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#11
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My apologies, Noel,
You'd think after all these years of my declining to access MSNgps via O.E. I would have learned how to use the bloody alternative - obviously I haven't. Missed your post entirely. It is one of the most interesting I have read lately, Noel. It helps when I read words likes 'poll' and phrases like "various states" and so on because I get a better understanding of what is going on. I will check my swapfile usage (when I re-install System Monitor!!! which I 'chucked away' yesterday when I found out Kernel: Processor Usage (%) had a faulty algorithm - from Mike)!! I saw Rick's post after I had explored Process Explorer more deeply today, and I had set the Priority of AwaveAudio at Idle, which seems to have done the trick. As for a Win9x API as a possible programming goof by FMJ, and since I paid $100 CAN for it, I will ask him about it. That is unless you tell me that setting the Priority will have forced AwaveAudio to seek the 'correct way'. What do you think? Thanks so much, Noel. You are so good at this. Cheers. Ben. P.S. When are you going to post a lexicon of language shortcuts on your website? vbg -----Original Message----- g got it in one - raining now, although it looked very nice outside earlier! OTT='Over The Top' WRT= 'With Respect To' There's no good reason your system shouldn't run Awave fine. There's no real way to distinguish System Resource usage outside of the tools you're already using - and 70% free (30%in use) is a goodly amount. To check whether more RAM may be needed is fairly simple. Use System Monitor to look at the 'Swapfile in Use' during typical usage of the PC - if the value exceeds around 20MB, then more RAM may help. There are some programs that no matter how you set them up will appear to use every CPU cycle available (I have one running here). What that probably means is that the programmer was lazy, and is using the program to continually poll various states within the PC, rather than looking for the correct way to do this. Frequently this has no bad effect on 'normal running' - but sometimes it can effectively cripple the PC. I suggest that, since you've apparently paid for Awave, you use their support and ask them " It's likely that upgradin to XP (however good the hardware) will carry the same liability, unless the programmer has simply goofed on a Win9x API. -- 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 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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Hello, again, Noel,
Checked the Swapfile in use = 9.3MB So plenty of RAM. I have all sorts of windows open and although it took perhaps 25secs to get this one open and AwaveAudio is presently at 88% in Process Explorer do you still think the programmer may have "goofed on an API" for Win9x? Ben. -----Original Message----- My apologies, Noel, You'd think after all these years of my declining to access MSNgps via O.E. I would have learned how to use the bloody alternative - obviously I haven't. Missed your post entirely. It is one of the most interesting I have read lately, Noel. It helps when I read words likes 'poll' and phrases like "various states" and so on because I get a better understanding of what is going on. I will check my swapfile usage (when I re-install System Monitor!!! which I 'chucked away' yesterday when I found out Kernel: Processor Usage (%) had a faulty algorithm - from Mike)!! I saw Rick's post after I had explored Process Explorer more deeply today, and I had set the Priority of AwaveAudio at Idle, which seems to have done the trick. As for a Win9x API as a possible programming goof by FMJ, and since I paid $100 CAN for it, I will ask him about it. That is unless you tell me that setting the Priority will have forced AwaveAudio to seek the 'correct way'. What do you think? Thanks so much, Noel. You are so good at this. Cheers. Ben. P.S. When are you going to post a lexicon of language shortcuts on your website? vbg -----Original Message----- g got it in one - raining now, although it looked very nice outside earlier! OTT='Over The Top' WRT= 'With Respect To' There's no good reason your system shouldn't run Awave fine. There's no real way to distinguish System Resource usage outside