1. Optimization Written by: Tim Keyser Georgia CTAE Resource Network 2010

2. Optimization Installing an operating system is a fairly simple process, but configuring it to run as efficiently as possible requires familiarity with optimization procedures.

3. Drivers are software that allow hardware devices to work with a given operating system. 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. 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

4. Drivers Continued The latest drivers for the motherboard and peripheral devices should always be downloaded from the hardware manufacturer’s website. 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. Installing the correct motherboard and device drivers will allow the operating system and applications to run much more efficiently.

5. Windows Update Once an operating system and device drivers have been installed, Windows Update should be run. 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. Windows Update allows the operating system to examine the computer and search Mircrosoft’s website for update files and drivers.

6. Running Windows Update Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button, clicking All Programs, and then clicking 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. 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. 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. 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.

7. Memory / RAM Always check to ensure you have at least the minimum required amount of memory before installing an operating system. 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. 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. 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.

8. 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. 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. Computers designed to perform operations such as high end gaming and video editing will greatly benefit from installing a powerful CPU.

9. Antivirus Software Antivirus programs are some of the few applications that run 100% of the time in Microsoft Windows. 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. Smaller antivirus programs use less system resources (CPU and RAM) while larger antivirus suites utilize a larger amount of resources.

10. 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. 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. 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.

11. Understanding Be sure to familiarize yourself with the optimization process for each operating system you install or repair. 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. 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.