CLI312: Vista System Performance Enhancements

This session I just got out of covered several new technologies in Vista when it comes to performance. These technologies include: SuperFetch, ReadyBoost, and ReadyDrive.

SuperFetch is a memory management technology that optimizes the memory based on usage patterns over time. It monitors (in a way) memory usage patterns and takes into account frequency of page usage, etc. So, for example, if the memory knows that I launch Groupwise every morning when i login, it will know to go ahead and put Groupwise in cache so it will not take so long to bring up, optimizing the memory usage.

ReadyBoost allows flash memory to serve as cache for SuperFetch. This allows you to stick a USB storage key (compact flash card, sony memory sticks, etc will work too) to give your system more caching space for faster performance. For Example, if i stick a 1GB USB Memory stick in, it will look like 2GB to the system due to compression. I got to see a demo of this showing load times, etc and it cut the load times of applications by 50% or more. Very interesting technology. Also, a concern was brought up about security if this flash drive, etc was knocked out or stolen. If it accidentally gets removed, Vista automatically reverts back to the way it was prior to the extra cache being added (aka slower). All data (cache) written to the usb or other storage devices are encrypted using AES128.

ReadyDrive is a hard drive technology that will allow for faster boots, etc by minimizing disk seeks and enabling more IOs per second. It also will allow for better battery life by not spinning up the hard drive as often.

Pretty cool technology on the horizons for Vista.