Now you have your Windows 7 (Win 7) installed you want to make it look and work
your way. Customizing Windows 7 will take a little time because in it's
esteemed wisdom Microsoft and the programmers have hidden the tools and options
to customize your desktop, in addition there is an increase in 'security' to
keep you from customizing your desktop.
So one of the first things you need to look at is the User Account Control
(UAC) Settings. If you want to ok every change you make to your desktop leave
the settings at the default. But if you want to change the settings until you
are done then here is how you do it -
Once you have finished Customizing Windows 7 then set the UAC back to the
default settings. This way a virus can't attach to your desktop with out your
permission.
So what can you change and do you want to change it?
This is the default desktop when you start Win 7 -
Here is how much memory the OS is using prior to any changes, lets see how
much we can gain back with a few tweaks.
And how do you get to say here -
That is a reduction of 116 meg of ram being used! Just changing one thing!
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We start here -
Then choose the theme in the 'Appearance and Personalization'
You can use different theme, but if you choose another image then
the memory
usage will either drop slightly or increase, remember that the background theme
has to be in memory and refreshed periodically by the processor. Now this may
not be a big deal when you have a Core 2 Duo or Quad processor with
Hyperthreading but if you are still running a Pentium 4 it will make a big
difference. And if you open a lot of programs with windows covering the
background then what do you care about a pretty picture when you start and shut
down the computer?
For my change I have decided to go with a solid color, the fish looks cool
but the blue back ground play's havoc with my eyes.
I am selecting the Classic Color theme.
But first if you decide to change to something else here are the steps. Using
the drop down menu select your new type of theme.
The list in the drop down menu.
I picked solid colors first, the difference in resolution is apparent.
The green is semi transparent.
I have decided to use Windows Classic colors.
Now the green isn't transparent. Next I want the icons on the desktop, the
choice is very limited.
Now I have the main icons on the desktop.
Next I don't like the image that is displayed on the startup screen and the
start menu, so I select Change your account picture. (You don't have to be a
Geek to customize your Windows 7 with the
Windows 7 Ultimate Guide.)
Then I find the image I want for my new account picture.
I like this one, so I select it then press the 'Change Picture'.
Next I go to the Advanced properties and change the way Win 7 handles the
performance. I select the 'Adjust for the Best Performance' this will help with
recovering memory and processor time also.
Completed the customization, and recovered 116 meg of ram, and not noticeable
is the processor isn't working as hard.
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