| This is
the third in a series of articles covering ways to
get your computer to run faster. Even the
newest and fastest computers can get slow, as more
programs are installed and new programs are
introduced that use more and more system resources. If
your computer takes a long time to boot-up, if programs such
as your web browser or word processor seem to be sluggish,
or if you just want to get your work done faster, then this
information may be helpful to you. This week, we will
look at some options within Windows
which can help speed things up.
Reducing your
Special Effects
By default, most installations of
Windows include a number of special effects, such as
fading or sliding, which you see when you open and
move windows around on the screen. If these
are slowing down your computer, you can reduce them
or turn them off. In Windows XP, right-click
on "My Computer" from the desktop, click on the
"Advanced" tab, then the performance settings.
From here, you can choose "Adjust for best
performance", or click on "Custom" and unselect
effects that you don't need.
For Windows 98, 2000, or ME,
right-click on the desktop, choose Properties, then
click on the Effects tab. Uncheck the items in the
Visual Effects box that you can live without.
You may need to experiment to find the best balance
of speed and visual appeal.
Setting your
PrioritiesIn
Windows 2000 and XP, you also have the option of
specifying what priority windows should give to your
running programs. To access these options,
right-click on "My Computer" from the desktop and
choose "Properties". Click on the
"Advanced" tab followed by the performance settings
button. If you're in Windows XP, you need to
click again to choose the advanced performance
options. |
... |
The
first option on the screen allows you to adjust for
the best performance of either programs/applications
or background services. Most users will want
to choose the programs or applications option.
However, if you usually work in one program while
another does very processor-intensive tasks such as
sorting a database or printing large graphics, you
should select "Background Services".
Preventing the Mouse
from "Dragging"
If it takes you a long time to
move the mouse from one end of the screen to
another, you may want to try increasing your pointer
speed. In Windows, this is done through the
Mouse control panel. To access it, go to the
Start menu, choose Settings (if needed), then
Control Panel, then Mouse. In Windows XP, the
Mouse control panel may be under the "Printers and
Other Hardware" category. The location of the
speed setting may vary depending on your mouse
driver. It may be under "Pointer Options" or
"Motion". Look for a slide control that lets
you adjust the pointer speed. You may need to
experiment with different speeds to find the one
that is most comfortable. If your mouse moves
too fast, you will tend to overshoot the point on
the screen you are trying to reach.
Another option that is available
in the Mouse control panel is acceleration. If
this is set, Windows will move the mouse
disproportionately further as you drag it faster.
Again, the location of this setting will vary with
different mouse drivers. Look for a setting
named "Acceleration" or "Enhance Pointer Precision".
You will want to experiment with different settings
of speed and acceleration to determine what is most
comfortable. |
