We're still only half on topic here but this
is what I did to get an increase in system performance and get rid of the
annoying out of memory messages.
First, I downloaded a freeware diagnostic tool from
ftp.simtel.net
called sandra99.
This file is in the pub/windows95 directory in a zipped archive called
san500.zip.
I used the "generate a report option' and lo, a report was generated wherein
it was revealed that "my memory retiming was high, and that could
adversely affect system performance." The report also suggested I change
my caching method to reflect a network server rather than a typical
desktop machine. All this stuff is under the performance tab in the
system portion of your friendly neighborhood control pannel.
So di did, and rebooted.
I noticed a slight improvement, but I was still not happy.
So, I searched for more windows95 diagnostic information.
i found a little rant on windows95 memory management in which it was said
that a fixed length swap file is more desirable than a variable
length swap file which is apparently the default.
I was then faced with figuring out how to make what is variable length
fixed length. I read further and found a suggestion that said to go
to the advanced memory settings in that same performance tab of that same system
section of that
same control pannel.
I was pretty nervous, because I've always heard that to change the memory settings
is only for those who are in the know, and I never imagined I was.
But, I changed the setting from letting Windows manage my virtual memory
settings to managing it manually. I then used a formula that was suggested
which is 2 to 2/1/2 times the amount of physical memory to be placed in the
maximum portion of that tab. That is,
since I have 32 megs it was suggested I put a value of 80 in that field.
I then noticed a big improvement in syst3em performance, but the
long disjointed story is not over.
I next found a freeware program called cacheman written by a 23 year old
guy in Germany that uses its own method for determining the
disk cache settings.
This program caused the biggest improvement of all, and now I'm back to
the performance level I enjoyed before Jfw 3.3 and Ie 5.0 and
whatever else is goihng on on my machine.
It takes a little while to set all that up, and the Microsoft people are correct in
warning you that if you really screw up the
memory settings, your machine won't restart, but the
\improvement is worth it. I still don't think this is the
appropriate forum to send out such a long message sas this
one is turning into because jfw is only tangentially involved, but
it will come up faster, and talk with more inherent grace if you take
the time and trouble to do all this stuff which has plagued me lo thenentirity of this
past week.
Good luck, and for God's sake, stay
on topic.
Brad Trainham
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Visit the jfw ml web page: http://jfw.cjb.net
