Hello Noel,

The software which has brought me to this parlous state of
doubting is Awave Audio by FMJ-Software.
http://www.fmjsoft.com/

This software doesn't require XP as a baseline since I see
Win95 referred to and also since it handles conversions
admirably - except that when employing it I must take a
walk! That one exception aside I am fully satisfied with
what I have. Computerwise.

Am I correct, Noel, in thinking this (based on what
yourself and Galen have said) which seems to be:
A new computer with XP, loads of RAM and hardware to match
would, were I to run Awave Audio, allow me to continue
using the computer in other ways?

And further, that if I insist on continuing to use the
system/computer I presently have, it inevitably means that
this software's dominance (the take-a-walk Ben syndrome)
will continue, and there is nothing I can do (with what I
have) to change that?

Have I understood, Noel?

If so, why is it that my system resources hover at 70%
whilst my CPU Usage is in the red (Process Explorer). Can
I assume the 70% means 30% in use?

Which leads me to my last question, which was and is, what
are the names of the 'components' comprising 'System
Resources'?

It is a lovely day here, Noel, on Vancouver Island. Spect
it's raining where you are!

Cheers,VBG

Ben.

P.S. Whatis "OTT WRT actual"?

-----Original Message-----
Ben
Notwithstanding Galen's comments - which are *very*
valid!.......

My recommendation when buying a new PC is "'Go for
the 'best' you can
afford"
The definition of 'best' is very much in the eye of the
beholder!!!!

Your current system is admirably capable of running ME -
but may experience
problems with XP because of hardware incompatibilities.

There is no doubt that if you're considering spending a
fair amount of time
online, then XP is the better system to go for - and is
more usable with
modern applications (many of which require XP as a
baseline)

Barebones systems frequently mean one thing to a user,
and another to a
supplier!! -
In my own definition, it's the main Box of the system,
without the Keyboard,
mouse, and monitor - and should not include an Operating
System.
Some manufacturers include the OS, some don't include the
case!
Check the specifications carefully before you purchase.

For your system running ME, I don't think there's much
point in upgrading
the RAM beyond where it is currently - it's likely to be
OTT WRT actual
usage, unless you're printing large graphics files, or
editing graphics.
Strangely, SDRAM PC100 is actually becoming MORE
expensive again -
presumably because less people are buying it, while even
fewer are making
it!


For any new system, if you're going to run XP, then use
at least 512MB RAM
(of whatever kind the motherboard takes) - at least then
you will be
starting up on the right footing! For ME, then you can
safely drop that to
256MB (or even further, to 128MB, if money is tight)

--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm
http://tinyurl.com/6oztj

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post
messages to NG's

"Ben B" wrote in
message
...
Hello Galen,

Thanks for the detailed response. Yes I have 384MB of
PC100 SDRAM in two slots. I can't tell whether or not my
mobo will support PC133 SDRAM from the stats obtained in
Everest All the stas I found are mentioned in my first
post.

PC100 SDRAM is cheap you say. How much do you suggest I
might add? Another 256MB in the third slot? Or two
sticks
of 128MB in slots 3 and 4? or 2 sticks of 256MB in
slots 3
and 4?

My other option is to buy a new computer or a barebones
system. What is a barebones system, Galen?

And how much RAM and what type should I be looking at? I
am not into gaming so presumably a CPU of IGBHz would be
OK?

Thank, Galen.

Ben.


-----Original Message-----
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


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