Give Vista a Performance Boost

ReadyBoost is a feature in Windows Vista that allows free space on a USB flash drive to be used as RAM.  ReadyBoost will only work with USB drives that have a fast read/write speed.  Windows will automatically detect whether or not your drive is fast enough.

To use ReadyBoost, simply plug your flash drive into a USB port.  The Windows Autorun window will pop up.  Click the Speed Up My System option. (If your USB drive is not fast enough for ReadyBoost, this option will not be displayed)

On the next screen, click the box marked Use this device.

Use the slider to adjust the amount of space on the USB drive that you would like Windows to use as RAM.  Microsoft recommends using at least 215MB.  Click the OK button when you’re done.  Vista will use that space until you remove the drive.