Computer too slow for my liking.

[Sal_55]

I have a Dell computer with about 20 GB hard drive and 128 RAM. Also
it has a 1.5 GHZ processor. The problem is the computer takes too long
to perform functions, especially when I run a lot of programs at the
same time. I know some of you will say that in order to run many
programs at the same time I need to upgrade to a better machine, but
currently due to disablity this is the only computer I can afford.
I have run virus checks and run Adaware and Spybot. Also I have turned
the system restore percentage from 12% to about 8%. Doing all this I
have noticed some improvement. But the computer still lags when I run
about 3 processes at the same time.
Anyone know if I can somehow increase the size of the virtual memory?
Or any good progams which can speed up my computer?
Thanks and bye friends.

 

[Brian Arthur Robertson]

I have a Dell computer with about 20 GB hard drive and 128 RAM. Also
it has a 1.5 GHZ processor. The problem is the computer takes too long
to perform functions, especially when I run a lot of programs at the
same time. I know some of you will say that in order to run many
programs at the same time I need to upgrade to a better machine, but
currently due to disablity this is the only computer I can afford.
I have run virus checks and run Adaware and Spybot. Also I have turned
the system restore percentage from 12% to about 8%. Doing all this I
have noticed some improvement. But the computer still lags when I run
about 3 processes at the same time.
Anyone know if I can somehow increase the size of the virtual memory?
Or any good progams which can speed up my computer?
Thanks and bye friends.

I would recommend that you increase the amount of RAM to at least 1GB,
if you can afford it. This should make a very noticeable difference in
performance. Ask the retailer/person that you bought the computer from
to help you get the proper type of memory. The good news is that RAM has
become inexpensive and is easy to install.

--
Brian Arthur Robertson

http://brian.arthur.robertson.googlepages.com/freesoftware

http://brian.arthur.robertson.googlepages.com/rare-ware

 

[baynole2]

What OS are you using?

 

[Onsokumaru]

I have a Dell computer with about 20 GB hard drive and 128 RAM. Also
it has a 1.5 GHZ processor. The problem is the computer takes too long
to perform functions, especially when I run a lot of programs at the
same time. I know some of you will say that in order to run many
programs at the same time I need to upgrade to a better machine, but
currently due to disablity this is the only computer I can afford.
I have run virus checks and run Adaware and Spybot. Also I have turned
the system restore percentage from 12% to about 8%. Doing all this I
have noticed some improvement. But the computer still lags when I run
about 3 processes at the same time.
Anyone know if I can somehow increase the size of the virtual memory?
Or any good progams which can speed up my computer?

hmmm, running one more program to increase performance...

As others have said, up the RAM to 1 GB.

How much disk space do you have, and how fragmented is the HDD.

You could try reducing the size of the recycle bin also, but this is just
adjusting the wing mirrors, it won't make a huge difference.

What other programs load at startup? You might try disabling teatimer, as it
uses a fair chunk of memory.

 

[tony sayer]

128mb of RAM is most likely the problem. Win98 and Millennium do well
on 256mb or more, and XP on 512mb or better. No amount of RAM will
make Vista run fast. Yes, I have seen Dell computers sold with 128mb
RAM and Win XP. To run Spybot tolerably fast, you need a 7200 RPM HDD,
512mb of RAM, and a 2ghz CPU. Otherwise, schedule it when you are
away.
-

Bob

Up the RAM ... best mod you can do to almost any computer except those
infected with Vister;(...

 

[Bob Adkins]

I have a Dell computer with about 20 GB hard drive and 128 RAM. Also
it has a 1.5 GHZ processor. The problem is the computer takes too long
to perform functions, especially when I run a lot of programs at the
same time. I know some of you will say that in order to run many
programs at the same time I need to upgrade to a better machine, but
currently due to disablity this is the only computer I can afford.
I have run virus checks and run Adaware and Spybot. Also I have turned
the system restore percentage from 12% to about 8%. Doing all this I
have noticed some improvement. But the computer still lags when I run
about 3 processes at the same time.
Anyone know if I can somehow increase the size of the virtual memory?
Or any good progams which can speed up my computer?
Thanks and bye friends.

