The Windows 7 operating system, along with the XP version, is one of the most popular and in demand among users. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford a powerful computer with all its capabilities. But let's see what can be done with Windows 7 for weak computers, so that the system works no worse than on high-performance PCs. There are several points to which you should pay attention.
Build Windows 7 for weak computers
Before proceeding to the issues of system optimization, it is worth noting that for not-so-fast PCs there is a special assembly of an already optimized system, from which many unnecessary components that slow down the computer terminal or laptop due to too heavy load on system resources and the use of disk space on the hard drive are excluded . This is the version of Windows 7 Ultimate PC 2.1, 2010 release (however, not the only one).
It is noteworthy that this release is optimal for inexpensive ASUS Pee series netbooks. Windows 7 for weak computers (512 Mb of RAM and 128 GB on the hard drive) is designed to work effectively on such terminals, providing users with only the most necessary features.
Moreover, after installing from an optical medium or bootable flash drive, the entire system takes 1.5 GB of space on the hard drive, and for its normal operation in normal mode only 256 MB of “RAM” is required. Among the main features, it is worth noting separately that it provides for the so-called “cold” start, in which only 23 system processes work in the background .
Optimization of Windows 7 for weak computers: basic aspects
If for any reason the user wants to use the full version of the "seven" on his terminal, you will have to deal with optimization issues.
What is optimization? In most cases, this is freeing up RAM by disabling unnecessary resource-intensive background processes and services, as well as freeing up disk space (for the correct operation of any system on a hard drive, at least 10% of the total space is required).
Disabling startup items
So, let's see how you can optimize Windows 7 for weak computers. And let's start, perhaps, with the background services that start with the system. Depending on the “iron” configuration, along with the “native” system processes, other specific elements associated with devices can be present in the startup (for example, the same Catalyst service for Radeon video cards). Often, many elements can be disabled without any problems at startup, so as not to engage in their forced completion already in the process.
First, use the Run menu (Win + R), in which we write the msconfig command. In the settings window, go to the startup tab and see how many there are all checked. Not every user knows which of these can be turned off, and what is not.
We will make a reservation right away: you can disable almost everything, with the exception of the ctfmon service, which is responsible for displaying the language switching icon with the ability to call the corresponding panel in the system tray, and the antivirus. However, in most cases, even if the task is forcibly terminated in the "Task Manager", it will not be possible to disable it, it will be activated again (of course, provided that the system has an intelligible application, and not some cheap scanner).
Thus, improving the performance of Windows 7 for weak computers requires that only two services remain at startup: ctfmon and the antivirus process. This is, so to speak, the perfect option.
Performance assurance
Now let's move on to the issue of Windows 7 performance. For weak computers, especially with integrated video adapters built into the motherboard, it is not recommended to use all kinds of decorations like “live” wallpapers. They simply "eat" a place in random access memory. The same applies to the themes. It is clear that many users fell in love with the “seven” for its translucent appearance (Aero theme), but this is also the consumption of “RAM”. In general, any visual effect adversely affects the operation of the system. Therefore, if you want to ensure high performance, alas, they will have to be disabled.
This can be done from the computer properties menu, where the section for additional parameters is selected. There is a speed menu (visual effects used in the system). On the corresponding tab, you can see several lines from which you should select the line for ensuring the best performance. Then, if you want, you can enable or disable effects or make changes to the current theme.
Using optimizers
If someone is too lazy to configure the system, you can use special optimizer programs like CCleaner, Advanced System Care, Glary Utilities, Windows 7 Manager, etc.
Such utilities allow you to optimize the system in automatic mode without much user intervention. In addition, almost all applications of this type have a special Live Optimize module that works in the background and provides instant acceleration when detecting excessive load on system resources in real time.
What to choose: Windows 7 or XP?
Finally, many users sooner or later have the question of choosing the “OS”. Windows 7 or XP for weak computers - which is better? In principle, there is not much difference in terms of load on resources. But if you use a special build of Windows 7 for weak computers, I think this is the best option. XP, even with the SP3 update, no matter how good it is, is hopelessly outdated. For her, even drivers and programs are no longer produced. But the choice, of course, remains solely with the user, depending on what software you need to work with.
However, there is one more nuance. If you figure it out, from the "seven" later it will be possible to switch to the "ten" (you never know, maybe Microsoft will release such an optimized version), but from the "extras" it will be impossible. So think about it, it makes sense.