-=PCTechTalk=- Improving performance when low on memory

Cristy,

There are three things that can make a major impact on performance when you
don't have enough memory.  The following directions are for WinXP.

1) If you have enough hard drive space, then increase the amount of virtual
memory and make min and max size the same.  When Windows either expands or
shrinks the file it pretty much freezes everything else for a second or two
which would kill your performance when video editing.
1A) Right-click on "My Computer" (from either desktop or start menu) and
choose Properties.
1B) Click the Advanced Tab, then Settings (under Performance), then Advanced
tab, then Change (under Virtual Memory).
1C) I usually double the Max size and use that same value for the Min size.
If the programs you use are big memory hogs, then it couldn't hurt to go
higher if you have enough disk space.
1D) Click OK on all those windows you used to get there.

2) Defrag often.  There was a thread here recently that talked about the
best free defrag programs.  When low on memory a defrag makes a bigger
difference than on a PC with plenty of memory IMO.  Many defrag programs
work better than the one that comes with Windows.  You are much better off
with one that orders the files for better performance.  I think Windows
defrag only defrags files without ordering them.  Also, turn off any feature
the defrag program has to run in background.  It will take up more memory
than you can afford if you are already low on memory.

3) Stop as many services and background programs as possible.  Autoruns is
the perfect program to use to find out whats running and the ability to stop
them from running every time Windows starts.  Hmm, several programs (like
MS-Office and some Adobe programs) have a program that runs in memory to
help their main program load faster when you run them.  These are usually
safe to stop because they are only a waste of memory until you start the
program they are designed to speed up.  What you can and can't get rid of is
beyond the scope of these message.  I usually lookup the programs in a
google search to find out if it's safe to stop.  If you give us a list of
autorun programs here, I'm sure some of us can give you advice.

All these things can help all PC's (especially the first 2), but are way
more important if you are low on memory.  Can you also upgrade your memory?
Most memory is pretty cheap these days.

-----Original Message-----
From: pctechtalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:pctechtalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of cristy
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2008 7:58 PM
To: pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- Re: what is autoruns.exe?

Hi Gman,

I did try out your link to download secunia.  If you do not think the file 
is a problem, I guess I can just leave it alone.  I am fighting with my 
monster movie editing program tonight trying to do some movie editing with 
my little measley memory being smashed by the monster program ;0, get stuck,

reboot, let the computer rest up, lol...


thanks,


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