Using Windows 7’s Performance Options

While all the performance tools are available individually throughout the system,
Windows 7 introduces a nice list of available tools, if you can find it. To unearth the listing, first type performance info into Start Menu Search and press Enter. In the Performance Information and Tools view, click Advanced Tools in the left-hand pane. You will now see a listing, of all available performance-related tools within Windows.


Windows 7 Performance Tools
Clear all Windows Experience Indexscores and re-rate the system
Re-assesses system performance and generates a new Windows Experience Index (WEI) score. You would typically run this after installing newer, faster hardware components (for example, a video card).

View performance details in Event Log
Provides insight into any performance-related warnings or errors. Unfortunately, clicking this link does not open the Event Viewer with Performance Information upfront. You need to navigate to Applications and Services Logs -> Microsoft -> Windows -> Diagnostics Performance, and then click Operational.

Open Performance Monitor
Enables you to view and gather performance data, either in real time or from a log file, and generate reports.

Open Resource Monitor
Enables you to view information about hardware (for example, CPU, memory, and so on) and software (for example, handles) resources in real time.

Open Task Manager
Infamous tool that enables you to display (and, more important, kill) running programs, processes, and services. It also provides network status and basic performance information.

View advanced system details in SystemInformation
Enables you to view details about your computer’s hardware configuration, computer components, and software, including drivers. Very handy and can even be run via the Command Prompt.

Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows
Enables you to tweak visual effects, processor and memory usage, and virtual memory settings. We’ll be using this tool in the next section.

Open Disk Defragmenter
Rearranges bits of files and folders on your disk (defragments) for faster, more efficient hard disk access. With solid-state drives on the rise, the usefulness of this tool is declining.

Generate a system health report
Analyzes your system from top to bottom and provides a very thorough report on various performance warnings and problems detected. If you suspect performance issues, run this tool first.

Source of Information : Wiley Windows 7 Secrets (2009)