128mb of RAM is most likely the problem. Win98 and Millennium do well
on 256mb or more, and XP on 512mb or better. No amount of RAM will
make Vista run fast. Yes, I have seen Dell computers sold with 128mb
RAM and Win XP. To run Spybot tolerably fast, you need a 7200 RPM HDD,
512mb of RAM, and a 2ghz CPU. Otherwise, schedule it when you are
away.
-

Bob

 

[M.I.5¾]

What OS are you using?

As he posted in a windowsxp newsgroup, I will take a wild shot in the dark
and suggest that he is using, erm, Windows XP.

 

[Jim]

I have a Dell computer with about 20 GB hard drive and 128 RAM. Also
it has a 1.5 GHZ processor. The problem is the computer takes too long
to perform functions, especially when I run a lot of programs at the
same time. I know some of you will say that in order to run many
programs at the same time I need to upgrade to a better machine, but
currently due to disablity this is the only computer I can afford.
I have run virus checks and run Adaware and Spybot. Also I have turned
the system restore percentage from 12% to about 8%. Doing all this I
have noticed some improvement. But the computer still lags when I run
about 3 processes at the same time.
Anyone know if I can somehow increase the size of the virtual memory?
Or any good progams which can speed up my computer?

You don't say what operating system you are using. If it's XP
or Vista, then I'm afraid your computer will run slow as it
really hasn't enough hard disc space and nearly enough RAM for
the task.

 

[Sal_55]

What OS are you using?

Windows XP. In my old computer I had Windows Me. And I can't believe
it, but XP has fewer crashes and runs generally better than ME.

 

[Sal_55]

  You don't say what operating system you are using. If it's XP
or Vista, then I'm afraid your computer will run slow as it
really hasn't enough hard disc space and nearly enough RAM for
the task.

--

Jim,
English Region,
E.U.

Thanks so much for all the advice given to me so far.
I have just broken my left foot and don't think now is the best time
to be fiddling around with my screwdriver in order to add more RAM. Is
there no way I can increase the RAM some other way? I don't really
know what I'm speaking about, but can't you increase the 'virtual
memory' of the computer to increase the RAM?
If I decide it's too much hassle to increase the RAM on my current
machine and I buy a new computer, then is there anyway of transferring
all my files to my new computer? I remember in the old days there was
some kind of parallel cable you could attach betwen computers to
transfer all the files.
Thanks again and bye friends.

 

[Jeff Strickland]

Pump the RAM to a gig or two, this will improve things.

The 20G hard drive tends to indicate an older motherboard with a processor
that just is not up to the tasks you are assigning it. But, 128M of RAM is
your first problem.

 

[Jeff Strickland]

Windows XP. In my old computer I had Windows Me. And I can't believe
it, but XP has fewer crashes and runs generally better than ME.

XP is waaaay better than ME. Way ...

You should _expect_ XP to have fewer crashes.

You need more RAM. 128m is the minimum RAM for XP, 256 is better, 512 is
better still, but a gig is where I think you should be. Frankly, a gig is
where anybody should be despite the low numbers that Bill & Co. suggest.

I bought a gig a week ago for $80. I think you can get an even better price
if you shop better than I do.

 

[Jeff Strickland]

You don't say what operating system you are using. If it's XP
or Vista, then I'm afraid your computer will run slow as it
really hasn't enough hard disc space and nearly enough RAM for
the task.

--

Jim,
English Region,
E.U.

Thanks so much for all the advice given to me so far.
I have just broken my left foot and don't think now is the best time
to be fiddling around with my screwdriver in order to add more RAM. Is
there no way I can increase the RAM some other way? I don't really
know what I'm speaking about, but can't you increase the 'virtual
memory' of the computer to increase the RAM?
If I decide it's too much hassle to increase the RAM on my current
machine and I buy a new computer, then is there anyway of transferring
all my files to my new computer? I remember in the old days there was
some kind of parallel cable you could attach betwen computers to
transfer all the files.
Thanks again and bye friends.


<JS>
Dude! You have broken your foot and can't get out of the house for any
meaningful purpose except to take a deliberately slow trip to Fry's for a
new memory card. There is no better time to work on the computer because you
aren't going anywhere anyhow.

Turn the machine off and open the case. The RAM is secured by a pair of
small clips. Pop the old stick out and put the new stick in.

The only thing easier that a RAM upgrade is getting another beer from the
'fridge. Well, taking a pee might be easier for most of us, but in your
condition hobbling over the pot on one foot presents a challenge that I
wanted ot avoid.

