setting for "typical role of this computer" in windows

[ignorus]

in windows the system->performance->file system->hard disk menu there is the option to set the "typical role" to desktop, mobile, and network server. I was wondering if there is any real performance difference between the three? I'm using Windows ME

 

[SlickVic]

If you have over 128mb RAM, set it to "network server"...it allocates more memory, and you will get a slight performace increase...not a technical answer, but that's basically what it does.

 

[SlickVic]

If you have over 128mb RAM, set it to "network server"...it allocates more memory, and you will get a slight performance increase...not a technical answer, but that's basically what it does.

 

[igiveup]

ignorus: The network server setting basically configures the computer to respond to network requests from the OS and other people on the network at a higher priority. If you play games on the internet or LAN, check this setting. Desktop is regular, plain vanilla. Laptop I wouldn't bother with as you don't need power saving enhancements for the most part right?

 

[Zach]

igiveup is wrong. It has to do with how much caching it uses -- for disks I think. Not sure, but I know it doesn't have to do with networks. SlickVic basically has it. Just do Network Server.

 

[esung]

SlickVic is correct.. the *role* setting is just different setting for the name cache and path cache. and you can set the amound yourself if you know how to edit the registry(that's what I did, set it higher then the Network Server allowed)

 

[iNo712]

Not too sure on the technical aspect of this setting, but once I set mine to "network server", my hard drive SANDRA benchmarks came out higher. I say listen to SlickVic, that is if you want the performance increase.

 

[jkersenbr]

Here's another vote for "network server". It has something to do with disk cacheing. I don't remember the numbers, but it increases the number of folders and file lists stored cached for quick retrieval. If you already have a fast system, it doesn't seem to make much difference. But on systems like stock Celerons with the FSB bottleneck, it can speed up Windows Explorer.

An easy tweak, but don't expect miracles.

 

[ignorus]

Why don't they just use that as default then? Is there any negative effects with the "network server" setting?

 

[Zenmervolt]

The only drawback that I see with "network server" role is that it requires more memory. Basically, "Desktop" is set up for computers with the minimum system for running the OS. So "network server" is not the default because it requires more available memory than the "desktop" role.

Zenmervolt

 

[Dan]

In systems with 128MB of RAM or more I always set it to Network Server. As noted by others, you get a slight performance increase.

 

[Gaetano]

I'd trust Cacheman more than Windows to manage cache settings...

just my .20 cents

Gaetano.