I saw one or more topic threads re. this topic title a long while ago and cannot find it now.

Does anyone know of any guides /resource how to configure Windows (XP or 7) for optimal DAW purpose?

The only source of guides I know are at Black Viper "BV", but his are mostly how to optimise Windows in general, not DAW specific.

Thanx.

 

Hi,here you go:

http://www.blackviper.com/service-configurations/

and forums to start with useful suggestions:

http://www.tim-carter.com/index.php?t=Optimize+Your+PC+For+Music+Production&Menu=1&SubMenuId=22&ItemId=9

http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?&m=1862515&mpage=1

http://www.focusrite.com/answerbase/en/article.php?id=1071

 

from RME:

Link collection on optimizing computer performance for audio

 

@ Dalmation,

Try to find the following CD '.iso' image :

'Windows XP Pro SP2 Digital Audio Workstation Edition' (132MB)

There's some 'Torrents' floating here and there on Internet ('Google' it).

Only one drawback perhaps, it's provided with the 'SP2' (Service Pack 2) solely, not the 'SP3'...

By cons, the 'pros' are invaluable for ONLY Audio & Music purposes :

* A Clean and stable Windows XP PRO SP2 ISO CD installation that consumes only 40MB of RAM !!!
* No need for Activation !
* No need for entering any Serial Information !
* No IExplorer, Net Services, Firewall,...

This is just a “Stripped” version of windows XP Pro, doesn’t install networking functions,... or anything that requires networking or internet.

 

Don't feel like starting a war, but I'm feeling rather wonky today. So I'll go ahead and say it................just get a Mac.

 

yea, then you can post "maaaaaaaaaac pleeeeaaase", too

 

if you are using windows xp just make sure your processor is over 2 ghz and you have at least 3 gb ram and up get the largest ram stick your pc will hold

if your using windows 7 throw that piece of shit out and get windows xp

 

Thanks all for replies so-far.

damncas - I've got an old dog laptop with XP, (1.6GHz), for testing app installs to see where they write their files around the OS etc.
Also a Win _7 laptop (i7 2nd gen.) for other general stuff - nothing serious.

Ganja_Ra - yeah but Mac's need file maintenance too. Not from my own experience but I've seel their fair share of 'utility' & 'housekeeping' apps!

 

If you want dual boot, XP has to go first.

Those Focusrite tips are about as all-encompassing as I've seen.

XP is 32bit - max 3Gb ram accessible to apps. Win7 64 bit is effectively unlimited RAM - a much better choice. I don't see the dope with XP - there's very little difference imo, and 64 bit swings it. If every CPU cycle is so critical, you need an upgrade, not a new Win-service to disable.

Dual boot and have best of both? (Except a bit of mess, and less space)

I kept XP alongside Win7 for quite a while. Pretty quickly stopped using it unless I needed a device with no W7 support. I don't buy this "XP is fab W7 is shit" myth that DAW users like to perpetuate. Don't sweat it......