With the release of Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system, plenty of the performance issues present in past installments of this computer mainstay have been addressed, showing a quantifiable 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 most recent release. No operating system is immune from the sort of mistake that results from any amount of issues: viruses, spyware, negligence, etc .
Despite how it’s currently running, tomorrow could usher in a collection of surprising problems, which is to be expected with even new machines. Windows seven ( Vista, too ) includes a strong set of tools – all included within one easily accessed menu – that the frustrated user can make use of when making an attempt to diagnose the source of an issue.
Accessing these tools is as simple as entering a command in the search box that is located in the Start menu. Once you’ve entered “performance info” you will 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 collection of diagnostic options that may – at the very least – aid you towards determining what lies at the source of your hurting 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 outline 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 kind of 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 allocation of resources.
Another useful aid is the “Generate a system health report” option. Similar to having a physical at the doctor’s office, this will assess your system’s health, generating an analysis that may enlighten you on what areas you must address when experiencing issues with your computer’s performance. Taking only a few moments, the system research will return a statement that details every vital aspect of your system. Using this diagnostic analysis, you’ll be left with a clearer image of how your computer is faring. For instance, if there is a driver that’s obstructing your capability to hear sound, this report will highlight that conflict.
These are just the tools that are reasonably self-explanatory in their use and interpretation. The more advanced tools – such as View performance details in Event log – are as advantageous, but they need an amount of expertise that your average user may be without.
Gregg Housh is the Technician Manager at Geek Choice a Computer Repair company. Geek Choice solves computer problems such as: Slow computer, Virus Removal, and much more.
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