select: Memory usage > Programs.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Prioritises _your_ programs over those that XP
_thinks_ are important.
4. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Themes.
Select:
Windows Classic.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Cleans up
the desktop.
5. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Desktop.
Select: Background - None.
Click: Apply.
What it does:
Cleans up the desktop.
6. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Appearance.
Select: Windows Classic Style.
Click: Apply.
What it
does: Cleans up the desktop.
For Medium Users:
7. Go to: Start
Right click: My Computer.
Select:
Properties > 'Automatic Updates' tab.
Select: Turn off
automatic updates.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Stops
Microsoft messing with your computer at inconvenient times. You
can re-enable this when _you_ feel like an update.
8. Go to: Start > Run.
Type: msconfig
Select:
'Startup' tab.
Action: Untick all boxes, except those you
are certain you need to start when XP boots up.
Click:
Apply.
What it does: Stops programs starting when XP does.
Frees up system resources.
For Advanced users:
9. Run your favourite program.
Click these buttons on your
keyboard simultaneously: ctrl + alt + del (Control + Alt +
Delete).
Click: 'Processes' tab.
Right click: The
process of your favourite program.
Select: Set priority >
Realtime.
What it does: Diverts CPU resources to the
selected program.
10. Go to: Start > Run.
Type: services.msc
Right
click: Any service you are sure you won't need, like 'Automatic
Updates', 'Help and Support' or 'Indexing Services'.
Select: Properties > 'General' tab > Startup type > 'Manual' or
'Disabled'.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Stops
processes starting when XP does. Frees up system resources.
Warning: Change one setting here a day. Reboot your system after
each one. Run your most popular programs. If they're running
normally, try disabling another service the next day. This is to
make sure you don't turn off something important. If you're not
sure, leave them alone.
Related programs:
Tune XP http://www.driverheaven.net/dforce/ This is freeware and
simple to use.
X-Setup Pro http://www.x-setup.net/ This has a 30 day trial, and
is for more advanced users.
Enjoy!
About the author:
T. O' Donnell is an
about
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