We often wonder why our workaday computer chores seem to take just as long as they ever did, despite the fact
that hardware is generally more reliable and more powerful than ever. The answer to this apparent riddle comes in the
form of McFedries’ law of computing codependence: The increase in software system requirements is directly proportional to the increase in hardware system capabilities. For example, imagine that a slick new chip is released that promises a10% speed boost; software designers, seeing the new chip gain wide acceptance, add 10% more features to their already bloated code to take advantage of the higher performance level. Then another new chip is released, followed by another software upgrade—and the cycle continues ad nauseum as these twin engines of computer progress lurch codependently into the future.

So, how do you break out of the performance deadlock created by the immovable object of software code bloat
meeting the irresistible force of hardware advancement? By optimizing your system to minimize the effects of overgrown applications and to maximize the native capabilities of your hardware. Of course, it helps if your operating
system gives you a good set of tools to improve and monitor performance, diagnose problems, and keep your data safe. Windows XP came with a decent set of client tools, Vista improved on them (although not with anything radically
new or earth shattering), and Windows 7 stays the course.

IN THIS CHAPTER
. Monitoring Performance
. Optimizing Startup
. Optimizing Applications
. Optimizing the Hard Disk
. Optimizing Virtual Memory

Category : Microsoft Windows
Source : http://media.techtarget.com
Language : English
View : 253 views
Size : 700 Kb
Date : February 5th, 2010

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