of the tools you're already using - and 70% free (30%in use) is a goodly amount. To check whether more RAM may be needed is fairly simple. Use System Monitor to look at the 'Swapfile in Use' during typical usage of the PC - if the value exceeds around 20MB, then more RAM may help. There are some programs that no matter how you set them up will appear to use every CPU cycle available (I have one running here). What that probably means is that the programmer was lazy, and is using the program to continually poll various states within the PC, rather than looking for the correct way to do this. Frequently this has no bad effect on 'normal running' - but sometimes it can effectively cripple the PC. I suggest that, since you've apparently paid for Awave, you use their support and ask them " It's likely that upgradin to XP (however good the hardware) will carry the same liability, unless the programmer has simply goofed on a Win9x API. -- 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 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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Certainly, it'd be good to flag your problem up to the programmers - it may
either be something they've missed, or something on your system that's conflicting. I'd give them as much data as you can - possibly including an edited Belarc report (remove the license numbers and identifying data). See what they have to say. -- 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, again, Noel, Checked the Swapfile in use = 9.3MB So plenty of RAM. I have all sorts of windows open and although it took perhaps 25secs to get this one open and AwaveAudio is presently at 88% in Process Explorer do you still think the programmer may have "goofed on an API" for Win9x? Ben. -----Original Message----- My apologies, Noel, You'd think after all these years of my declining to access MSNgps via O.E. I would have learned how to use the bloody alternative - obviously I haven't. Missed your post entirely. It is one of the most interesting I have read lately, Noel. It helps when I read words likes 'poll' and phrases like "various states" and so on because I get a better understanding of what is going on. I will check my swapfile usage (when I re-install System Monitor!!! which I 'chucked away' yesterday when I found out Kernel: Processor Usage (%) had a faulty algorithm - from Mike)!! I saw Rick's post after I had explored Process Explorer more deeply today, and I had set the Priority of AwaveAudio at Idle, which seems to have done the trick. As for a Win9x API as a possible programming goof by FMJ, and since I paid $100 CAN for it, I will ask him about it. That is unless you tell me that setting the Priority will have forced AwaveAudio to seek the 'correct way'. What do you think? Thanks so much, Noel. You are so good at this. Cheers. Ben. P.S. When are you going to post a lexicon of language shortcuts on your website? vbg -----Original Message----- g got it in one - raining now, although it looked very nice outside earlier! OTT='Over The Top' WRT= 'With Respect To' There's no good reason your system shouldn't run Awave fine. There's no real way to distinguish System Resource usage outside of the tools you're already using - and 70% free (30%in use) is a goodly amount. To check whether more RAM may be needed is fairly simple. Use System Monitor to look at the 'Swapfile in Use' during typical usage of the PC - if the value exceeds around 20MB, then more RAM may help. There are some programs that no matter how you set them up will appear to use every CPU cycle available (I have one running here). What that probably means is that the programmer was lazy, and is using the program to continually poll various states within the PC, rather than looking for the correct way to do this. Frequently this has no bad effect on 'normal running' - but sometimes it can effectively cripple the PC. I suggest that, since you've apparently paid for Awave, you use their support and ask them " It's likely that upgradin to XP (however good the hardware) will carry the same liability, unless the programmer has simply goofed on a Win9x API. -- 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 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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Thanks, Noel, I will do that. Ben.
