TS2009 & Windows Aero

[Approach_Medium]

Hi;
I just upgraded from Win XP to Win 7 Ultimate.
By default, the features of Windows Aero are turned on. I love the desktop of Aero, but wondering whether having it is reducing performance in TS2009_SP2.

Can anyone suggest whether or not I should turn Aero off?

Thanks

FW

 

[StorkNest]

I can only suggest based on Vista though I am curious if this is the same in Win7 or did they improve it.
Aero was supposed to be the, "cool new look." But it does use more resources. Turning it off improved several things.
Now that's Vista with a computer bought last May.
You should also ask on Microsoft's board and another forum where there are significant users of Win7 to get a broader amount of responses and see if it also affects non-Trainz items. Microsoft's Communities is actually helpful in this regard, I used it in similar fashoin when trying IE8RC and the official release since I had a display problem with it.

 

[Approach_Medium]

I can only suggest based on Vista though I am curious if this is the same in Win7 or did they improve it.
Aero was supposed to be the, "cool new look." But it does use more resources. Turning it off improved several things.
Now that's Vista with a computer bought last May.
You should also ask on Microsoft's board and another forum where there are significant users of Win7 to get a broader amount of responses and see if it also affects non-Trainz items. Microsoft's Communities is actually helpful in this regard, I used it in similar fashoin when trying IE8RC and the official release since I had a display problem with it.

Thanks for the info. I have been using MS Tech forum, but haven't posted about Aero there yet.
My system is nearly 5yrs old, with a GeForce 9800 512MB video, and single core 3.4Ghz P4.
I think I can use all the resources I can get, so keeping things like Aero turned off should do me more good than harm.
It sure does look nice though; Maybe my next machine will have enough resources to keep all of the eye candy and the performance as well.

FW

 

[JCitron]

Overall W7 is a really great operating system regarding the mix and balance of security that MS was trying to inforce with Vista along with improved file handling and speed. Recently I copied my gobs of assets from one drive to another. Instead of taking 4 hours in Vista 64-bit, the process happened in just about an hour. This alone is way worth the upgrade because this improves the overall speed of applications that require lots of disk access in the way that Trainz does.

In Trainz, the video speed is lightyears better than it ever was even under Windows XP and Vista 64-bit. There is little stutter even when in built-up areas. This was where Vista failed. The program would literally come to a halt as it slogged through the assets. After upgrading to Windows 7, I would say that this version of Aero is much faster and more optimized than the original version shipped with Vista.

John

 

[StorkNest]

John, thanks, I only use Vista 32-bit but I do think all versions were treating users like we were all networking gurus and some are not. It is as if Vista tried to blend previous Windows used by the masses with the features of NT that was for more tech-savvy types.
It sounds like Win7 simplifies things a bit more for the general public like myself but I wonder how the former NT users feel about that.

 

[JCitron]

John, thanks, I only use Vista 32-bit but I do think all versions were treating users like we were all networking gurus and some are not. It is as if Vista tried to blend previous Windows used by the masses with the features of NT that was for more tech-savvy types.
It sounds like Win7 simplifies things a bit more for the general public like myself but I wonder how the former NT users feel about that.

As a former NT 4.0/2000 user, I love Window 7. It's the best of both worlds. Microsoft finally got it right in this release. It has the security and stability of NT, the NTFS volume handling, which is much faster than older Windows/DOS, and has the speed needed for gaming and graphics development. With Vista, they had the right idea, but like you said they relied too much on the past.

For the masses, maybe. Like all Microsoft products, and those of others these days seem to be overly done and aimed at the technically savvy. This seems to be the case for everything including cable boxes, which I found out tonight. I setup a new digital cable box for an elderly family-friend. The setup process took about 1/2 hour with the authorization. The rest of the time was spent teaching her how to use the remote control.

John

 

[Ferngren]

What about drivers. Are there enough out already, or does Vista drivers work in Windows 7 ??

 

[elgato]

Hi Ferngren,
I would suggest you download and run the "Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor" from the Microsoft Windows 7 site first. It will give a very good idea of what components and software present on you Vista system is compatible with Windows 7.
From the results of this scan, you will be able to search the different manufacturer's site for the drivers or software you will need to manually download.
In my case, I had to download the driver for my Creative X-FI Extreme Gamer audio card. For my HP Laserjet P1505, the driver for Windows 7 will be available at the end of November 2009.
Remember that Windows normally installs basic drivers only and it is a good idea to check for updated drivers from the different manufacturers.
Windows 7 ROCKS.
Cheers
Gilles
Note: be careful with Vista's drivers, sometimes they work, sometimes they can screw up your Windows 7 system.

 

[Ferngren]

Thank you! I'll print this out and start with the Upgrade Advisor.

 

[Approach_Medium]

I've actually not noticed a difference in Trainz (TS2009_SP2 + Treez pack) performance with or without Aero, so I'll keep it turned on because I like it.

I'm still running 32 bit here. System is 5yrs old, but was a good system to start with, so it should hold out for another few years.

FW

 

[Captain_Collins]

Whether or not the Aero interface is turned on should not affect trainz as running in fullscreen mode none of the computer's resources are being put towards running the aero interface as it is not visible. All that is used is about 25MB of RAM (based on my laptop's current figures)

Add to this the fact the Windows 7 automatically switches to aero basic when trainz goes full screen, and you may end up using less resources than stated above.