Re: Computer too slow for my liking.

[Guest Sal_55]

Re: Computer too slow for my liking.

 

On 19 Mar, 20:28, Baron <baron.nos...@linuxmainiac.nospam.net> wrote:

> Sal_55 wrote:

> > On 19 Mar, 13:37, Jim <g4rga2...@yahoo.fr> wrote:

> >> On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:17:56 -0700 (PDT), Sal_55

>

> >> <zaman_2...@yahoo.com> wrote:

> >> >I have a Dell computer with about 20 GB hard drive and 128 RAM. Also

> >> >it has a 1.5 GHZ processor. The problem is the computer takes too

> >> >long to perform functions, especially when I run a lot of programs

> >> >at the same time. I know some of you will say that in order to run

> >> >many programs at the same time I need to upgrade to a better

> >> >machine, but currently due to disablity this is the only computer I

> >> >can afford. I have run virus checks and run Adaware and Spybot. Also

> >> >I have turned the system restore percentage from 12% to about 8%.

> >> >Doing all this I have noticed some improvement. But the computer

> >> >still lags when I run about 3 processes at the same time.

> >> >Anyone know if I can somehow increase the size of the virtual

> >> >memory? Or any good progams which can speed up my computer?

>

> >> You don't say what operating system you are using. If it's XP

> >> or Vista, then I'm afraid your computer will run slow as it

> >> really hasn't enough hard disc space and nearly enough RAM for

> >> the task.

>

> >> --

>

> >> Jim,

> >> English Region,

> >> E.U.

>

> > Thanks so much for all the advice given to me so far.

> > I have just broken my left foot and don't think now is the best time

> > to be fiddling around with my screwdriver in order to add more RAM. Is

> > there no way I can increase the RAM some other way? I don't really

> > know what I'm speaking about, but can't you increase the 'virtual

> > memory' of the computer to increase the RAM?

> > If I decide it's too much hassle to increase the RAM on my current

> > machine and I buy a new computer, then is there anyway of transferring

> > all my files to my new computer? I remember in the old days there was

> > some kind of parallel cable you could attach betwen computers to

> > transfer all the files.

> > Thanks again and bye friends.

>

> Don't you have a good local dealer who could sort all that out for you ?

>

> As far as transfering your data, you should be backing up anything that

> you wouldn't want to loose.  No point in backing up programs because

> you can always re-install them from your original CD's !

>

> --

> Best Regards:

>                      Baron.- Hide quoted text -

>

> - Show quoted text -

 

Thanks for the tips, again.

Backing-up everything on cd-roms is what careful,wise,prudent ppl do.

I'm definetely not one of those. I would have thought there might be

some shareware program which would somehow transfer all the old files

into your new computer. But that might be wishful thinking on my

behalf.

If I search for new RAM, does it have to be Dell RAM, or can it be

made by some other company? If I'm lucky enough to find the RAM very

cheaply, then what's the most I can upgrade my machine to?

Are you sure that installing new RAM is as easy as just opening up the

computer and inserting it onto the clips? If the hardware companies

are making it that easy,well the computer repair men will be out of

business in a few years!

If I do decide to increase the RAM, since the computer is already

open, are there any other cheap upgrades I can make? Don't say

graphics card since I'm not into playing games.

if I get a new soundcard, will the quality be appreciably better than

my current one? if it'll only be a small improvement, then I can't be

bothered.

Thanks for all the advice and bye friends.

[Guest Colin Barnhorst]

Re: Computer too slow for my liking.

 

Re: Computer too slow for my liking.

 

Without knowing the exact model of your computer, who knows what ram you can

use? However, you can go to any of the memory manufacturer's websites and

download an analyzer and it will tell you exactly what to buy and how much.

One such analyzer is at Crucial, http://www.crucial.com/.

 

"Sal_55" <zaman_2756@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:0086e3af-d68b-43fc-8e50-615c70256e0d@s19g2000prg.googlegroups.com...

On 19 Mar, 20:28, Baron <baron.nos...@linuxmainiac.nospam.net> wrote:

> Sal_55 wrote:

> > On 19 Mar, 13:37, Jim <g4rga2...@yahoo.fr> wrote:

> >> On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:17:56 -0700 (PDT), Sal_55

>

> >> <zaman_2...@yahoo.com> wrote:

> >> >I have a Dell computer with about 20 GB hard drive and 128 RAM. Also

> >> >it has a 1.5 GHZ processor. The problem is the computer takes too

> >> >long to perform functions, especially when I run a lot of programs

> >> >at the same time. I know some of you will say that in order to run

> >> >many programs at the same time I need to upgrade to a better

> >> >machine, but currently due to disablity this is the only computer I

> >> >can afford. I have run virus checks and run Adaware and Spybot. Also

> >> >I have turned the system restore percentage from 12% to about 8%.

> >> >Doing all this I have noticed some improvement. But the computer

> >> >still lags when I run about 3 processes at the same time.

