With the release of Microsoft?s Windows 7 operating system, many of the performance issues present in past installments of this PC mainstay have been addressed, showing a measurable improvement in areas that were once headaches for even the most capable machines. Still, despite what would appear to be Microsoft?s welcome response to the chorus of complaints about XP and Vista, the onset of problems is to be expected for even the latest release. No operating system is immune from the kind of error that results from any number of issues: viruses, spyware, negligence, etc.
Despite how it?s presently running, tomorrow could usher in a set of unanticipated problems, which is to be expected with even new machines. ??Windows 7 (Vista, too) includes a robust set of tools ? all included within one easily accessible menu — that the frustrated user can utilize when attempting to diagnose the source of a problem.
Accessing these tools is as easy as entering a command in the search box that?s located in the Start menu. Once you?ve entered “performance info,” you?ll be greeted by a window from where you can select Advanced tools.
After those tools are available, it becomes apparent that you have at your disposal an impressive assortment of diagnostic options that will ? at the very least — aid you towards determining what lies at the source of your ailing system:
- Clear all Windows Experience Index scores and re-rate system
- View performance details in Event log
- Open Performance Monitor
- Open Resource Monitor
- Open Task Manager
- View advanced system details in System Information
- Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows
- Open Disk Defragmenter
- Generate a system health report
One of the most informative tools you can use is Open Resource Monitor. Like Task Manager, Resource Monitor provides an overview of your system?s resources, allowing you to manage the available resources (RAM, storage, bandwidth) your system has to work with. Unlike Task Manager, which is somewhat vague in its detail, Resource Monitor works at the micro level ? meaning, you?re given a degree of specificity that illuminates how an individual process or application figures into the overall allocation of resources.
Another helpful aid is the Generate a system health report. Akin to having a physical at the physician?s office, this will assess your system?s health, generating an analysis that may enlighten you on what areas you should address when experiencing issues with your computer?s performance.Taking just a few moments, the system analysis will return a report that details every critical facet of your system. Using this diagnostic analysis, you will be left with a clearer picture of how your computer is faring. For example, if there is a driver that?s hindering your ability to listen to sound, this report will highlight that conflict.
These are just the tools that are fairly self-explanatory in their use and interpretation. The more advanced tools ? such as View performance details in Event log ? are just as beneficial, but they require a level of expertise that your average user may be without.
For even the most accomplished technician, the poor performance of a system will remain a problem that never permanently subsides. ?If you have questions about the use of these tools, or would like to know how to solve any problems they unearth, Computer Geeks Is always on hand to provide you that assistance.