A Resource Hog.

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


.



.



.

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


.



.



.

.

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


.



.



.

.

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


.



.



.

.



.

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

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
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


.



.



.

.



.

.

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


.

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

"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."

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
.