Depending on what you use your computer for, it might be necessary to tweak how Windows allocates your hardware's finite resources to tasks to get the most out of it.

If you're daunted by such a task, Microsoft offers a nice little option, called 'Guided Help'. Read this article for more information on how to make use of this service.

You can, however, also tweak your system manually.

In this article we'll look at how you can change the settings for processor scheduling, computer memory usage, the paging file, and visual effects.

Processor scheduling:

Windows XP:

1. On your desktop, right-click with your mouse on the "My Computer" icon and click on "Properties". The System Properties window appears.
2. Click on the "Advanced" tab.
3. Under the "Performance" heading, click on "Settings". A new window appears.
4. Click on the "Advanced" tab.
5. Under the "Processor scheduling" heading, choose one of these options:
   • "Programs" to have your processor focus more on running programs; or
   • "Background services" to have your processor focus more on programs running in the background.
6. Click "OK".
7. Click on "OK" again.

Windows Vista:

1. On your desktop, right-click with your mouse on the "Computer" icon and click on "Properties". A new window appears.
2. Click on the "Advanced system settings" link on the left. The System Properties window appears.
3. Click on the "Advanced" tab.
4. Under the "Performance" heading, click on "Settings". A new window appears.
5. Click on the "Advanced" tab.
6. Under the "Processor scheduling" heading, choose one of these options:
   • "Programs" to have your processor focus more on running programs; or
   • "Background services" to have your processor focus more on programs running in the background.
7. Click "OK".
8. Click on "OK" again.

» Memory usage and paging file - Page 2