Tuesday, 28 June 2011

Technology: ReadyBoost for Windows 7 and XP



ReadyBoost for Windows 7 has been talked about for many years. At the users' level, what you need to know is that if you have unwanted USB flash drives or any other unused memory sticks, you can simply plug it in while you are running Windows 7, when a box appear you click the ReadyBoost tab and then assign the amount of space you want the computer to use as RAM. This can keep your computer fast when more RAM is needed, which is pretty cool! (More information here)

Image from compufix castle dermot
Windows 7 allow up to 256 Gb, so if you have unwanted USB drives, don't throw them away!!!

But how about Windows XP? Can we do the same on XP? This is not a new thing, since Windows XP is phasing out. but not too many people will care to find out how. I was curious, and this is what I learnt.


If you want a readable version of the instructions, click here, or read it below:


First insert a flash drive
Open up the Control Panel.
Go to "System."
Choose the advanced Tab.
In the Performances section, click on "Settings."
Choose the advanced tab there.
In the "Virtual Memory" Section, press "Change."
Select the letter corresponding to your flash drive. (Hint: It's not C.) You can let the system manage the size or customize the amount of space that you want used as virtual memory. I'm not going to use this flash drive for anything else, so I'll let the system manage it.
Make sure to Press Set once you've made your choice.
Press OK, and the changes will take effect.
Then restart your computer.
And now you have a little extra memory at no additional cost.

If you have multiple hard drives, you can similarly choose the hard drive in the last step instead of the USB Flash drive, and then restart the computer! That can also speed up your system!


Resources:
ReadyBoost @ Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ReadyBoost

Use a flash drive as memory in Windows XP @CNet
http://cnettv.cnet.com/8301-13415_53-10121584-11.html

ReadyBoost @ Microsoft
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/readyboost

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