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Virtual memory
Windows defaults to setting virtual memory automatically. Under most circumstances this is fine, but for audio it can sometimes be a hindrance to performance. If you want to set virtual memory (sometimes referred to as Page Swap or Swap File) manually, go to Control Panel/System and select the Advanced tab. Under Performance, click the Settings button and select the Advanced tab. Under Virtual Memory, click the Change button. Enter the desired values in the boxes and click okay.
A good basic rule of thumb is to set Virtual Memory at about 1.5 to 2 times the amount of RAM in your computer, up to 512 MB. (If you’ve got 512 MB RAM, set Virtual Memory to 512.) Enter the same value in Minimum and Maximum fields. It’s also a good idea to defrag your drive after changing Virtual Memory. If you have access to a third party defragging utility (like System Suite, Disk Keeper, etc.), it’s preferable to defrag with it, rather than Windows defrag utility, which doesn’t do a true reorder of the swap file.
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NOTE: Some users advise disabling virtual memory for increased performance. We do not recommend this unless you have at least 512 MB of RAM. Even then, note that this is not practical for all systems, as it can tend to make some machines less stable. That said, if you choose to disable virtual memory you can do so on the same page (Control Panel/System/Advanced).
Fast user switching
Windows NT and 2000 introduced a new feature – multiple user logons. While mainly intended for use in corporate networks (allowing multiple users to access the same machine), it is also useful for creating multiple profiles (e.g., general use, audio-optimized, etc).
Windows XP takes the multiple users concept a step further, allowing for fast switching between user profiles without logging off the first user. (The applications in use by the first user will remain active until that user logs off, or until the computer is shut down.) While this is a great feature for large corporate networks, it’s a big resource hog for your audio machine. All those applications running in the background require some degree of CPU usage, as well as RAM.
To disable this feature, go to Control Panel, and under “User Accounts” click on “Change the way users log on and off” and uncheck “fast user switching.”
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