</js>

 

[Franklin]

Thanks so much for all the advice given to me so far.
I have just broken my left foot and don't think now is the best time
to be fiddling around with my screwdriver in order to add more RAM. Is
there no way I can increase the RAM some other way? I don't really
know what I'm speaking about, but can't you increase the 'virtual
memory' of the computer to increase the RAM?
If I decide it's too much hassle to increase the RAM on my current
machine and I buy a new computer, then is there anyway of transferring
all my files to my new computer? I remember in the old days there was
some kind of parallel cable you could attach betwen computers to
transfer all the files.
Thanks again and bye friends.

Am I the only person who is starting to find one or two parts of this
thread to be just that tiny little bit too strange to be 100% plausible.

 

[Paul]

Thanks so much for all the advice given to me so far.
I have just broken my left foot and don't think now is the best time
to be fiddling around with my screwdriver in order to add more RAM. Is
there no way I can increase the RAM some other way? I don't really
know what I'm speaking about, but can't you increase the 'virtual
memory' of the computer to increase the RAM?
If I decide it's too much hassle to increase the RAM on my current
machine and I buy a new computer, then is there anyway of transferring
all my files to my new computer? I remember in the old days there was
some kind of parallel cable you could attach betwen computers to
transfer all the files.
Thanks again and bye friends.

You can get RAM delivered to your door (assuming you're close enough
to civilization, to have a courier deliver to you). You could
go to the Crucial.com website, use their search engine, and it will
tell you what RAM options are available to you.

To check what is inside the machine, you can run CPUZ. (Download is
in the upper left corner. Unzip it and double click cpuz.exe .)

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

CPUZ has an "SPD" tab. There is a menu item "Memory Slot Selection",
and you can go through the slots one at a time, to see what is installed.
For example, if the computer has three memory slots, you'd expect to see
"Slot #1", "Slot #2", and "Slot #3". Based on the displayed info for each
slot, you'll be able to figure out what memory is currently installed.
(Like 1 x 128MB or 2 x 64MB.)

The machine may have a limit for the largest memory stick that can be
put in any slot. But the Crucial site should hint at that, when you select
your computer in their search engine.

HTH,
Paul

 

[Baron]

Thanks so much for all the advice given to me so far.
I have just broken my left foot and don't think now is the best time
to be fiddling around with my screwdriver in order to add more RAM. Is
there no way I can increase the RAM some other way? I don't really
know what I'm speaking about, but can't you increase the 'virtual
memory' of the computer to increase the RAM?
If I decide it's too much hassle to increase the RAM on my current
machine and I buy a new computer, then is there anyway of transferring
all my files to my new computer? I remember in the old days there was
some kind of parallel cable you could attach betwen computers to
transfer all the files.
Thanks again and bye friends.

Don't you have a good local dealer who could sort all that out for you ?

As far as transfering your data, you should be backing up anything that
you wouldn't want to loose. No point in backing up programs because
you can always re-install them from your original CD's !

 

[Sal_55]

Don't you have a good local dealer who could sort all that out for you ?

As far as transfering your data, you should be backing up anything that
you wouldn't want to loose.  No point in backing up programs because
you can always re-install them from your original CD's !

--
Best Regards:
                     Baron.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Thanks for the tips, again.
Backing-up everything on cd-roms is what careful,wise,prudent ppl do.
I'm definetely not one of those. I would have thought there might be
some shareware program which would somehow transfer all the old files
into your new computer. But that might be wishful thinking on my
behalf.
If I search for new RAM, does it have to be Dell RAM, or can it be
made by some other company? If I'm lucky enough to find the RAM very
cheaply, then what's the most I can upgrade my machine to?
Are you sure that installing new RAM is as easy as just opening up the
computer and inserting it onto the clips? If the hardware companies
are making it that easy,well the computer repair men will be out of
business in a few years!
If I do decide to increase the RAM, since the computer is already
open, are there any other cheap upgrades I can make? Don't say
graphics card since I'm not into playing games.
if I get a new soundcard, will the quality be appreciably better than
my current one? if it'll only be a small improvement, then I can't be
bothered.
Thanks for all the advice and bye friends.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Without knowing the exact model of your computer, who knows what ram you can
use? However, you can go to any of the memory manufacturer's websites and
download an analyzer and it will tell you exactly what to buy and how much.
One such analyzer is at Crucial, http://www.crucial.com/.

Don't you have a good local dealer who could sort all that out for you ?

