"Custom Versions" of Windows For Gaming?

I remember seeing some custom versions of Windows that optimized it for games by only running necessary resources and that launched in a special interface without the task bars or anything, only selectable games, though you could still access the Windows desktop. I'm not sure where I'd look for something like that, though I know that it's out there since I've seen it before. That would be great to put on my MacBook Pro.

I saw it a few times for XP, hopefully there's a custom version for Vista, too.

 

Yeah this would be nice. I did read in New Zealand PC world (which I must say is ALOT better than the US version) that microsoft went through and finally figured out what the core files were for windows 7 to run were (lol with vista and XP they weren't even sure what they were). The idea is that they could strip the operating system down to the absolute minimum for netbook versions etc. So I imagine a gaming version would strip windows 7 back to all that is required for gaming...directx etc.

 

Idk... It'd be better if there was a gaming MODE. So if you want to game, you reboot (or not) into something like a safe mode but with graphic drivers and directx, etc.

 

Cheaper versions of Vista (like Basic) with some help from tweaking websites can do basically what the OP wants without requiring on the fly changing of OS settings before games. That's my opinion at least.

 

I don't know about this, but you can check out Black Viper's guide to determine what services you may (or may not) want to turn off: http://www.blackviper.com/WinVista/servicecfg.htm

 

Really services dont affect that as much as other things. most services sit around idle. if for some reason a defrag wanted to kick off or something yea that would help LOL!

 

I personally don't change any services (except 1 or 2 I know FOR SURE I don't need), but I posted that in case the OP thinks it will help

 

i use windows server 2008. it comes with basically nothing running. you use the server package manager to get things running that you want. (i only checked the wireless configuration box)

i dont even use aero, or even windows xp style. its the older win2k and back look. very streamlined. makes me feel good about running games.

whether there is a significant boost in performance is sort of up in the air.