Chapter 16: Windows Optimization

Labs you will perform in this chapter:

• Lab 16.1: Configuring Virtual Memory

• Lab 16.2: Configuring Caching

• Lab 16.3: Defragmenting the Hard Drive

• Lab 16.4: Using System Monitor

We all want our computers to work as fast as they possibly can. As you add new software or hardware, you may want to spend some time to ensure that the components are working as best they can so the computer works at its fastest.

Throughout this book we have discussed how to upgrade components on the computer. The question that is frequently asked is which component will give the most value for the dollars spent. One of the first steps is to find out how the system is operating and determine the system bottlenecks. Lab 16.4 will show you how to monitor the system so that you can determine your system’s performance. With the information you glean from this monitoring, you will be able to determine which components need to be upgraded. You will also be able to see if the upgrade had the desired effects.

The other exercises covered in this chapter are some general procedures that will help you optimize the performance of your computer.

Note

For more information, see Chapter 17 of David Groth’s A+ Complete Study Guide (Sybex, 2003).