-----Original Message----- Certainly, it'd be good to flag your problem up to the programmers - it may either be something they've missed, or something on your system that's conflicting. I'd give them as much data as you can - possibly including an edited Belarc report (remove the license numbers and identifying data). See what they have to say. -- 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, again, Noel, Checked the Swapfile in use = 9.3MB So plenty of RAM. I have all sorts of windows open and although it took perhaps 25secs to get this one open and AwaveAudio is presently at 88% in Process Explorer do you still think the programmer may have "goofed on an API" for Win9x? Ben. -----Original Message----- My apologies, Noel, You'd think after all these years of my declining to access MSNgps via O.E. I would have learned how to use the bloody alternative - obviously I haven't. Missed your post entirely. It is one of the most interesting I have read lately, Noel. It helps when I read words likes 'poll' and phrases like "various states" and so on because I get a better understanding of what is going on. I will check my swapfile usage (when I re-install System Monitor!!! which I 'chucked away' yesterday when I found out Kernel: Processor Usage (%) had a faulty algorithm - from Mike)!! I saw Rick's post after I had explored Process Explorer more deeply today, and I had set the Priority of AwaveAudio at Idle, which seems to have done the trick. As for a Win9x API as a possible programming goof by FMJ, and since I paid $100 CAN for it, I will ask him about it. That is unless you tell me that setting the Priority will have forced AwaveAudio to seek the 'correct way'. What do you think? Thanks so much, Noel. You are so good at this. Cheers. Ben. P.S. When are you going to post a lexicon of language shortcuts on your website? vbg -----Original Message----- g got it in one - raining now, although it looked very nice outside earlier! OTT='Over The Top' WRT= 'With Respect To' There's no good reason your system shouldn't run Awave fine. There's no real way to distinguish System Resource usage outside of the tools you're already using - and 70% free (30%in use) is a goodly amount. To check whether more RAM may be needed is fairly simple. Use System Monitor to look at the 'Swapfile in Use' during typical usage of the PC - if the value exceeds around 20MB, then more RAM may help. There are some programs that no matter how you set them up will appear to use every CPU cycle available (I have one running here). What that probably means is that the programmer was lazy, and is using the program to continually poll various states within the PC, rather than looking for the correct way to do this. Frequently this has no bad effect on 'normal running' - but sometimes it can effectively cripple the PC. I suggest that, since you've apparently paid for Awave, you use their support and ask them " It's likely that upgradin to XP (however good the hardware) will carry the same liability, unless the programmer has simply goofed on a Win9x API. -- 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 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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In ,
Ben B had this to say: 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? I have taken a look at this and all of the other posts. I am going to spend a few minutes on this post and it's likely to be a bit long and detailed. Please bear with me and any digressions as I hope to reach a conclusion that you will find valuable. You can take a look at your MOBO he http://www.techspot.com/reviews/hard...4x/index.shtml From that we see that the real trouble with your MOBO (and you've probably been fortunate enough to not be rudely awoken to this I hope as you didn't complain about it) is that it's a VIA chipset. While that's unforgivable we'll try to ignore that and work with what you have. We see that you can put PC133 (133 MHz Bus Speed which, if you note, is 33% faster than the RAM that you have in there at this point in time MORE THAN LIKELY. It is possible that you have PC133 in there already but the majority of these boards shipped with 128 MB of a generic brand of PC100 SDRAM) Can you mix and match? Yes you can but considering that you're putting PC133 (which if it's any good will also operate at the 100 MHz range as well) in you don't want the bottleneck of having PC100 in there at the same time. Many motherboards will, without serious modification that we're not going to get into at this point, revert the speed of the RAM to the lowest bus speed of the slowest RAM. So, if you bought PC133 and had a PC100 stick in there it's quite likely that the RAM will only function at the 100 MHz speed. While I don't normally go about recommending vendors or sites, it's against my better judgement unless I feel very strongly about the subject, there's a very nice site right here that will help you in finding a few decent places to buy additional RAM at a decent price: http://www.pricewatch.com/h/prc.aspx?i=33&a=1948 That's a direct link that will take you only to the type of RAM that your computer will support. As you can see they're really not that