As far as transfering your data, you should be backing up anything that
you wouldn't want to loose. No point in backing up programs because
you can always re-install them from your original CD's !

--
Best Regards:
Baron.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Thanks for the tips, again.
Backing-up everything on cd-roms is what careful,wise,prudent ppl do.
I'm definetely not one of those. I would have thought there might be
some shareware program which would somehow transfer all the old files
into your new computer. But that might be wishful thinking on my
behalf.
If I search for new RAM, does it have to be Dell RAM, or can it be
made by some other company? If I'm lucky enough to find the RAM very
cheaply, then what's the most I can upgrade my machine to?
Are you sure that installing new RAM is as easy as just opening up the
computer and inserting it onto the clips? If the hardware companies
are making it that easy,well the computer repair men will be out of
business in a few years!
If I do decide to increase the RAM, since the computer is already
open, are there any other cheap upgrades I can make? Don't say
graphics card since I'm not into playing games.
if I get a new soundcard, will the quality be appreciably better than
my current one? if it'll only be a small improvement, then I can't be
bothered.
Thanks for all the advice and bye friends.

 

[Johnw]

Sal_55 has brought this to us :

I have a Dell computer with about 20 GB hard drive and 128 RAM. Also
it has a 1.5 GHZ processor. The problem is the computer takes too long
to perform functions, especially when I run a lot of programs at the
same time. I know some of you will say that in order to run many
programs at the same time I need to upgrade to a better machine, but
currently due to disablity this is the only computer I can afford.
I have run virus checks and run Adaware and Spybot. Also I have turned
the system restore percentage from 12% to about 8%. Doing all this I
have noticed some improvement. But the computer still lags when I run
about 3 processes at the same time.
Anyone know if I can somehow increase the size of the virtual memory?
Or any good progams which can speed up my computer?
Thanks and bye friends.

This is a good read.

XP Myths - Myths Regarding Windows XP
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/SupportCD/XPMyths.html

 

[Jimbo]

Sal_55

As many have said, increase the RAM and that will make the largest speed
improvement. I would go with a min. of 512meg.

As far as increasing the amount of Virtual Memory goes, this may help a
little bit if it was manually set too low or too high.
Keep in mind that what virtual memory does is use your hard drive in place
of RAM. A hard drive is many, many times slower than RAM so it will not give
you a great increase in the speed of operation of your programs. Using
virtual memory can be a bit tricky. You must balance between what is best
for running the software and OS with the amount of available hard drive
space. Unless you know what you are doing, it's best to let the OS controll
the amount of virtual memory. If you try to set it yourself, you could
actually slow down the machine. Many factors come into play when adjusting
virtual memory.

If you are using graphics programs then you might want to look at the video
card as well. If the video is onboard (built onto the motherboard) then that
might also be part of the problem. An onboard video circuit will usually
share some of the systems RAM which is slower than the ram used on a good
video card. If this is the case, you may be able to increase the speed a
little by installing a video card. You can get good boards cheep for your
system.

For example, one of the systems that I use at work was running slow, 1.8
ghz, onboard video, WinXP Pro and 512 RAM. We often have M$ Word, Adobe
Illustrator and sometimes also Photoshop running at the same time as well as
a web page or two. I added another 512 RAM, a 128meg video card, total
upgrade about $100. Now the system seems to run more than twice as fast when
working with drawings and noticeably faster when simply using non-video
intensive programs.

Of the long list of MANY things that can slow down a system, here is one
more.
A few of our systems had McAfee antivirus and were a year or two expired. I
uninstalled McAfee, ran a couple utilities to clean the system and installed
AVG. I noticed that Quickbooks now loads in less than a minute. Before I
uninstalled McAfee it would take as much as three minutes to open
Quickbooks. There are many, many, many software issues that can slow down a
system and getting those under control can make a big difference in the
speed of a system.

All that said, 128meg of RAM in a system using XP is like trying to pull
stumps with a Yugo!

I would do the following . . .

* set the OS to control virtual memory.
* clean out the system tray. Uninstall any utilities that you don't use
which load at startup.
* Get rid of Norton Utilities and/or McAfee if you are using them.
* Defrag the hard drive.
* Upgrade the RAM to at least 512meg.
* Add a video card if, you're using graphics programs and have onboard
video.

Last of all, and the most important,

\/

\/

\/

\/

\/

let us know what you did and how well it worked for you!