5 ways to speed up Windows Vista and your PC

jjones | Guides | 25/02/2007 20:49pm
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1. Install Windows Vista

The SuperFetch technology in Windows Vista enables you to load applications and access files much quicker than in previous versions. You take advantage of it every time you use your PC, and it also ensures that performance is consistent throughout the day, whatever your PC is doing. It does this by always prioritising applications you launch over background tasks and maintenance jobs the PC performs during idle moments.

Windows SuperFetch even learns as you use your PC, anticipating what programs you’re likely to use and pre-loading them into memory so they start as quickly as possible.

2. Upgrade your memory

Memory is an essential part of your PC – programs including Windows Vista itself are loaded into random access memory (RAM)because it’s the quickest way of accessing them. Windows Vista requires a minimum of 512MB of RAM to run, but if you want to enjoy its advanced features, you’ll need at least 1GB (1024MB). If your budget will run to it (RAM is currently £40-50 per 512MB), a memory upgrade is one of the most effective ways of speeding up your computer. The simplest way to pick the right memory for your computer is to visit a memory specialist such as Crucial Technology. Browse to www.crucial.com/uk and use the Crucial Memory Advisor tool, which not only tells you how much memory your PC supports, but also what type of RAM is compatible with your machine.

3. Use a USB flash drive

If the idea of opening up your PC to fit more memory doesn’t appeal, or you want even more performance, take advantage of a feature in Windows Vista called ReadyBoost. If you have a USB flash drive (pick up 2GB models for under £35 from Crucial), you can speed up your PC by inviting Windows Vista to use some or all of the drive to store information it needs to access.

Just plug your flash drive into a spare USB port, and when the Autoplay menu pops up, select ‘Speed up my system using Windows ReadyBoost’ to enjoy a faster PC.

4. Defragment your hard drive

As you add, edit and delete files on your hard drive, they become all jumbled up and scattered across the disk. As a result, your PC takes longer to access each file. Windows Vista has a tool called Disk Defragmenter that runs at set times to keep your files in order, making them quicker to access. You can alter this schedule to a more convenient time, or run the utility manually, by clicking Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter.

5. Trim back resource hogs

When programs are added to your PC, many configure themselves to start with Windows Vista. This lengthens the start-up process, and slows down your PC by consuming resources. Some programs, such as your antivirus tool, need to begin at start-up, but many don’t. To disable non-essential programs, click Start > All Programs > Windows Defender. Choose Tools, and select Software Explorer from the list to disable or remove selected programs.

Nick Peers is a freelance journalist who regularly writes for Windows Vista: The Official Magazine. His web site can be found at www.nickpeers.com.

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