expensive. For less than $80 USD you can outfit your computer with 1 GB of PC133 SDRAM. The first offer is highly reviewed on that page. A key point to look, BEFORE BUYING, is at the reviews of the vendor so that you can see their customer's reactions to their purchases. Make sure to pay close attention to the companies privacy policy and to their return policy. Now, for a bit more information, click the same link up there but go to the main portion of the site or you can just skip that and click this link which will take you to their site but put you into the barebones section. What these are is they are systems that aren't complete. They have no operating system (you already have one) they have no RAM (you already have some but if you're buying a much newer computer you'll need to get a different type of RAM for that specific computer perhaps) and they have no hard drives or CD ROMs or the like. You already have those and they're VERY easy to move from one computer or another. Here's the link: http://www.pricewatch.com/m/mn.aspx?i=347&f=1 Okay, so let's say you want a bit more bang for your buck and you are going to save up for a little while. Already have a monitor? Already have a few things that you could move over to your PC if you absolutely had to? The click this link he http://www.pricewatch.com/m/mn.aspx?i=335&f=1 What these are is partially complete computers. Most of them will come with a new hard drive, CD/DVD (some with burners) and floppy drives, they have NO operating system and often have 'configurator' pages at the end of the link that will allow you to customize your computer even further. As you can see from the page you can get an AMD Athalon for as low as $168 dollars. It won't have a keyboard, it won't have a monitor, and I didn't check the ad but it probably hasn't got too many things at all but it's a lot better than what you have at this point in time. To answer your final question your MOBO will support (unless the pages I've looked at were wrong but I doubt that they are and this is a pretty standard answer) 1 GB (in 4x256 fashion) of PC133 SDRAM. Which, to be frank, gamer or not will mean you have the fastest ME PC on the block more than likely. While your CPU cycle will still be as slow as ever you will have more immediately (or pretty close) avialable resources as they are loaded into the RAM. There's some killer tweaks that you can use at that point. You can actually load the OS into the memory space and have all the system functions available nearly instantly. I should also add that 1 GB of RAM is more than enough for your Windows ME system... I'm not entirely certain, perhaps you can PING Noel for this, but I think with that much RAM (even on your slower CPU) you MIGHT even have to tweak it a bit (or there might be an update for it) so that it actually SLOWS your shutdown process down a little bit so that you're able to close Windows properly. If you don't slow it down then it will end up closing too fast and you end up with a great deal of defragmentation going on? PING Noel for that or give me a bit of time if you're interested in knowing more about that. It's in your best interest, however, to not buy the additional RAM at this time. The price of computers is so low these days that you can buy a decent computer from the site above at a very good price. Many of the vendors accept various forms of payment and, if you don't have a credit card, there's sites that you can go to (or your bank) where you can buy a single use credit card that will expire only after the money on it is gone or you can use "reload" it with more cash when you run out. I find that I most generally prefer to use those types online or one with a limit that's just above the price I'm paying for the items at that time. I often keep a few trash cards kicking around for such a thing and pay them off faithfully at the end of each month to avoid any additional fees and intrest charges. These, this last paragraph, are my opinions. Were I in your shoes I'd probably tell "me" to go get stuffed. I'd go out and buy the RAM as soon as I can so that you have the immediate benefit and when you're able to you can buy a new computer. That's probably what I'd do. I've never been very good at waiting for the chance to buy stuff. I am a definate impulse buyer. I'd then save up for the new computer and say "thank you" for the site if you didn't already know about it. Personally? I enjoy putting a PC together so I'd get a barebones system or buy components and put the whole thing together myself. If you want immediate gratification you can buy the complete systems without the OS that are available from the bottom link. Buying a new computer is something I enjoy usually four to six times a year, I hope that you find it as enjoyable as I do. Adding the RAM to your PC is going to make a difference that I am willing to bet you will notice. Heck, I'd wager you $100 that your first words after booting and using your computer with the additional RAM will be something akin to "wow" even if you try to not talk. Having been there and done it one too many times I fully know the response, if you don't say something like "wow" (or something a bit more vulger) then there's something broken with your geek-gene. Anything more? 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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Hello Noel,
