In ,
Ben B had this to say:

What, if anything, can I do to balance/limit the
allocation of CPU Usage to this program, or alternatively
replace/add system components to accomodate it.

What elements comprise System Resources?

In the past 25 years that I've been computing (my Dad was a geek and hence I
started early) I've found that most people rant about CPU and clock cycles.
Truth be told I've found greater performance lies more often in the RAM.
It's my opinion (not fact by any means) that I've found that a 500 MHz PC
w/512 MB of RAM will operate as well or better than a 800 MHz PC with 128 MB
of RAM. I quote those numbers because those are actual system stats that
I've had in the past and am able to comment on as a direct observer.

A system as old as your computer means that you probably are using PC100
SDRAM and the price of this is dirt cheap. You have four slots, each will
probably only support a 256 stick unfortunately, but you could consider
buying some RAM if you're unable to purchase an entirely new computer at
this time. Assuming that you already have a goodly amount in there (better
than 64 MB would be nice to start with) I'd say trash all of them and go out
and buy new sticks of a reputable brand. Make sure you get them from a
dealer who's knowingly able to support that not all shipped RAM will work.
Grab a free copy of a memory tester and test all the memory within your
warranty period so that if it's faulty you can return it. Make sure that
it's a tester that runs independant of the operating system. I try to avoid
recommending specific brands of software but Google or MSN Search will
certainly show you many sites that you can download this software at and
places you can research before buying the RAM.

Check your MOBO's stats. Maybe it will support PC133 SDRAM (which is a bit
faster) and you'll be able to get that much better performance from your now
dated computer. Several sites offer upgraded CPUs but, in my opinion, if
you're going to update the CPU and the RAM you'd be better off heading to a
generic indexing computer sales site and buying a whole new computer or a
barebones system and getting a lot more bang for just a few bucks more. AMD
prices are quite nice these days and the 64 bit archetecture has really
proven itself in the field in my opinion. Alternatively wait for the prices
on the P4s to drop and settle for a bit of sluggish behavior for the time
being.

Galen
--

"My mind rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me
the most abstruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis, and I am
in my own proper atmosphere. I can dispense then with artificial
stimulants. But I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for
mental exaltation." -- Sherlock Holmes