Transcript ITS_5_Optimization - CTAE Resource Network

Optimization
Written by: Tim Keyser
Georgia CTAE Resource Network 2010
Optimization
Installing an operating system is a
fairly simple process, but
configuring it to run as efficiently
as possible requires familiarity
with optimization procedures.
Drivers

Drivers are software that allow hardware
devices to work with a given operating
system.

Many operating systems contain generic
drivers that will run motherboard hardware
and peripheral devices, but they are not
usually the best driver for the task.
Drivers Continued

The latest drivers for the motherboard and
peripheral devices should always be
downloaded from the hardware
manufacturer’s website.

Installing the correct motherboard and
device drivers will allow the operating
system and applications to run much more
efficiently.
Windows Update

Once an operating system and device
drivers have been installed, Windows
Update should be run.

Windows Update allows the operating
system to examine the computer and
search Mircrosoft’s website for update files
and drivers.
Running Windows Update

Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button , clicking All
Programs, and then clicking Windows Update.

In the left pane, click Check for updates.

To see if updated drivers are available, click View available updates.
Windows Update will list any updated drivers that are available for
devices installed in your computer.

If updates are available, click the driver that you want to install, and
then click Install. If you are prompted for an administrator password
or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Memory / RAM

Always check to ensure you have at least the
minimum required amount of memory before
installing an operating system.

Each operating system has a specific minimum
and recommended amount of memory.

Running the minimum amount of memory for an
operating system will not provide as high
performance as using the recommended (or
greater) amount of memory.
Processor / CPU

Operating systems require minimum
specifications for CPU’s, but the majority
of CPU’s in service today are capable of
running most operating systems.

Computers designed to perform
operations such as high end gaming and
video editing will greatly benefit from
installing a powerful CPU.
Antivirus Software

Antivirus programs are some of the few
applications that run 100% of the time in
Microsoft Windows.

Smaller antivirus programs use less
system resources (CPU and RAM) while
larger antivirus suites utilize a larger
amount of resources.
MSCONFIG

The System Configuration Utility is a program
that can opened by clicking Start, click Run
(search box in Vista and 7), type “msconfig”,
and then click OK.

By clicking the startup tab, you can choose
which programs run automatically in Windows.
By un-checking all programs except for anitvirus
software, users can help Windows start faster
and allow memory to be used for other
operations.
Understanding

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the
optimization process for each operating
system you install or repair.

If you are working with a new operating
system, use the Internet as a resource to
determine which steps can be taken to
create a more efficient computing
environment.