Objective 4.6: Monitor and Analyze System Performance

Users will turn to you as a DST when they feel that their computers are not performing optimally. Users might complain that their workstations are running slowly or that it takes too long for their computers to start up when they first turn them on. You should understand how certain background programs can slow down a system and what you can do to remedy the problems. You should also know how to use the Help And Support tool to assist in troubleshooting system performance issues.

To answer the questions in this objective, you should know how to optimize Windows XP startup, removing unnecessary background applications or unnecessary applications that start automatically. You should know how to use the System Configuration Utility, Task Manager, the Performance tool, Disk Cleanup Wizard, Disk Defragmenter, and Chkdsk. You should also have a good understanding of how important adequate disk space is for both temporary file storage and virtual memory.

Objective 4.6 Questions

1. You are a DST for a small computer consulting company that supports 50 users who have Windows XP Professional computers. One of the users calls and says that the system takes too long to start up when he comes to work in the morning. You want to see which applications or programs are loading at startup that might be slowing down his system. You decide to use the System Configuration Utility. What command do you enter at the Run dialog box?

   1. ipconfig

   2. chkdsk

   3. msconfig

   4. configms

2. Which of the following utilities scans your hard disks and identifies files that can be safely removed?

   1. chkdsk

   2. scandsk

   3. Disk Defragmenter

   4. Disk Cleanup Wizard

Objective 4.6 Answers

1. Correct Answers: C

   1. Incorrect: The Ipconfig command is used to view TCP/IP configuration information. To initiate the System Configuration Utility, enter the Msconfig command.

   2. Incorrect: The Chkdsk command is used to get a status report of a hard disk. To initiate the System Configuration Utility, enter the Msconfig command.

   3. Correct: To initiate the System Configuration Utility, enter msconfig at the Run dialog box.

   4. Incorrect: There is no Configms command. Enter msconfig at the Run dialog box to initiate the System Configuration Utility.

2. Correct Answers: D

   1. Incorrect: The Chkdsk command is used to get a status report of a hard disk. To help you free up space on a hard disk, use the Disk Cleanup Wizard.

   2. Incorrect: This is not a Windows XP command. Use the Disk Cleanup Wizard to scan your hard disks to help you free up disk space.

   3. Incorrect: Disk Defragmenter rearranges your files so that they are stored contiguously. Disk Cleanup Wizard scans your hard disks and identifies files that can be safely removed.

   4. Correct: The Disk Cleanup Wizard scans your hard disks and identifies files that can be safely removed.