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Performance Testing Guide for Windows

Updated: August 18, 2009

File name: Win7Perf.docx
120 KB
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About This Download

A key goal for Windows 7 is to improve performance in common customer scenarios. To increase system responsiveness and performance, Windows 7 adapts over time to user behavior and takes advantage of the machine’s idle cycles to perform background tasks. Although Microsoft focused on making “in-box” background tasks efficient, these tasks can nevertheless create challenges for those who want to test performance in a controlled environment.

This paper provides information about running performance tests on Windows. In particular, it explains how the system adjusts its behavior and how the system services and settings affect performance measurements. By understanding these details, you can ensure consistent results and address issues during testing.

This paper is intended for hardware and software industry professionals, information technology (IT) professionals, and enthusiasts who want to understand how to measure performance on Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

This information applies to the following operating systems:
Windows 7
Windows Vista

What's New:

  • Updated for Windows 7. Includes changes for new Windows features, more detailed methodology, and reorganization.

Included in this white paper:

  • Windows Performance Testing Challenges

  • Performance Test Design Considerations

  • Effects of Hardware on Performance

  • Recommended Test Methodology

  • Best Practices

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