> >> >Anyone know if I can somehow increase the size of the virtual

> >> >memory? Or any good progams which can speed up my computer?

>

> >> You don't say what operating system you are using. If it's XP

> >> or Vista, then I'm afraid your computer will run slow as it

> >> really hasn't enough hard disc space and nearly enough RAM for

> >> the task.

>

> >> --

>

> >> Jim,

> >> English Region,

> >> E.U.

>

> > Thanks so much for all the advice given to me so far.

> > I have just broken my left foot and don't think now is the best time

> > to be fiddling around with my screwdriver in order to add more RAM. Is

> > there no way I can increase the RAM some other way? I don't really

> > know what I'm speaking about, but can't you increase the 'virtual

> > memory' of the computer to increase the RAM?

> > If I decide it's too much hassle to increase the RAM on my current

> > machine and I buy a new computer, then is there anyway of transferring

> > all my files to my new computer? I remember in the old days there was

> > some kind of parallel cable you could attach betwen computers to

> > transfer all the files.

> > Thanks again and bye friends.

>

> Don't you have a good local dealer who could sort all that out for you ?

>

> As far as transfering your data, you should be backing up anything that

> you wouldn't want to loose. No point in backing up programs because

> you can always re-install them from your original CD's !

>

> --

> Best Regards:

> Baron.- Hide quoted text -

>

> - Show quoted text -

 

Thanks for the tips, again.

Backing-up everything on cd-roms is what careful,wise,prudent ppl do.

I'm definetely not one of those. I would have thought there might be

some shareware program which would somehow transfer all the old files

into your new computer. But that might be wishful thinking on my

behalf.

If I search for new RAM, does it have to be Dell RAM, or can it be

made by some other company? If I'm lucky enough to find the RAM very

cheaply, then what's the most I can upgrade my machine to?

Are you sure that installing new RAM is as easy as just opening up the

computer and inserting it onto the clips? If the hardware companies

are making it that easy,well the computer repair men will be out of

business in a few years!

If I do decide to increase the RAM, since the computer is already

open, are there any other cheap upgrades I can make? Don't say

graphics card since I'm not into playing games.

if I get a new soundcard, will the quality be appreciably better than

my current one? if it'll only be a small improvement, then I can't be

bothered.

Thanks for all the advice and bye friends.

[Guest Big Al]

Re: Computer too slow for my liking.

 

Re: Computer too slow for my liking.

 

Sal_55 wrote:

> On 19 Mar, 20:28, Baron <baron.nos...@linuxmainiac.nospam.net> wrote:

>> Sal_55 wrote:

>>> On 19 Mar, 13:37, Jim <g4rga2...@yahoo.fr> wrote:

>>>> On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:17:56 -0700 (PDT), Sal_55

>>>> <zaman_2...@yahoo.com> wrote:

>>>>> I have a Dell computer with about 20 GB hard drive and 128 RAM. Also

>>>>> it has a 1.5 GHZ processor. The problem is the computer takes too

>>>>> long to perform functions, especially when I run a lot of programs

>>>>> at the same time. I know some of you will say that in order to run

>>>>> many programs at the same time I need to upgrade to a better

>>>>> machine, but currently due to disablity this is the only computer I

>>>>> can afford. I have run virus checks and run Adaware and Spybot. Also

>>>>> I have turned the system restore percentage from 12% to about 8%.

>>>>> Doing all this I have noticed some improvement. But the computer

>>>>> still lags when I run about 3 processes at the same time.

>>>>> Anyone know if I can somehow increase the size of the virtual

>>>>> memory? Or any good progams which can speed up my computer?

>>>> You don't say what operating system you are using. If it's XP

>>>> or Vista, then I'm afraid your computer will run slow as it

>>>> really hasn't enough hard disc space and nearly enough RAM for

>>>> the task.

>>>> --

>>>> Jim,

>>>> English Region,

>>>> E.U.

>>> Thanks so much for all the advice given to me so far.

>>> I have just broken my left foot and don't think now is the best time

>>> to be fiddling around with my screwdriver in order to add more RAM. Is

>>> there no way I can increase the RAM some other way? I don't really

>>> know what I'm speaking about, but can't you increase the 'virtual

>>> memory' of the computer to increase the RAM?

>>> If I decide it's too much hassle to increase the RAM on my current

>>> machine and I buy a new computer, then is there anyway of transferring

>>> all my files to my new computer? I remember in the old days there was

>>> some kind of parallel cable you could attach betwen computers to

>>> transfer all the files.

>>> Thanks again and bye friends.

>> Don't you have a good local dealer who could sort all that out for you ?

>>

>> As far as transfering your data, you should be backing up anything that

>> you wouldn't want to loose. No point in backing up programs because

>> you can always re-install them from your original CD's !

>>

>> --

>> Best Regards:

>> Baron.- Hide quoted text -

>>

>> - Show quoted text -

>

> Thanks for the tips, again.

