> Gene Young wrote: > >> Actually, while the data is saved to one file, the information IS >> scattered over the hard disk in non contiguous sectors. I think this is >> what was inferred. If your O/S loses data from the FAT it can mess >> things up but this does not seem to be the case here. It sounds more >> like some program the OP had running was not behaving "politely" and not >> releasing unused memory. As has been discovered and posted, a restart >> will usually rectify the problem. The moral here is "When in doubt, do >> a cold reboot!" This amazingly does fix a multitude of problems. <g> > > Wrong! I doubt that you're still using Windows 98 or ME, so FAT doesn't > come into it any more :-). The more modern file systems upon which the > more modern (Win NT and later) are based, are far more robust when it > comes to losing data.
Not a good assumption - there are still MANY Windows 98 PCs in service. Just as Vista hasn't replaced XP, XP did not completely replace 98. The "twice as much" hardware requirements (double the memory, double the processor power) for *acceptable* performance were a major stopping point for many people. Not every user can (or will) spend the $$$ for a new PC every time a new version of Windows is released. > > I would still maintain that Windows isn't really ready for 24/7 usage. In some specific applications, Windows PCs can be very stable. I have an ancient ThinkPad laptop on the network as a "file exchange" machine - it runs 95 and only gets rebooted when commercial power is off long enough to run down the battery (very rare). > I > shut all my machines down over night and never experience the sort of > problems that Michele was having. It also helps to stop the hackers > grabbing your machine while you're asleep. Machines that are not in use should be turned off to save wear on the moving parts (hard drives, fans) and reduce electrical usage. Hacker blocking is what the basic NAT router/firewall device provides. In the US, there have been "get it out the door" sales as each new technology came along (wired routers when the first wireless B came out, wireless B routers when the wireless G came out). I picked up wired routers for $10US and wireless B routers for $15US just to have spares. When the "official" wireless N spec is approved, I expect to see similar sales on wireless G and "pre-N" hardware. There are dial-up routers that provide the same type of NAT protection for dial-up users. Your PC connects to the router and the router does an automatic dial when you need internet connectivity. Some models have a built-in modem; others use a separate modem. I have one for use when travelling in certain areas. If anyone is interested, I can provide brand/model info. John > > -- > Regards, > Mike Fry > Johannesburg. > > > > Give Legacy as a Gift for 25% Off. Visit http://tinyurl.com/2b49et > > Legacy User Group guidelines: > http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Etiquette.asp > Archived messages: > http://www.mail-archive.com/legacyusergroup@legacyfamilytree.com/ > Online technical support: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Help.asp > To unsubscribe: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/LegacyLists.asp > > > > Give Legacy as a Gift for 25% Off. Visit http://tinyurl.com/2b49et Legacy User Group guidelines: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Etiquette.asp Archived messages: http://www.mail-archive.com/legacyusergroup@legacyfamilytree.com/ Online technical support: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Help.asp To unsubscribe: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/LegacyLists.asp
