Modifying Network Connections (1)
Network connections can be a source of unseen optimization issues. Some of the costs are evident. For example, every network connection costs memory because Windows maintains facts about the connection
and processing cycles because Windows updates the connection information it possesses as needed. These housekeeping tasks ensure that you see the most current information when you access the network with an application or perform a search.
The visible costs of network connections make it well worth the effort to remove unneeded connections from your machine. To remove a network connection, right-click the connection in Windows Explorer and choose Disconnect from the context menu. You can easily reconnect later if needed. Likewise, to remove a printer, fax, or other equipment connection, open the Printers and Faxes applet in the Control Panel, right-click the connection you want to remove, and choose Delete from the context menu. The act of deleting the connection doesn’t make the printer inaccessible.
TIP If you’re like me and print only about once a week, you can save additional system memory by setting the Print Spooler service in the Services applet of the Control Panel to manual. Stop the service
until you actually need it (stopping the service also releases all printer and fax connections). Start the service and create a connection to the network printer you want to use before you print. The “Clearing Unnecessary Services” section of the chapter tells more about working with services. This particular system change not only reduced memory use and made my system faster, it also reduced the amount of paper I use by about half—I find that I make fewer frivolous printouts that end up in the recycle bin.
The hidden costs of excess network connections depend on how you use your system. For example, when you use Windows Explorer to search, you could end up looking through every network drive on your system every time you perform a search unless you search carefully.
Taken From : Microsoft Windows XP Power Optimization