RE: [FairfieldLife] Re: Computer Upgrade? Question for the Geeks
Progress report: I purchased and ran http://www.liutilities.com/products/speedupmypc/ and it sped things up considerably, both boot up and general operation. I'm thinking of getting http://tinyurl.com/bt9cg7 for backup instead of Norton Ghost, with which I've been rather dissatisfied. Anyone have any experience with ShadowProtect, or opinions on alternatives?
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Computer Upgrade? Question for the Geeks
Rick Archer wrote: Progress report: I purchased and ran http://www.liutilities.com/products/speedupmypc/ and it sped things up considerably, both boot up and general operation. I'm thinking of getting http://tinyurl.com/bt9cg7 for backup instead of Norton Ghost, with which I've been rather dissatisfied. Anyone have any experience with ShadowProtect, or opinions on alternatives? I use Acronis True Image on my XP Pro machine. Everything else I use the free System Rescue CD which is a lean bootable version of Linux that can backup drives (it can also backup NTFS drives). However the latter is still fairly geeky. I just wrote the instructions on my CD to refresh my mind how it works. I backup to a 500 GB Buffalo external drive. http://www.acronis.com/ http://www.sysresccd.org/
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Computer Upgrade? Question for the Geeks
On Thu, Feb 5, 2009 at 1:47 PM, Bhairitu noozg...@sbcglobal.net wrote: Rick Archer wrote: I use Acronis True Image on my XP Pro machine. Everything else I use the free System Rescue CD which is a lean bootable version of Linux that can backup drives (it can also backup NTFS drives). However the latter is still fairly geeky. I just wrote the instructions on my CD to refresh my mind how it works. I backup to a 500 GB Buffalo external drive. http://www.acronis.com/ http://www.sysresccd.org/ I use Acronis True Image on my fleet of XP Pro machines. I've used it to re-image a PC with a failed hard drive more than once. What I find truly amazing about True Image is that it appears to create this cryptic .tb image file. Fact is, the .tb image file isn't cyptic at all if you have True Image installed. The .tb file type is easily opened with True Image and pretty much looks like just another volume, though of course because the Windoze registry is all over the place you can't run any of the applications in it. But if you want to go back and find some old documents, well just open up the old .tb and there they are. Now if only you didn't have to subvert Windoze in so many ways just to boot up over a USB device...
[FairfieldLife] Re: Computer Upgrade? Question for the Geeks
Kirk kirk_bernha...@... wrote: I always have stuff downloading. To me an internet conection means ones should use it up even if just passively lending... In that case, your drive probably contains half a dozen scrotes from Bulgaria arguing over who has the right to steal/screw up your system. We're not living in the '80s any more.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Computer Upgrade? Question for the Geeks
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Rick Archer r...@... wrote: snip This computer doesn't multi-task well. Apps often bog each other down, such that everything runs slowly. MS Outlook is one of the biggest culprits. It takes an unbelievably long time to check email, it's hard to use Outlook while it's being checked, and other applications are compromised during the process. Nothing geekish to contribute, but I've read a couple of ecstatic reviews of GMail's new offline feature, e.g.: Slate's Farhad Manjoo, How GMail Destroyed Outlook: http://www.slate.com/id/2210090/ James Fallows's blog (not really a review, but an expression of excitement at the prospect): http://jamesfallows.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/01/big_news_on_the_p ersonal_tech.php http://tinyurl.com/detbyw A followup post quoting an email from someone who just started using it: http://jamesfallows.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/01/offline_gmail_ins tant_user_rep.php http://tinyurl.com/awywz7 FWIW, I use Eudora, and gobs of archived mail doesn't seem to slow it down as long as it's stored in folders rather than the Inbox or Outbox. I don't put anywhere near the demands on my machine that you do on yours, but I've seen that complaint about Outlook from all kinds of users. (But if you don't travel enough to require a good Web email account, I can't quite figure out what the advantage is of offline GMail over a speedy desktop email client like Eudora.)
