How to Create a Baseline for the Computer's Performance With Windows XP

1. Click on 'Start' and then click on 'Control Panel.'
2. Double-click on the 'System' icon in the Control Panel window that opens.
3. Click on the 'Advanced' tab of the System Properties dialog box that opens.
4. Click on the 'Settings' button below Performance.
5. Click on the 'Visual Effects' tab of the Performance Options dialog box that opens.
6. Click to select the 'Custom' radio button.
7. Click to select the check box for the visual effects options that you want.
8. Click on 'Advanced' tab of the Performance Options dialog box.
9. Click to select either Programs/Background services option below Processor scheduling.
10. Click to select either Programs/Background services option below Processor scheduling. If you select Programs, a greater share of the processor time will be allocated to running programs and vice-versa. Similarly select Programs/System cache below Memory usage.
11. Click on the 'Change' button below Virtual memory. You can either increase or decrease the virtual memory size.
12. Click on a drive letter below 'Drive [Volume Label],' click to select the 'Custom size' radio button, type the Initial size and Maximum size, and then click on the 'Set' button. Similarly, do for the other drives on your computer for which you want to change the Virtual Memory.
13. Click on the 'OK' button.