1678_configuring performance settings

Windows 7 Administration Training Instructor: Scott Lowe

Configuring Performance Settings

Windows 7 Administration Training


In This Lesson:

Changing graphics settings

Configuring virtual memory

Understanding write caching

Optimizing processes with Task Manager

Managing processor scheduling settings

Optimizing services

Using msconfig to boost performance



A high performance organization, Globomantics demands top performing computing hardware

Just like not maximizing a sale is leaving money on the table not optimizing hardware has a similar result: Lost money due to inefficiency

Business need

Maximize computing resources to maximize ROI on the computing investment

Scenario



Windows Aero is visually stunning, but can require significant system resources, particularly for lower-end or borderline systems

Selectively disable Aero features or disable Aero altogether to improve overall system performance

Globomantics has a two year old system that theyd like to keep in production but the system is having trouble keeping up with the users demand

By disabling Aero, you may be able to extend the life of that PC investment and save the company money

Changing Graphics Settings



Systems have only so much RAM

As programs and services begin to consume all available memory, Windows uses temporary storage called a paging file

A paging file consists of a file on each hard disk

Information is automatically moved between RAM and the paging file as necessary, freeing up RAM for system needs

RAM = extremely fast data access and retrieval

Paging file = Relatively very slow access and retrieval

Configuring Virtual Memory



Running low on memory has a major impact on system performance as the system begins paging

As users begin to receive virtual memory-related error messages, this is an indication that the system needs more RAM or you need to increase the size of the paging file

More RAM is always the preferred option

Windows generally does a very good job managing the size of the paging file

The users in the Globomantics Marketing department have been complaining about virtual memory errors for particularly large projects

New computers are on order for this department

For now, simply increase the size of the paging file

Configuring Virtual Memory



When a systems hard drive is busy, information intended to be written can be saved in a high-speed cache

Once the hard drive is available, cached information is written to the disk

Keeps the user working while the system handles the technicalities

Can result in data loss if system power is interrupted or if the storage device is removed before the cache is cleared

Device properties page for the system hard drive

Enable write caching on the device

Turn off Windows write-cache buffer flushing on the device

Globomantics uses USB-connected batteries on all desktops so make sure that write caching is enabled

Understanding Write Caching



Removable devices i.e. flash drives have similar options available on the drives Device Manager page

Removal Policy

Quick removal (default)

Device uses write-through caching

The device can be simply removed

Better performance

Write caching and buffering are enabled

Need to use Safely Remove Hardware to remove device

A user accidentally configured a USB device for Better performance and has been losing information

Understanding Write Caching



Understanding process affinity

Choose the processor/core on which to run a particular process

Globomantics will run DVD burning software a sometimes CPU intensive task on a specific core

Understanding process priority

Provide a process with a modified priority level

Marketing wants to make sure that their hefty PowerPoint presentations dont have major contention with other system resources

You will set the PowerPoint priority level to AboveNormal

Dont set too many processes to High or Realtime

Optimizing Processes with Task Manager



By default, Windows 7 is configured to favor programs over background services when it comes to scheduling processor time

You can change this setting if you have a desktop machine that handles more background services than programs

Globomantics has a desktop PC that will be used for backup purposes

Set this PCs processor scheduling to favor background services

Managing Processor Scheduling Settings



Windows 7 ships with a core set of enabled and running services

Every service

Uses system resources such as RAM and processor

Opens an additional system attack vector

Not all services are necessary in order for users to do their jobs

Disable or set to Manual services not needed by users

In general, Manual is a safe choice

The Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service should never be used by Globomantics employees and will be disabled

Optimizing Services



Although its better to uninstall software you dont want, you can disable software that starts up with the system using the msconfig tool

Msconfig is also a great troubleshooting tool

Globomantics will use Msconfig to verify that only absolutely necessary startup items load at boot time

Using Msconfig to Boost Performance



What We Covered

Changing graphics settings

Configuring virtual memory

Understanding write caching

Optimizing processes with Task Manager

Managing processor scheduling settings

Optimizing services

Using msconfig to boost performance

Drag the red check boxes over the box bullet point of your choice. To edit or reorder the animations, go to the Animations Tab in the Ribbon Click Custom Animation and use the Custom Animation task pane to edit the animations.

1678_configuring performance settings

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