Optimize Microsoft® Windows® XP Series: Performance Settings

Optimizing Microsoft® Windows® XP Series: Post 1

Ever wonder why your Microsoft® Windows ® XP computer is starting to run slow, and takes forever to finish booting before you can use it?  Did the hamster fall off the wheel?  This post is part of a series of posts geared toward helping you get the most out of the your computer.  Microsoft® Windows® XP has some nice effects that you see when you open programs, click on menus, maximize and minimize windows, customization options that appear very appealing.  However, if you your frustrated with the slow performance of your computer, you will be "a-peeling" your skin off hoping that the computer finishes booting in your lifetime.

One immediate improvement would be to turn off the neat interface extras such as the visual effects.  To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Right-click on the My Computer icon on the desktop, then click on Properties on the resulting context menu.
• Alternatively, Click on the start button, go to Settings, and click on Control Panel.
• If the Control Panel opens in category view, select Performance and Maintenance, then select System.
• If the Control Panel opens in classic view, double-click on the System icon.
2. You will see a series of tabs, select the Advanced tab.
• FYI: If you see 5 tabs, then you are logged with a regular user account.  If you see 7 tabs, then you are logged in with an admin account.
3. The Advanced tab will show you three sections, right now you need to click on the Settings button within the Performance section.
• Depending on your service pack level, you might see two or three tabs.
4. On the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance.  You will immediately notice that the interface enhancements are deselected.
5. Click on the Apply button.  You will see a message asking you to Please wait, the view will turn gray, and once finished, the enhancements are turned off.
• You might say, "but I liked the pretty colors".  Which do you want more, a colorful desktop interface, or gray hair because of the time that has passed you  by while you wait to open Solitaire.
6. You also have the ability to turn on visual effects that you really want by selecting them on the list below.  This will create a custom selection of interface enhancements that are turned on.
7. Click on the Advanced tab, select Programs under the two top sections; "Processor scheduling" and "Memory usage".  We will take a look at the Virtual memory on another posting.  Click OK.  Click OK on the System Properties control panel.
8. Enjoy the slightly improved performance.  I didn't say that this would solve all the performance issues, but it is a step in the right direction.

Next in the series...Trimming your system bloat