MS Vista Update Shows Performance Still Top Issue

Microsoft Vista Update Shows Performance Still Top Issue

According to a recent article in Computerworld, Microsoft released a new Windows Vista update, specifically designed to boost performance in the new operating system proving that performance remains a top concern for computer sites. Issues addressed by the "performance booster" update are speed of wake-up from hibernation and quicker time calculation for the movement of large files.

Performance problems can have many sources, from insufficient memory to outdated chipsets. However one prime source of degraded performance is disk file fragmentation. Performance issues as slow boot-up, sluggish web browsing, slow application loading and delayed file access regularly trouble users and IT personnel alike, and many of these problems are directly related to file fragmentation.

Fragmentation on the server can cause further-reaching issues due to the high-volume access of server data. High-speed access to databases and CRM applications is obviously crucial for company personnel and, through the Web, directly by the public. CRM applications, once only used for internal employees on the phone, now interface with Web applications so that customers and employees can interact with the company online. Databases such as SQL must be instantly responsive, as these interface with the Web as well. Now add remote office and employee remote access, and a server can become quickly overwhelmed. As a key performance issue, file fragmentation must be kept under control on server disks at all times.

Because of exponentially increasing disk capacity and ever-increasing file sizes, fragmentation occurs at higher-than-ever rates. Hence it is not only important to employ a defragmentation solution; particular attention should be paid to the defragmentation technology as well, especially in regard to site volume and requirements. For most sites, manual defragmentation is no longer an option due to fragmentation levels and time required for a defragmenter to run. There are defragmenters available with scheduling options which allow defragmentation to be set for specific times.

However in the last few years scheduled defragmentation is becoming out-of-date as it cannot keep up with fragmentation rates and disk sizes, and evolution of defragmentation technology that will work constantly in the background has begun to appear.

Performance remains a constant concern to both home users and IT personnel. As a basic function when tracing performance problems, file fragmentation should always be checked and regular defragmentation performed on all disks, especially those of servers.

ENDS

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