Does using the classic theme for Windows XP or using "no background" really save RAM?

Question

My computer seems to work a lot faster this way? Does this really help you save RAM while running your computer?

Answer 1

Save RAM - yes (because more images and effects are loaded into RAM). But you won't notice a difference as long as you run atleast 512MB RAM.

There are other windows xp enhancements you can disable to make it more responsive:

Right-Click "My Computer" > "Properties" > "Advanced" > Under "Performance" click "Settings." > In the "Visual Effects" tab you can uncheck certain visual effects (such as drop shadows on menus) to make your system a bit more snappy.

Here's one I like: remove the delay of the start menu. By default there is a 400ms delay when you click the start menu/sub menus and when they appear. This feels sluggish. If you want them to appear instantly (yeah!!), you'll need to edit a registry key. This is not something you should try if you're unfamiliar with the registry. I will just post the registry path and which string to change:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

Change the string value "MenuShowDelay" from 400 to something lower. You can try 50 or if you want an instant menu, try 0.

Answer 2

Yes, I have a laptop running Windows XP but only 128mb of ram. I made the theme Windows Classic, and the computer doesn't lag as much.

Answer 3

Yes, it most certainly can. Not a whole lot, but eyah, defiantly.

The basic ones are already in the OS (I believe), so they can be accesed very quickly and easily by the kernel. All other custom ones, need to be routed. No background, is even better as it is jsut a pixel color.

O, and never try GIF (animated) backgrounds ;) They take alot of RAM out =P

Hope that helped
Matt

Answer 4

I don't see why it would make too much of a difference. If your computer has something like 350 MB of RAM, either theme should be fine.

Answer 5

Does it really save RAM? Yes
The computer seems to work faster this way? It depends on how much RAM you have.

Answer 6

how swiftly is your workstation? i.e how plenty RAM and how many GHz? to detect this out, suited-click on the My workstation icon, bypass to properties, and interior the final Tab it is going to inform you. you ought to deploy service p.c.. 2 for protection motives. you may would desire to purchase greater RAM. what style of information superhighway connection do you have? intense-velocity or are you making use of dial-up? Anti-virus application slows down desktops on commence-up each and every from time to time. you're able to would desire to reformat to velocity issues up. that's what I had to do while mine replaced into getting fairly sluggish.

Answer 7

Not that much but yes.