Here is an excerpt from his response to my enquiry: "I can see no obvious reason why Awave Audio should make your system so 'unresponsive' while you are running a conversion. That certainly is not normally the case - Awave Audio runs as a normal Windows 'process' and it is up to the operating system to make sure that things run smoothly and that all applications receive their fair slice of "cpu time". I can only think of two suggestions for you: 1) Awave Audio use does a lot of reading and writing to files. So if the disk access runs slowly then maybe Windows is sitting a lot 'unresponsive' while waiting for that. So first try running the disk "defragmentation tool" that comes with Windows. If you have an older hard disk then getting a newer and faster one *might* help." If, down the course of time, Noel, something else occurs to you, well, I would, of course be most grateful to hear from you. Thanks. Ben. -----Original Message----- Thanks, Noel, I will do that. Ben. -----Original Message----- Certainly, it'd be good to flag your problem up to the programmers - it may either be something they've missed, or something on your system that's conflicting. I'd give them as much data as you can - possibly including an edited Belarc report (remove the license numbers and identifying data). See what they have to say. -- 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, again, Noel, Checked the Swapfile in use = 9.3MB So plenty of RAM. I have all sorts of windows open and although it took perhaps 25secs to get this one open and AwaveAudio is presently at 88% in Process Explorer do you still think the programmer may have "goofed on an API" for Win9x? Ben. -----Original Message----- My apologies, Noel, You'd think after all these years of my declining to access MSNgps via O.E. I would have learned how to use the bloody alternative - obviously I haven't. Missed your post entirely. It is one of the most interesting I have read lately, Noel. It helps when I read words likes 'poll' and phrases like "various states" and so on because I get a better understanding of what is going on. I will check my swapfile usage (when I re-install System Monitor!!! which I 'chucked away' yesterday when I found out Kernel: Processor Usage (%) had a faulty algorithm - from Mike)!! I saw Rick's post after I had explored Process Explorer more deeply today, and I had set the Priority of AwaveAudio at Idle, which seems to have done the trick. As for a Win9x API as a possible programming goof by FMJ, and since I paid $100 CAN for it, I will ask him about it. That is unless you tell me that setting the Priority will have forced AwaveAudio to seek the 'correct way'. What do you think? Thanks so much, Noel. You are so good at this. Cheers. Ben. P.S. When are you going to post a lexicon of language shortcuts on your website? vbg -----Original Message----- g got it in one - raining now, although it looked very nice outside earlier! OTT='Over The Top' WRT= 'With Respect To' There's no good reason your system shouldn't run Awave fine. There's no real way to distinguish System Resource usage outside of the tools you're already using - and 70% free (30%in use) is a goodly amount. To check whether more RAM may be needed is fairly simple. Use System Monitor to look at the 'Swapfile in Use' during typical usage of the PC - if the value exceeds around 20MB, then more RAM may help. There are some programs that no matter how you set them up will appear to use every CPU cycle available (I have one running here). What that probably means is that the programmer was lazy, and is using the program to continually poll various states within the PC, rather than looking for the correct way to do this. Frequently this has no bad effect on 'normal running' - but sometimes it can effectively cripple the PC. I suggest that, since you've apparently paid for Awave, you use their support and ask them " It's likely that upgradin to XP (however good the hardware) will carry the same liability, unless the programmer has simply goofed on a Win9x API. -- 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 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 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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Hello Galen,
