Does Windows ReadyBoost Work?
While Windows ReadyBoost is rarely mentioned these days, it is still a sore subject among many geeks which makes one question why. Microsoft incorporated it in both its Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems. My following observations may offer insight as to why this program has such a low fan base.
First, when Microsoft originally introduced Windows Vista, the operating system was a resource hog that took up valuable memory space and chewed up CPU cycles like there was no tomorrow. Then Microsoft came to the realization that the crop of laptops at the time that were running Windows XP would most likely gag trying to use Windows Vista, so the company opted to add a USB or other media in an attempt to improve performance.
However, as every geek knows, nothing replaces adding more internal memory or a faster CPU. But for those without the resources or knowledge to add more memory or change out a CPU, ReadyBoost seemed to be an inexpensive fix. Unfortunately, the results were, for the most part, lackluster and performance improvements were limited, resulting in few geeks recommending ReadyBoost to their clients. That meant that, as they recommended that their clients install more RAM and/or a new CPUs, the masses for the most part simply opted to buy a new computer that had the resources to operate the Windows Vista operating system.
Then, by the time Windows 7 was released, most folks had already bought either Vista boxes, or had resigned themselves to sticking with Windows XP until they went to their grave. I was one of those who opted to take the Windows 7 plunge and upgraded from Vista, finding in the process that, since Windows 7 ran very well on my dual core 3 GB laptop, that I no longer had any use for ReadyBoost.
The bottom line is that, given a computer with enough RAM and a capable CPU, today’s modern electronic equipment running Windows 7 no longer needs ReadyBoost to improve performance.
Comments welcome.
