Optimizing Windows 2000 and Windows XP for Audio Introduction................................................................................................................................. 2 Deciding on an OS..................................................................................................................... 3 Windows XP ­ Home or Professional? ................................................................................. 3 Hardware requirements ......................................................................................................... 3 Update or fresh install? .......................................................................................................... 4 Give it Time.............................................................................................................................. 4 Preparing for installation............................................................................................................ 5 Installation................................................................................................................................... 6 Formatting your Hard Disk ..................................................................................................... 6 Booting from CD ..................................................................................................................... 7 Setup Tweaks ­ Things to Do During the Install ....................................................................... 7 FAT32 vs. NTFS.......................................................................................................................... 7 ACPI ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Dual Boot ................................................................................................................................. 9 Mass Storage Devices............................................................................................................ 9 Multiple Users ........................................................................................................................ 10 Updates and service packs ................................................................................................ 10 System Performance Tweaks ­ Stuff to Do After Installing................................................... 11 Windows Messenger ............................................................................................................ 11 Display properties................................................................................................................. 12 Windows Sounds ................................................................................................................... 14 System Restore...................................................................................................................... 15 Performance ......................................................................................................................... 15 Virtual memory ..................................................................................................................... 16 Fast user switching................................................................................................................ 17 Auto Start and System Services .......................................................................................... 18 Disk I/O Performance Logging ........................................................................................... 20 Write Behind Caching .......................................................................................................... 20 UDMA/ATA Mode for Hard Drives ....................................................................................... 20 Separate Drives ­ How and Where..................................................................................... 21 Defrag Often.......................................................................................................................... 22 Virus and other Utilities......................................................................................................... 22 PlugIns and other Goodies.................................................................................................. 23 XP and Win2000 Resources..................................................................................................... 23 Stay Up to Date ..................................................................................................................... 23 Introduction Many of our users have asked us for an update on Dave Casey's excellent article on PC optimization for audio. They've observed that, while the hardware info in the article is useful for all PC users, the article is heavily focused on Windows 98 and Windows ME, the dominant operating systems when the article was written. As more and more PC's ship with Windows XP, we've prepared this addendum to address those users' needs. It's strongly suggested that you also read Dave's original document, as much of the information contained within is useful to all Windows users. (You can find it on the TASCAM website at www.tascam.com/support/faq/pc_optimize/index.php) This article will focus specifically on the particulars of these two Windows operating systems, Windows 2000 and Windows XP. Some basic background: Windows 2000 and XP are based on the Windows NT kernel. (The kernel is the basic set of coding "building blocks" upon which the operating system is built.) Windows 98 and Millennium Edition (ME) are based on the Windows 95 kernel. Windows 95 had its beginnings as a consumer-oriented operating system, aimed at users running word processing, games and web browsers. Windows NT, on the other hand, was designed for information technology and network connectivity, and is widely regarded as being a more robust and stable operating system. Since Microsoft originally marketed Windows NT and 2000 as its business solutions, Windows 2000's user base is largely made up of corporate users who value its ability to create and maintain large networks of computers. There are, however, considerable numbers of audio and multimedia users who praise Win2K's stability and use it by choice. In contrast, Microsoft is marketing XP as its "OS for everyone" by offering Home and Professional versions. Anyone contemplating the purchase of a new computer