I have just done a first read-through of your extraordinary post. I shall now print it out. And read it and re-read it. My first impression is that you have written with enormous care and with great clarity. And you are perspicacious in an unusually significant way. Thank-you, Galen. Noel has my e-mail address and I would very much like to have yours. Ben. -----Original Message----- In , Ben B had this to say: 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? I have taken a look at this and all of the other posts. I am going to spend a few minutes on this post and it's likely to be a bit long and detailed. Please bear with me and any digressions as I hope to reach a conclusion that you will find valuable. You can take a look at your MOBO he http://www.techspot.com/reviews/hard...us_p3v4x/index. shtml From that we see that the real trouble with your MOBO (and you've probably been fortunate enough to not be rudely awoken to this I hope as you didn't complain about it) is that it's a VIA chipset. While that's unforgivable we'll try to ignore that and work with what you have. We see that you can put PC133 (133 MHz Bus Speed which, if you note, is 33% faster than the RAM that you have in there at this point in time MORE THAN LIKELY. It is possible that you have PC133 in there already but the majority of these boards shipped with 128 MB of a generic brand of PC100 SDRAM) Can you mix and match? Yes you can but considering that you're putting PC133 (which if it's any good will also operate at the 100 MHz range as well) in you don't want the bottleneck of having PC100 in there at the same time. Many motherboards will, without serious modification that we're not going to get into at this point, revert the speed of the RAM to the lowest bus speed of the slowest RAM. So, if you bought PC133 and had a PC100 stick in there it's quite likely that the RAM will only function at the 100 MHz speed. While I don't normally go about recommending vendors or sites, it's against my better judgement unless I feel very strongly about the subject, there's a very nice site right here that will help you in finding a few decent places to buy additional RAM at a decent price: http://www.pricewatch.com/h/prc.aspx?i=33&a=1948 That's a direct link that will take you only to the type of RAM that your computer will support. As you can see they're really not that expensive. For less than $80 USD you can outfit your computer with 1 GB of PC133 SDRAM. The first offer is highly reviewed on that page. A key point to look, BEFORE BUYING, is at the reviews of the vendor so that you can see their customer's reactions to their purchases. Make sure to pay close attention to the companies privacy policy and to their return policy. Now, for a bit more information, click the same link up there but go to the main portion of the site or you can just skip that and click this link which will take you to their site but put you into the barebones section. What these are is they are systems that aren't complete. They have no operating system (you already have one) they have no RAM (you already have some but if you're buying a much newer computer you'll need to get a different type of RAM for that specific computer perhaps) and they have no hard drives or CD ROMs or the like. You already have those and they're VERY easy to move from one computer or another. Here's the link: http://www.pricewatch.com/m/mn.aspx?i=347&f=1 Okay, so let's say you want a bit more bang for your buck and you are going to save up for a little while. Already have a monitor? Already have a few things that you could move over to your PC if you absolutely had to? The click this link he http://www.pricewatch.com/m/mn.aspx?i=335&f=1 What these are is partially complete computers. Most of them will come with a new hard drive, CD/DVD (some with burners) and floppy drives, they have NO operating system and often have 'configurator' pages at the end of the link that will allow you to customize your computer even further. As you can see from the page you can get an AMD Athalon for as low as $168 dollars. It won't have a keyboard, it won't have a monitor, and I didn't check the ad but it probably hasn't got too many things at all but it's a lot better than what you have at this point in time. To answer your final question your MOBO will support (unless the pages I've looked at were wrong but I doubt that they are and this is a pretty standard answer) 1 GB (in 4x256 fashion) of PC133 SDRAM. Which, to be frank, gamer or not will mean you have the fastest ME PC on the block more than likely. While your CPU cycle will still be as slow as ever you will have more immediately (or pretty close) avialable resources as they are loaded into the RAM. There's some killer tweaks that you can use at that point. You can actually load the OS into the memory space and have all the system functions available nearly instantly. I should also add that 1 GB of RAM is more than enough for your Windows ME system... I'm not entirely certain, perhaps you can PING Noel for this, but I think with that much RAM (even on your slower CPU) you MIGHT even have to tweak it a bit (or there might be an update for it) so that it actually SLOWS your shutdown process down a little bit so that you're able to close Windows properly. If you don't slow it down then it will end up closing too fast and you end up with a great deal of defragmentation going on? PING Noel for that or give me a bit of time if you're interested in knowing more about that. It's in your best interest, however, to not buy the additional RAM at this time. The price of computers is so low these days that you can buy a decent computer from the site above at a very good price. Many of the vendors accept various forms of payment and, if you don't have a credit card, there's sites that you can go to (or your bank) where you can buy a single use credit card that will expire only after the money on it is gone or you