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Defrag Often
Defragmenting your hard drives is recommended in all Windows OS’s, and particularly in systems running and editing large audio and multimedia files. Defragmenting your disks places the data for files next to each other (rather than fragmented throughout the disk), which speeds up reading from and writing to the disk, and increases system stability. [an error occurred while processing this directive] In Windows 2000 and XP, regular defragging offers even more benefits. XP and 2000 monitor the files that are used when the computer starts up, and when your most-used applications start. By monitoring those files the OS can “prefetch” them….meaning data that is expected to be requested is read ahead into the cache. Prefetching is improved if the files are located next to each other on the outer edge of the disk, and XP/2000 optimizes the location of these boot and application files while the computer is idle. This optimization is done in the background and lasts only a minute or two, but even this activity can cut into audio performance if Windows decides the system is “idle” at the wrong time. The defragger will run this task during disk defragmenting instead, so Windows won’t decide to do it while you’re working.
Virus and other Utilities
While virus protection software is almost a necessity for general-use systems, they often run in the background and can cause problems with audio systems. If you’re running a dedicated audio machine, it’s best to not install them at all. If your machine is connected to the web, it’s safer to protect yourself, but try to find utilities that only run when called up. System tune-up utilities are also quite useful in most circumstances, but some tend to optimize according to the needs of general usage, and can change settings that can compromise audio performance. A clean, minimal setup is your best insurance.
PlugIns and other Goodies
The Web is full of DSP PlugIns, ranging from freeware to shareware to demos of high-end packages. You’ll also find hundreds of virtual instruments in VSTi and DXi formats. While many of these are of excellent sound and quality, it’s best to carefully consider before you install. Do you really need 26 different reverb PlugIns, or ten different vocoders?
Before you install that third virtual Theremin, remember that a bigger plugs folder will contribute to slowing down your system. Install what you’ll realistically use.
XP and Win2000 Resources Stay Up to Date
If you’ve owned a computer for more than an hour you know that the world of software development moves very quickly. While you need not sink neck deep into computer geekdom, it’s a good idea to stay informed of new information, changes and updates in your OS and your audio applications. Bookmark your software manufacturers’ websites and visit them periodically. Most of the major programs also have users’ groups, where you can read and participate in current discussion with others….many times these groups are instrumental in discovering new issues and reporting them to the manufacturers.
The Internet is also a vast resource for info on the various Windows operating systems. Aside from Microsoft’s own Knowledge Base, you can find hundreds of sites dedicated to Windows XP and Windows 2000. Some deal specifically with tips for audio optimization, while others contain more general (but still very useful) information. Sites like XP-erience (www.xp-erience.org), Tweak XP (www.tweakxp.com) and Pure Performance (www.pureperformance.com) offer lots of tips on optimizing Windows for your particular needs. Websites like Tom’s Hardware (www.tomshardware.com) can keep you up to date on the newest components, and excellent electronic newsletters like Woody’s Windows Watch (www.woodyswatch.com) provide useful and very timely info on issues facing all Windows users. And if you’ve never checked out TechTV, they offer some great programming on multimedia and audio applications. Bottom line…..a bit of effort toward keeping yourself informed can save you some hair-pulling and nerves the first time you can say “oh, yeah, I know what’s causing that….
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