Posts Tagged ‘Windows 7’

Tech Tuesdays: Spring Cleaning for your PC Part 2 – Optimizing Windows Start-up

By Mike Robinson

When Windows boots up, it loads a number of programs automatically.  This is done to speed up the individual program, but it can have a negative effect overall of slowing down your entire system. Over time, as you install more programs the list of these programs grows.

The key to Windows starting quickly is to reduce the number of unnecessary start-up programs by disabling them. 

If you use Windows XP:

Use the following steps to disable the unwanted programs at start-up:

  1. Click on Start->Run
  2. Type “msconfig” and click OK. (This will bring up the Microsoft System Configuration Utility.)
  3. In the System Configuration Utility, Click the tab called Start-up.
  4. You can uncheck any programs that you do not want running when windows starts.
  5. Once you are done unchecking programs, Click Okay. You will be prompted to restart your computer at this point.

For Windows Vista / Windows 7 

  1. Open up msconfig (use Vista Start Menu’s Instant Search feature: just press the Windows key and type ‘System’ and the hit return).
  2. Click the Startup tab.
  3. Now you can uncheck any programs that you do not want running at Windows Vista startup and click OK.

To disable auto-start applications with Windows Defender:

  1. Open up Windows Defender.
  2. Click on “Tools” in the top menu bar.
  3. Click on “Software Explorer”.
  4. Hit “Show for All Users”.
  5. Select an application and then click either Remove or Disable.

Some examples of programs that are safe to disable:

  • AOLLaunch – Associated with AOL instant messenger
  • DVDLauncher – A process belonging to the Cyberlink PowerCinema video viewing software which allows you to play DVDs on insertion
  • EHTray – A process is the tray bar process for the Microsoft Media Center
  • AOLSoftware – A process that is associated with AOL instant messenger
  • ISUSPM – A process that belongs InstallShield from Macrovision. The process automatically checks for the latest updates online.
  • iTunesHelper – A process belonging to iTunes MP3 streaming tool by Apple, which allows you to play MP3′s. This process speeds up iTunes when it starts, and the program also monitors for connected iPod devices.
  • Mimboot.exe – A process associated with eMusicmatch Jukebox. The process makes sure that Musicmatch is launched when starting up the system.
  • Msmsgs – Associated with Windows Messenger
  • RealPlay – Associated with Real Player
  • Steam – This is a gaming interface. No need for it to always start up.
  • YMETray – Associated with Yahoo Music
  • GoogleDesktop – If you don’t want google desktop to startup, you can disable this.

The more programs you diable the faster your system will be at startup.

TIP: Use Google and search for program names you see running to determine whether or not it is safe to disable them

Next time – Part 3 Defragging and Hard Drive optimization

Mike Robinson is a Purchasing Manager specializing in Computer Hardware for Staples Canada.

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Performing the steps in this post does not actually remove the program from your system. The program can still be launched in the normal way. If you are uncomfortable trying the optimization process, you can take your computer to any STAPLES  location where one of our in-store STAPLES easytech technicians can help you.

Posted by Lynnette in Technology on March 16th, 2010

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Am I ready for Windows 7? – Part Two

By: Mike Robinson

After only a few hours operating Windows 7, I was sold. Right from the get-go, the experience was startling. I performed a clean install of Windows 7 on my Core 2 Duo notebook and was shocked when it took only about 25 minutes to complete. On the same notebook, Vista took close to an hour to install.

When the installation was finished, every single device was recognized. Windows 7 found everything and installed the appropriate driver automatically. I didn’t have to spend hours scouring the Internet to try and find drivers for my printer or scanner either. (Who actually keeps driver CDs right?) With Vista, I would have spent hours trying to find drivers for everything.

The second thing I noticed was how little space on the hard drive Windows 7 consumed. It was less than half of what Vista had hogged on the same system.

When I first installed Windows 7 Professional on my PC, I was expecting a shiny new version of Windows Vista. What I discovered was an operating system that delivered on what Vista couldn’t. The computer seemed to run smoother on Windows 7 than Vista. Things seemed snappier and much more responsive. All of my drivers and devices worked.

I have been running 7 now for several months and so far, no crashes, no blue-screens. No issues whatsoever. So far, I have been extremely impressed.

As I said before, most businesses did not make the move to Vista because of the incompatibilities with legacy hardware and software. The biggest development with Windows 7, however, is its ability to run in “XP-Mode.” If you have software that can only run on an XP machine, Windows 7 has the ability to run any XP application in a virtual XP environment. You just need to make sure that your PC supports the feature. You also need Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate to take advantage of this feature. So, should you upgrade or not?

In the past, I would have recommended that most people wait for at least six to twelve months before making the switch. Wait for the first service pack so that any major bugs are ironed out. Stick with what is working for you.

That said, Windows 7 is truly impressive. On today’s newer hardware, it’s faster, more reliable and more secure than XP. I see no reason why anyone wouldn’t feel at ease making the move to Windows 7.

Have you tried Windows 7 yet? If so, tell us what you think.

 

Mike Robinson is a Purchasing Manager specializing in Computer Hardware for Staples Canada.

Posted by Lynnette in Technology on January 20th, 2010

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Am I ready for Windows 7? – Part One

By: Mike Robinson

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You still have Windows XP on your machine because you heard all the negative hype surrounding Windows Vista. From the software and hardware incompatibilities, to the overall clumsiness of Vista, many businesses continue to use XP today because it just plain works. You may have been one of the unfortunate people who tried Vista, only to revert back to XP, wasting hundreds of dollars in the process.

Enter Windows 7—It’s been a little over three months since the launch and you’ve been hearing so much positive hype around this new operating system from Microsoft. But you are still very skeptical. After all, Vista was supposed to be the next big thing. It promised a faster, safer, more secure experience and it caused you nothing but headaches. The last thing you want is to go through that again.

Windows 7, however, has changed the game.

When I first installed Windows 7 on my laptop, I, too, was skeptical. I mean, it’s only been two-and-a-half years, and now here’s another version of Windows? I had toyed with Vista on and off, trying to make a go of it, but always found myself going back to XP for its compatibility, familiarity, reliability and speed.

But after a few hours with Windows 7, I was sold.

(Stay tuned… Part Two continues tomorrow.)

What did you think of Windows Vista? Tell us about your experiences.

 

Mike Robinson is a Purchasing Manager specializing in Computer Hardware for Staples Canada.

Posted by Lynnette in Technology on January 19th, 2010

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