[FairfieldLife] Re: Computer Upgrade? Question for the Geeks
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Rick Archer r...@... wrote: It takes 20 minutes to fully boot this puppy. That's a major red flag. There is something seriously wrong with your machine if it takes 20 minutes to boot up. If it's worth it to you to not have the expense of buying new hardware, you should try reformatting your hard drive and reinstalling Windows (after backing up all your data, of course.) Another thing you could do is ditch Vista and switch to XP. My system has the faster E6600 CPU, only 2 gigs of RAM, an Nvidia video card, Windows XP, and it multitasks just fine. Another red flag is that you're drawn to buying systems from the humongo PC manufacturers. I have *never* owned a crappy desktop PC because I've always purchased machines made from brand name components and not proprietary crap built by the lowest bidder in China (which is mostly what you get with HP, Gateway, Dell, etc.) My early destop machines were all from Micron, the newest of which (from 1999), sits in the basement, posting the Post Count every night. I then built one machine from scratch before buying machines from http://www.endpcnoise.com/ The common denominator among all my machines is a high quality, brand name motherboard. You are foolish to run your business on crap hardware. For less than the price of the crap you're now using plus the price of the crap you're thinking of buying, you could have a quality machine from EndPCNoise, with a kick-ass Asus motherboard, that will give you years of quiet, fast, reliable service.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Computer Upgrade? Question for the Geeks
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Rick Archer r...@... wrote: I'm thinking of upgrading my computer, as it is often way too slow for my likingIt takes 20 minutes to fully boot this puppy. Try defrag. If that doesn't work, try Linux, maybe Ubuntu 8.10 Uns.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Computer Upgrade? Question for the Geeks
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine salsunsh...@... wrote: Rick, I was wondering if maybe computers with HDs that big aren't always going to be much slower. I don't know, it just seems so huge. What have others experienced? I have a single 750 gig HD, and it boots up and runs just fine. And, it made no difference whether it was the original single partition or the current two separate partitions (30gig C: drive for OS and aps, and a huge D: drive for data.)
[FairfieldLife] Re: Computer Upgrade? Question for the Geeks
Your hardware spec looks pretty good to me (better than mine that's running Vista). I think your computer's problems must be all in its mind i.e mental (software), not physical. Or perhaps you have some hardware that is not performing to spec (unlikely). Very slow Vista reboots can be caused by having external USB external drives plugged in. Crazy I know - but true. Mine takes quite a few minutes to boot - but is several times quicker if I yank out the USB drive cable (and then plug in after boot). Outlook should not be slow with your machine's spec.. It's conceivable that your anti-virus software is causing the slow-down. If your internet connection is poor Outlook is notorious for time out problems, especially I believe with Norton Utilities. But then it may be your POP mail server that is slooow and/or your Internet connection. Then it's not Outlook's fault of course. My lower spec PC runs Thunderbird (not Outlook) with AVG anti-virus. There's never any go-slow. These dual/quad processor thingies are *supposed* to allow you to, say, run anti-virus in the background. I've never found that works, so, like you, I do that stuff when the computer is idle for a few hours (e.g. when trying to catch up on the last day's FFL posts). The reality on a PC is that your hard disk is the bottle neck (well, after your internet connection). When that's grinding and bubbling away on scans you're bound to notice it I'd say. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Rick Archer r...@... wrote: I'm thinking of upgrading my computer, as it is often way too slow for my liking. I need to work with a lot of different applications, and often have many open at once. This computer doesn't multi-task well. Apps often bog each other down, such that everything runs slowly. MS Outlook is one of the biggest culprits. It takes an unbelievably long time to check email, it's hard to use Outlook while it's being checked, and other applications are compromised during the process. If there's a background process happening, such as a backup or virus scan, the computer becomes very sluggish, so I schedule such things at night. It takes 20 minutes to fully boot this puppy. A consultant came over and turned some things off, which sped it up a little, but it's still too slow for my taste. I'm thinking of getting this: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9174289 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9174289type=productid=12180 44029789 type=productid=1218044029789. . Do you think I'd notice a big improvement? . At this stage, does 64-bit processing make a big difference, considering that most apps aren't written for it yet? (A friend of mine has a 32-bit desktop machine running XP (I'm running Vista) on which Outlook also runs