Adding system memory (typically referred to as RAM) is
often the best way to improve a PC's performance, since more memory
means more applications are ready to run without accessing the hard
drive. However, upgrading memory can be difficult and costly, and some
machines have limited memory expansion capabilities, making it
impossible to add RAM.
Windows Vista includes Windows
ReadyBoost, a concept in adding memory to a system. You can use
non-volatile flash memory, such as that on a universal serial bus (USB)
flash drive, to improve performance without having to add additional
memory "under the hood."
ReadyBoost is present, with fewer restrictions than in Vista, in the beta version of Windows 7.
The flash memory device serves as an additional memory
cache—that is, memory that the computer can access much more quickly
than it can access data on the hard drive. Windows ReadyBoost relies on
the intelligent memory management of Windows Superfetch and can significantly improve system responsiveness.
It's
easy to use Windows ReadyBoost. When a removable memory device such as
a USB flash drive or a secure digital (SD) memory card is first
inserted into a port, Windows Vista checks to see if its performance is
fast enough to work with Windows ReadyBoost. If so, you are asked if
you want to use this device to speed up system performance. You can
choose to allocate part of a USB drive's memory to speed up performance
and use the remainder to store files.
Getting ReadyBoost set up and working on a Windows Vista computer is
extremely simple. First, insert an empty USB drive into the computer's
USB2.0 slot and Windows Vista will do a quick test to make sure the
device is ReadyBoost compatible. It's a good idea to move all your data
off the USB drive before setting it to function in ReadyBoost.
The AutoPlay window should pop up, if not open up "My Computer"
then right click on the USB device and go to "Properties". Click the
"ReadyBoost" tab. From there check the "Use this device" radio box and
then use the "Space to reserve for system speed:" slider to assign how
much space you want to assign to ReadyBoost. Once that's done click
"OK" or "Apply" and you're set!
Doing this will create a ReadyBoost file that is placed in the root directory
of the USB drive, in the size that you assigned previously. If you do not devote
100% of the drive space to ReadyBoost, you can still use the remaining free
space for storage.
ReadyBoost
serves as a repository for non-critical files only, so you can remove
the USB stick at any time without having to worry about corrupting
system files, or crashing the entire computer. Reinserting the USB
drive into the computer will allow it to reassume its ReadyBoost
abilities automatically.