can use "reload" it with more cash when you run out. I find that I most generally prefer to use those types online or one with a limit that's just above the price I'm paying for the items at that time. I often keep a few trash cards kicking around for such a thing and pay them off faithfully at the end of each month to avoid any additional fees and intrest charges. These, this last paragraph, are my opinions. Were I in your shoes I'd probably tell "me" to go get stuffed. I'd go out and buy the RAM as soon as I can so that you have the immediate benefit and when you're able to you can buy a new computer. That's probably what I'd do. I've never been very good at waiting for the chance to buy stuff. I am a definate impulse buyer. I'd then save up for the new computer and say "thank you" for the site if you didn't already know about it. Personally? I enjoy putting a PC together so I'd get a barebones system or buy components and put the whole thing together myself. If you want immediate gratification you can buy the complete systems without the OS that are available from the bottom link. Buying a new computer is something I enjoy usually four to six times a year, I hope that you find it as enjoyable as I do. Adding the RAM to your PC is going to make a difference that I am willing to bet you will notice. Heck, I'd wager you $100 that your first words after booting and using your computer with the additional RAM will be something akin to "wow" even if you try to not talk. Having been there and done it one too many times I fully know the response, if you don't say something like "wow" (or something a bit more vulger) then there's something broken with your geek- gene. Anything more? 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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Ben B wrote:
Hello Galen, I have just done a first read-through of your extraordinary post. I shall now print it out. And read it and re-read it. My first impression is that you have written with enormous care and with great clarity. And you are perspicacious in an unusually significant way. Thank-you, Galen. Noel has my e-mail address and I would very much like to have yours. Let me provide a bit of balance When your MB was produced it was overall better than Intel's offering at the time(i810/e), even including generally sucky memory handling. There were(are) BIOS tweaks to improve memory handling; you can dig for them at viaarena.com (Search for Apollo & "bios tweaks") though I'd guess that most are integrated into the latest drivers. I don't see any reason to go out and blow $100 on new memory; 384 is WinME's "sweet spot" and if it works, don't mess with it. So, to sum up, just download and install the latest P3V4x BIOS from Asus and the latest 9x optimized 4-in-1s (4.37) from Via. Rick |
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"Ben B" wrote:
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? Adding more memory can noticeably improve performance only if the added memory results in reduced usage of the virtual memory swap file. Therefore if the swap file is not currently being used to any significant extent then adding more memory will not provide a significant improvement. Before installing more RAM use the System Monitor utility that comes with Windows and use Edit - Add to set it to track "Memory manager: Swap file in use" for several days of normal to heavy usage. If "Swap file in use" regularly shows as 20 mb or more then the swap file is being used extensively and more memory would result in improved performance. Otherwise it is not likely to make any noticeable difference. This applies regardless of how much or how little RAM is currently installed in the computer. There is a configuration setting that needs to be entered if you are going above 512 mb of RAM with Windows 95/98/Me and there are possible hardware related problems that can occur with more than 1 gb of RAM with these Windows versions. Good luck Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada -- Microsoft MVP On-Line Help Computer Service http://onlinehelp.bc.ca "The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much." |
#20
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Hello Rick,
Thanks for the input. As far as my original concern goes the software manufacturer responded to me (see my response to Noel) and I really have not moved very far. What about Galen's observation that my installed memory is PC100 SDRAM and what my mobo will accept is PC133 SDRAM? Ben. ******* Let me provide a bit of balance When your MB was produced it was overall better than Intel's offering at the time(i810/e), even including generally sucky memory handling. There were(are) BIOS tweaks to improve memory handling; you can dig for them at viaarena.com (Search for Apollo & "bios tweaks") though I'd guess that most are integrated into the latest drivers. I don't see any reason to go out and blow $100 on new memory; 384 is WinME's "sweet spot" and if it works, don't mess with it. So, to sum up, just download and install the latest P3V4x BIOS from Asus and the latest 9x optimized 4-in-1s (4.37) from Via. Rick . |
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