very slowly, and a 64-bit laptop running Vista on which Outlook runs fast.) . Does 512MB (dedicated) to video sound adequate, or would performance be inferior to having a separate video card? . Are big hardware improvements just around the corner, such that I should wait a while? . Can I get a better deal elsewhere? Thanks for your advice. Here's what I've got now. There are 2 250Gb drives in it. What would be a fair asking price if I were to sell it? More details about my computer Component Details Subscore Base score Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6300 @ 1.86GHz 4.9 3.4 Determined by lowest subscore Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB 5.4 Graphics Intel(R) G965 Express Chipset Family 3.6 Gaming graphics 358 MB Total available graphics memory 3.4 Primary hard disk 14GB Free (228GB Total) 5.4 Windows Vista (TM) Home Premium System _ Manufacturer GATEWA Model GT5268E Total amount of system memory 4.00 GB RAM System type 32-bit operating system Number of processor cores 2 64-bit capable Yes Storage _ Total size of hard disk(s) 466 GB Disk partition (C:) 14 GB Free (228 GB Total) Disk partition (D:) 2 GB Free (5 GB Total) Media drive (E:) CD/DVD Disk partition (J:) 81 GB Free (233 GB Total) Graphics _ Display adapter type Intel(R) G965 Express Chipset Family Total available graphics memory 358 MB Dedicated graphics memory 0 MB Dedicated system memory 64 MB Shared system memory 294 MB Display adapter driver version 7.14.10.1147 Primary monitor resolution 1280x960 DirectX version DirectX 9.0 or better Network _ Network Adapter Intel(R) 82562V 10/100 Network Connection Network Adapter Microsoft Tun Miniport Adapter
[FairfieldLife] Re: Computer Upgrade? Question for the Geeks
I would agree with others who have offered ideas - your computer is amply powerful. What drew my attention right away is the HD - although you have 14Gb left, my experience is that drives get flaky when less than 10% space remains, regardless of their size. I would archive (lots) some files to DVD/CD. Then I would defrag the HD. I would make sure there's no spyware and etc on board . . . Adaware / Malwarebytes malware / Spybot / AVG and etc. Then I would download a free demo of Windows tuning software (ie http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/) These utilities look at all apps that are being loaded when booting and etc. This may appear to be time consuming (cuz it is) - - but less time then to setup new machine. Good Luck --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Rick Archer r...@... wrote: I'm thinking of upgrading my computer, as it is often way too slow for my liking. I need to work with a lot of different applications, and often have many open at once. This computer doesn't multi-task well. Apps often bog each other down, such that everything runs slowly. MS Outlook is one of the biggest culprits. It takes an unbelievably long time to check email, it's hard to use Outlook while it's being checked, and other applications are compromised during the process. If there's a background process happening, such as a backup or virus scan, the computer becomes very sluggish, so I schedule such things at night. It takes 20 minutes to fully boot this puppy. A consultant came over and turned some things off, which sped it up a little, but it's still too slow for my taste. I'm thinking of getting this: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9174289 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9174289type=productid=12180 44029789 type=productid=1218044029789. . Do you think I'd notice a big improvement? . At this stage, does 64-bit processing make a big difference, considering that most apps aren't written for it yet? (A friend of mine has a 32-bit desktop machine running XP (I'm running Vista) on which Outlook also runs very slowly, and a 64-bit laptop running Vista on which Outlook runs fast.) . Does 512MB (dedicated) to video sound adequate, or would performance be inferior to having a separate video card? . Are big hardware improvements just around the corner, such that I should wait a while? . Can I get a better deal elsewhere? Thanks for your advice. Here's what I've got now. There are 2 250Gb drives in it. What would be a fair asking price if I were to sell it? More details about my computer Component Details Subscore Base score Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6300 @ 1.86GHz 4.9 3.4 Determined by lowest subscore Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB 5.4 Graphics Intel(R) G965 Express Chipset Family 3.6 Gaming graphics 358 MB Total available graphics memory 3.4 Primary hard disk 14GB Free (228GB Total) 5.4 Windows Vista (TM) Home Premium System _ Manufacturer GATEWA Model GT5268E Total amount of system memory 4.00 GB RAM System type 32-bit operating system Number of processor cores 2 64-bit capable Yes Storage _ Total size of hard disk(s) 466 GB Disk partition (C:) 14 GB Free (228 GB Total) Disk partition (D:) 2 GB Free (5 GB Total) Media drive (E:) CD/DVD Disk partition (J:) 81 GB Free (233 GB Total) Graphics _ Display adapter type Intel(R) G965 Express Chipset Family Total available graphics memory 358 MB Dedicated graphics memory 0 MB Dedicated system memory 64 MB Shared system memory 294 MB Display adapter driver version 7.14.10.1147 Primary monitor resolution 1280x960 DirectX version DirectX 9.0 or better Network _ Network Adapter Intel(R) 82562V 10/100 Network Connection Network Adapter Microsoft Tun Miniport Adapter
