Customize the CPU Cycles Given to Programs and Processes 

XP assigns every program and process running on your PC a priority which determines the relative amount of CPU power that it gets compared to other programs. The priorities that XP assigns are: Low, BelowNormal, Normal, AboveNormal, High and Realtime. Most programs are assigned the Normal priority, but using the Task Manager, you can change the priorities assigned to any process or program. If you've got a lot of applications running, but want one - like a 3D shooter -- to get most of the processor's attention, this can really speed it up. To change the priority of a running program or process: 

1. Run the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Delete. 

2. Click on the Processes tab. 

3. Right-click on the program or process whose priority you want to change, highlight Set Priority and choose the priority for the program. When you assign a new priority to a process or program, that new priority sticks only as long as the program or process is running. Once the program or process ends, and you restart it, it defaults to the priority assigned to it by XP.

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