Evaluate the Performance of a Computer System (CS3 - M3)

Although the standard settings for the Microsoft Windows XP system are suitable for most users, there are users who prefer to customise and configure certain settings within their computer. For example, some users find that although the standard theme is pretty, it is not helping to speed up their system. Therefore some users find that changing the theme to the original windows theme speeds up the system as the graphic interface card does not work as hard when loading simple items such as menus and new windows. Similarly, simply changing the screen resolution of the system can allow easier viewing of the screen to less visually pleased users. People with bad eyesight who need a magnified screen would prefer a higher screen resolution as the items on the monitor are larger and easier to view (even though room is lost from the screen as existing items are enlarged).

Similarly, checking that the correct drivers installed for the devices connected to the computer is necessary to ensure that they are working to the optimum settings. Updating the drivers can be performed through the device manager which can be found by right-clicking the ‘My Computer’ icon and selecting the Properties option.