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Computer Upgrade? Question for the Geeks
On Jan 30, 2009, at 10:16 AM, Larry wrote: Then I would defrag Is that legal in Iowa? Sal
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Computer Upgrade? Question for the Geeks
I have Intel Core 2 Dual Ultimate on a laptop and run Vista Ultimate (point being that it's couple years old). And it's pretty fast all things considered. I sort of hate the additional admin necessities, but they are good for security so it might be one of the more secure Microsoft appz. Vista being based in Windows NT or 2000, which is why compatibility for so much software is absent. That of course and the 86 bit software need. Of course we need to know what software you're crunching as sound and graphix appz can stall out any HD. There's this free synthesizer app called Orangator which makes sine waves of any shape and it can stall any hardrive when you get rolling. But it's really apocalyptic what sounds when Gabriel gets on the PC and starts blowing some dope notes. I always have stuff downloading. To me an internet conection means ones should use it up even if just passively lending to P2P and a free right to the road. - Original Message - From: Richard M compost...@yahoo.co.uk To: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, January 30, 2009 10:05 AM Subject: [FairfieldLife] Re: Computer Upgrade? Question for the Geeks Your hardware spec looks pretty good to me (better than mine that's running Vista). I think your computer's problems must be all in its mind i.e mental (software), not physical. Or perhaps you have some hardware that is not performing to spec (unlikely).
RE: [FairfieldLife] Re: Computer Upgrade? Question for the Geeks
In response to various peoples comments: We Defragged and it may have helped a bit. I run all sorts of software for my business that wouldn't run on those other operating systems, so I've got to stay with Microsoft. When we started in safe mode the boot up was pretty fast, so I must be loading apps at startup that are slowing things down. I'll try http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/, as Larry suggested. I don't have an external USB drive. My internet connection is fiber optic, so very fast. My virus protection is AVG. The HD is often cranking away on who knows what. I can tell 'cause the little light stays on. One question nobody addressed: is there any significant advantage to 64-bit processing yet, seeing as how not many apps have been written to take advantage of it? Is that something that will be more useful a year from now?
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Computer Upgrade? Question for the Geeks
Rick Archer wrote: In response to various peoples comments: We Defragged and it may have helped a bit. I run all sorts of software for my business that wouldn't run on those other operating systems, so I've got to stay with Microsoft. When we started in safe mode the boot up was pretty fast, so I must be loading apps at startup that are slowing things down. I'll try http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/, as Larry suggested. I don't have an external USB drive. My internet connection is fiber optic, so very fast. My virus protection is AVG. The HD is often cranking away on who knows what. I can tell 'cause the little light stays on. One question nobody addressed: is there any significant advantage to 64-bit processing yet, seeing as how not many apps have been written to take advantage of it? Is that something that will be more useful a year from now? What are you running for an anti-virus? Some of the popular ones are really slow. I use CA's product which comes with 3 licenses so it is on two desktops and one laptop. Microsoft used it for years and the engineers helped CA get it running in the background without slowing things down. http://shop.ca.com/ Outlook is a pretty dumb program and some folks I know that worked at Microsoft called it Look Out! It is know to be pretty inefficient and slow but it is also hard to migrate to another program. All my email unless traveling is done on this Ubuntu machine where an anti-virus isn't needed. Check your drive speed. I don't have my XP Pro machine up at the moment but there is a free program that can check drive speed for you. I had a drive that was running at about 10% of it's speed. Defragging didn't help as it had become damaged from heat. I bought a new drive and moved stuff from the old drive over (it was a data drive not the one which the OS was on) which took a while due to the old drive's speed. I added an extra fan to keep the new drive from getting too hot. I'm not sure that a 64-bit machine will give you that much advantage. It's like buying a car with a fancy engine. There aren't many program that take advantage of 64-bit yet. Duo core processors are good because the OS runs on one core and your app on another. I hope to upgrade my video editing machine this year and I can do it fairly cheap anymore and have what I need to do AVCHD (which is a CPU hog) but it will most likely be custom built. Putting together a PC is rather trivial anymore if you have a little patience. But I've got a Fry's nearby where I can get components at good prices which helps.
