Introduction
In this article you will learn how to get the most out of your graphics card by installing new drivers and tweaking Windows. The guide is based around Windows XP Professional Edition but you can use the same guide to tweak other Windows operating systems.
Step 1.
The first thing you need to know what graphics card you are using. The most popular graphics card companies are nVidia and ATi. Both these companies have an excellent range of products and offer excellent service. Once you know what graphics card you are using, then head over to the companies website where you can download the latest drivers.
Drivers are software that runs your graphics card, printer or scanner correctly. Being up to date with drivers will help solve issues that may arise with modern PC games. Just recently I had to update my drivers to fix a problem I had with a game I recently purchased, and this solved my problem.
OK once you have downloaded your drivers for your graphics card make sure you create a restore point using the utility System Restore. This can be done my click Start->Programs->Accessories->System Tools and then System Restore. Then follow the on screen instructions to create the restore point. By doing this it makes sure that if a problem occurs after you installed the new drivers, you can return to the restore point to see if the problem is the drivers you installed.
Once you've finished creating your restore point, you need to install your drivers. This can done by double clicking on the file you downloaded and then you follow the on screen instructions. After you've installed your drivers you will have to restart Windows so the changes can take effect.
If everything goes according to plan you should see an increase in performance in your games and you will not need to go back to your restore point. If you do have problems, use your restore point to go back and fix the problems. If the problem persists, then contact the company that made your graphics card.
Step 2.
Make sure you have the latest version of DirectX. This can be done by going onto the Microsoft website http://www.microsoft.com and searching DirectX. Once you've downloaded the latest version, you will need to create another restore point. One person I know installed the latest version of DirectX and then had problems afterwards, and because they didn't create a restore point they couldn't fix the problem and so they needed to reformat their computer to solve the problem. Again to create a restore point, go to Start->Programs->Accessories->System Tools and then System Restore.
Once you've created the restore point install the latest version of DirectX by double clicking on the file you just downloaded. Follow the on screen instructions and once you've finished you will have to restart your Windows.
Step 3.
In this step I will guide you through tweaking Windows XP. The first step will be changing the performance of Windows, to do this right-click on My Computer and then Properties->Advanced->Performance->Settings and select 'Adjust for best Performance'.
The next step is to change your Themes, so right-click on your desktop and select Properties. Under the Themes tab set your theme to Windows Classic.
About The Author
I run a small PC gaming website called Gaming Archive. I'm currently a student in England studying ICT. steve.hames@gaming-archive.com
| PHP Error Message |
 World News | Today's guide to the UM and MSU games Detroit Free Press The chance to beat Ohio State, to snap a five-game series slide, to become bowl eligible, to stop a six-game Big Ten slide and instill a calming presence ... Weekend Forecast - Week 12 Hayes' Week 12 picks: Ohio State dominance over Michigan will continue Ohio State vs. Michigan College Football Odds |
 ChicagoBears.com | Some wonder if quarterback's diabetes plays a part ESPN But given the question that prompted his disgust -- did he feel the Bears' struggles in night games this season were merely a coincidence? ... Fantasy Football: Cutler creating headaches |
Randall Cobb's status: game-time decision Atlanta Journal Constitution Kentucky coach Rich Brooks said after practice Thursday that it'll be a game-time decision whether to play Cobb, the wide receiver/quarterback/kick returner ... |
 AFP | Scouting report: Ravens vs. Colts Baltimore Sun Colts run defense: During the past four games, Ray Rice has averaged 74.5 yards rushing and has scored five touchdowns. Teams have had success lately ... Week 11 NFL Preview (part one) | Indianapolis Colts (9-0) at Baltimore Ravens ... Colts Vs Ravens Preview: Ray of "Lite" |
 New York Times | Ten things to watch ESPN With only three Saturdays to go in the 2009 regular season, you'd expect a buffet of games with serious postseason implications. ... Heath's Remote - Week 12 A smattering of games that matter |
 Globe and Mail | Magic Hand Celtics 3rd Loss In 4 Games Hartford Courant "This type of basketball game, you don't want to let down." Rashard Lewis had 16 points and 10 rebounds, Dwight Howard had 15 boards and Mickael Pietrus ... Celtics lose for the third time in four games, falling to the Magic Wake-up call Celtics Battle Streaking Magic |
Cal wants it to be a keeper San Jose Mercury News Cal has won 45 Big Games, and last year's ranks right up there in the satisfaction department. That's because the Bears' loss the year ... |
 Washington Times | Westbrook could miss three games ESPN Brian Westbrook is expected to miss at least two to three games as he recovers from his second concussion in 20 days, Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid ... Eagles Notes: Westbrook to miss next three games Biggs: Westbrook out for next three games, at least |
 The Star-Ledger - NJ.com | Last 10 Patriots-Jets games Boston Globe The Patriots hold to 2-0 advantage in the playoffs and in the last ten games it's been the Patriots who have held the clear advantage. ... No one will be smiling on Jets-Pats sidelines Tom Brady Receives Little Blame for Loss to the Colts: Big Surprise! Bad time to be playing Patriots |
 New York Daily News | New Jersey Nets eye first win as point guard Devin Harris returns to lineup New York Daily News Devin Harris has been about as useful to the Nets over the last 10 games as the fans scattered throughout the Meadowlands stands. And like those fans, ... Harris Ready to Return, Lee Game Away Nets' Harris to return Saturday Devin Harris, Marv Albert, and a must-win matinee |
|
home | site map
©2008 - All Rights Reserved by
|
