Making Windows 7 Faster and Smaller

Windows 7 is a great improvement over its predecessors and is proving to be more successful, easier-to-use, and more reliable than Windows Vista.
 
Even though Windows 7 is a huge step forward I have found that there are always tweaks and tricks that can be applied to streamline user experience. The same was the

1 Enable God Mode In Windows 7

Windows 7 has a hidden “god mode” folder structure that allows you to easily access customization settings right from your desktop. The name God Mode was taken from the classic game by ID software Doom, it was a cheat code that allowed you to play the game as an indestructible war machine. The Windows 7 version of God mode might not be as cool, but it is pretty powerful.
 

Enable God Mode in Windows 7 Video Tutorial

Step 1:

Create a new desktop folder
 

 

Step 2

Rename it to:
 
GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
 

 

Step 3:

With the god mode file created on your Windows 7 desktop you can now access core Windows configuration and administrative controls right from your desktop
 

2 Run Windows 7 Applications on Ram

Running applications directly from RAM as opposed to your hard drive is much faster. RAMDisk is a windows application that lets you do this easily and quickly by creating a virtual RAM drive, allowing for faster load times and compiling.
 

Run Windows 7 Applications on Ram Video Tutorial

3 Remove Duplicate Files In Windows

Duplicate files and folders can quickly consume disk space, and cuter workflow. Anti-Twin is a free software application that identifies and removes duplicate files in Windows. Install locally, or on a USB flash drive.
 

Remove Duplicate Files In Windows Video Tutorial

4 Log Off Windows 7 Faster with GPE

 
Eliminate slow log off speeds on a domain, or local network. Remove unused user accounts after a set amount of days with Windows 7 Group Policy Editor, this works especially well when roaming profiles are enabled within Active Directory.

Log Off Windows 7 Faster with GPE Video Tutorial

Step 1:

 
To access the group policy editor in Windows 7 click start -> run -> and paste the following:
 
gpedit.msc
 

 

Step 2:

In Group Policy Settings choose the following options: Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> User Profiles
 

 

Step 3:

In the right pane right click “Delete user profiles than a specified number of days on system restart” and select edit. Select enable, and choose the number of days before windows purges unused user accounts.
 

 

Sharing Your Windows 7 Workflow

I have come across these tips in my day to day operations. Either by troubleshooting client workstations or servers or by trying to find ways to increase efficacy in my own workflow. Like any other work flow procedures I have found it important to document my steps for future reference, if you have a different approach or methodology I would love to hear you.