Windows 8 Bible

Maximizing CPU and Memory Resources

Your operating system (Windows 8) takes care of managing the CPU and memory for you. Even so, you can do some things to improve performance as it relates to your system’s memory and CPU. The following sections offer some tips.

Conserving memory

One of the best things you can do to improve your computer’s performance is to ensure that it has plenty of memory. Initially, that means making sure the computer has a sufficient amount of physical memory installed. You should consider 2GB a minimum, although Windows can run with 1GB. If you use lots of programs at once, or use applications that require a lot of memory, consider using the 64-bit version of Windows and having at least 4GB of RAM in the computer, if not more.

Having a lot of memory is part of the solution, but managing the memory you do have is equally important. You can optimize your computer’s RAM in these ways:

• Reduce the number of programs you run concurrently: If you aren’t using a program, close it to reclaim the memory it is using. You can always open it again later if you need it.
• Minimize the number of programs you install on your computer: Do you really need a program on the tray that tells you what the weather is like outside? All of the little add-on programs you install and run on your computer, even if they are running in the background, consume resources. The fewer, the better.

Reducing the number of programs running at one time not only improves performance from a memory ...