Add Sparkle to your PC

Database News - Wednesday December 19, 2007

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Add Sparkle to your PC

WANDA SLOAN

The only way I can think to summarise SparkleXP is to say that it strips down Windows to its basics, but beefs up performance to get the most out of what you've got.

That's not the complete summary, though, because one of the major points of this software is that you decide what to leave out and what to improve. In the end, you almost certainly will have a faster and more responsive Windows session.

The program works by installing a new hardware profile under the hood of Windows XP. It then turns this into a separate Windows login, so that when you need your system to work fast, and allow few distractions, this is the setup you use. SparkleXP does not adjust, play with or eliminate any of your existing logins. You can get back to your usual session by rebooting and logging on to Windows as you always do.

When you install SparkleXP, the program walks you through a setup wizard. At this point, you tell SparkleXP what is important to you, such as whether you need your Internet connection. Hint: You don't, if you are on a deadline for completing the company report and can't afford to be distracted by the Sanook.com election forum or the like.

When you reboot the computer after installation, choose the SparkleXP login and see your lightweight, clear desktop.

What I like about this sort of tweak to your system is that it has no cost. What you always had and liked is totally available. SparkleXP is merely another choice.

Working (or playing; this could be a gamer's dream) within the SparkleXP atmosphere is not a whole lot different, either. You don't have 42 desktop icons and most of the other distractions are gone.

One of the best features is that you can right click on the program you want to use, and choose to run it in High Priority. This adds undeniable zip to a lot of the bigger programs such as word processors, spreadsheets and graphics software. With little else in the background, High Priority means your CPU is giving full attention to your work.

And how much does SparkleXP really give you? While I was installing SparkleXP, my Windows Task Manager (Ctrl-Alt-Del) showed I had 37 background processes running. After rebooting with SparkleXP I had 14.

Have a look at the program at its open source site or home page at http://www.sparklexp.com. Email: wandas@post.com

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