will undoubtedly find it preloaded with XP, and many users of W98-based operating systems are making the switch as well. The main reason cited by most users is system stability: Audio and other multimedia applications require more precise timing, with processing and input/output speeds much higher than the needs of typical computer users' applications. Windows 2000 and XP are simply more efficient in the way they process system tasks, and that's a critical factor in system stability and dependability. The majority of Windows 2000 users have been using Windows 2000 for some time now, whereas XP is still a relatively new player, with more users actively seeking solutions to common issues. Consequently we've tired to focus a bit more toward XP where differences exist. One final note: as with most computer-based technologies, there are far too many variables and changing conditions to predict how your own hardware and software combinations will compare. This is intended purely as a guide, and your mileage may indeed vary. 2 Deciding on an OS Should you opt for Windows 2000 or a version of XP? Windows 2000 has been around longer and many pros consider it more stable. It's true that XP's still working out some of the kinks, but by and large it's proving to be pretty robust. W2k has had more time in use, thus benefits from more users' problem reports and (hopefully) the resulting fixes. Chances are, if you've bought a new computer within the last year, it's already got XP installed. This pretty much makes the decision for you. But don't worry too much, since most applications are now tuned to run on XP, as is most current audio hardware. In fact, some of the problems and bugs encountered during the last year of WDM audio drivers development are fixed in XP. In any case, it's doubtful you'll encounter any major problems with either OS. As Microsoft continues to develop and market XP it's likely we'll see support for Win9x begin to diminish over time. (In fact, the latest updates for some audio applications have reduced MME support in favor of the more efficient WDM protocol, and these app's may not run as efficiently in MME mode under Windows 9x.) Windows XP ­ Home or Professional? Assuming you're going with XP, you've got a choice of two versions. For the most part, the differences between the Home and Professional versions of XP have little relevance to the audio user. XP Professional contains much more by way of networking and connectivity, features absent from XP Home. As a basic rule of thumb, if you're not planning on using your computer for any network based functions, the Home edition should serve your needs. Hardware requirements With each new Windows OS the amount of horsepower needed increases, and XP is no exception. While Microsoft recommends a minimum 300 MHz processor, in truth XP needs at least a 600 MHz CPU to keep its wheels from dragging on takeoff. Likewise with memory: while XP will run on Microsoft's recommended minimum of 128 MB, for serious audio use 256 MB is the recommended minimum. If you plan on running any virtual instruments or PlugIns go for at least 512 MB. (While some older motherboards don't support more than 512 MB, the more recent ones allow a gigabyte or more.) XP will also demand a larger hard drive; Microsoft recommends a minimum of 1.5 GB of disk space for the operating system alone. (Actually, about 10-15 GB is recommended for all the system files it needs to run.) As with any audio-based system, a separate drive or drives for audio will dramatically increase your track count. 3 Update or fresh install? Generally speaking, a fresh install on a wiped hard drive is the best insurance against potential problems; leftover registry items and other orphaned legacy files can lurk in your system for months, only to cause unanticipated conflicts with a newly-installed program or driver at a later date. Unless you are upgrading from Windows 2000 to XP, a fresh install is recommended. Give it Time When preparing to install a new Operating System, it's best to make sure you've got the time to do it right. The process of formatting the drive, installing the software, new drivers, and all your programs is one that can take several hours. Try to plan a time when you can focus on the task at hand without major distractions, if possible, and aren't likely to be pulled away mid-install or tempted to skip a step.....what might appear to be an insignificant item at first glance could end up causing you major aggravation down the line, so it's best to lay this foundation right before putting the computer into regular service. 4 Preparing for installation Even after confirming that the computer you want to install XP or 2000 on meets Microsoft's recommended minimum specifications, you still may wish to do a little more investigating before you attempt an install or an upgrade, to make sure that all of your hardware is compatible with Windows XP or 2000. There are two valuable Microsoft resources that you should employ before installing Windows XP or 2000 on your existing hardware: the Hardware Compatibility List (www.microsoft.com/hcl/default.asp), and the Windows Upgrade Advisor (www.microsoft.com/WINDOWSXP/home/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp). Together these applications review your system hardware and existing software and deliver a list of potential compatibility problems. These are divided into two basic categories: critical incompatibilities (those which would prevent XP from running, e.g. an outdated motherboard), and compatibility warnings (hardware and/or software which might not function correctly after upgrading ­ these might require you to reinstall the program or driver, or update your version to a Win2k or XP compatible version). If you are connected to the Internet while running Upgrade Advisor, Windows will offer to retrieve and install any available updates. Fig 1 ­ Microsoft's Upgrade Advisor page It's also a good idea to check and see if there is a BIOS update for your motherboard, especially if it contains any fix regarding ACPI or Windows 2000/XP, and flash it following the instructions from the manufacturer. 5 Before you begin the install, it's a good idea to download all necessary drivers for your PC hardware from the Internet. Pay particular attention to drivers for your graphics adapter, and any audio and MIDI interfaces. As well, make sure your printer, CD burner and any ...