> Backing-up everything on cd-roms is what careful,wise,prudent ppl do.

> I'm definetely not one of those. I would have thought there might be

> some shareware program which would somehow transfer all the old files

> into your new computer. But that might be wishful thinking on my

> behalf.

> If I search for new RAM, does it have to be Dell RAM, or can it be

> made by some other company? If I'm lucky enough to find the RAM very

> cheaply, then what's the most I can upgrade my machine to?

> Are you sure that installing new RAM is as easy as just opening up the

> computer and inserting it onto the clips? If the hardware companies

> are making it that easy,well the computer repair men will be out of

> business in a few years!

> If I do decide to increase the RAM, since the computer is already

> open, are there any other cheap upgrades I can make? Don't say

> graphics card since I'm not into playing games.

> if I get a new soundcard, will the quality be appreciably better than

> my current one? if it'll only be a small improvement, then I can't be

> bothered.

> Thanks for all the advice and bye friends.

 

You can get a larger drive, this would give you more virtual drive

space. Its not as good as Memory but it will give you space. I kinda

think 20 gigs is a bit small.

 

You can image a drive to move it. Thus you lose nothing. I've done it

8 times and have no issue doing the following.

I've seen on seagate they allow you to download a free copy of their

utility to back and move data. Its looks like its Acronis backup, just

relabeled.

 

http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US&name=DiscWizard&vgnextoid=d9fd4a3cdde5c010VgnVCM100000dd04090aRCRD

 

I know this sounds hard but you just put a new larger drive as a 2nd

drive, use the tool to mirror (image) the old drive onto the new one and

then remove the old drive and make the new drive primary single. If

you understand all that, then you're 90% there.

 

I did this to my laptop using an external USB enclosure to upgrade from

80gigs to 100gigs. An enclosure for 19$ or so is another idea or buy

an enclosure and drive combo and then once you transfer everything you

swap drives and use the old drive for backup.

 

Sorry don't know your financial constraints and even a cheap drive may

be a lot. And as much as I think this is easy, it can be hard if you

are not technically inclined. Memory and Drives are only plug and play

for the most part.

 

I had an old laptop with 30 gigs and I had the same issues as you did.

But could not find any "major" way to improve things. Yes you can make

small steps and constantly clean things. I even did a batch file to do

it for me routinely.

[Guest Sal_55]

Re: Computer too slow for my liking.

 

Re: Computer too slow for my liking.

 

On 20 Mar, 15:13, Big Al <Bi...@nowhere.com> wrote:

> Sal_55 wrote:

> > On 19 Mar, 20:28, Baron <baron.nos...@linuxmainiac.nospam.net> wrote:

> >> Sal_55 wrote:

> >>> On 19 Mar, 13:37, Jim <g4rga2...@yahoo.fr> wrote:

> >>>> On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:17:56 -0700 (PDT), Sal_55

> >>>> <zaman_2...@yahoo.com> wrote:

> >>>>> I have a Dell computer with about 20 GB hard drive and 128 RAM. Also

> >>>>> it has a 1.5 GHZ processor. The problem is the computer takes too

> >>>>> long to perform functions, especially when I run a lot of programs

> >>>>> at the same time. I know some of you will say that in order to run

> >>>>> many programs at the same time I need to upgrade to a better

> >>>>> machine, but currently due to disablity this is the only computer I

> >>>>> can afford. I have run virus checks and run Adaware and Spybot. Also

> >>>>> I have turned the system restore percentage from 12% to about 8%.

> >>>>> Doing all this I have noticed some improvement. But the computer

> >>>>> still lags when I run about 3 processes at the same time.

> >>>>> Anyone know if I can somehow increase the size of the virtual

> >>>>> memory? Or any good progams which can speed up my computer?

> >>>> You don't say what operating system you are using. If it's XP

> >>>> or Vista, then I'm afraid your computer will run slow as it

> >>>> really hasn't enough hard disc space and nearly enough RAM for

> >>>> the task.

> >>>> --

> >>>> Jim,

> >>>> English Region,

> >>>> E.U.

> >>> Thanks so much for all the advice given to me so far.

> >>> I have just broken my left foot and don't think now is the best time

> >>> to be fiddling around with my screwdriver in order to add more RAM. Is

> >>> there no way I can increase the RAM some other way? I don't really

> >>> know what I'm speaking about, but can't you increase the 'virtual

> >>> memory' of the computer to increase the RAM?

> >>> If I decide it's too much hassle to increase the RAM on my current

> >>> machine and I buy a new computer, then is there anyway of transferring

> >>> all my files to my new computer? I remember in the old days there was

> >>> some kind of parallel cable you could attach betwen computers to

> >>> transfer all the files.

> >>> Thanks again and bye friends.

> >> Don't you have a good local dealer who could sort all that out for you ?

>

> >> As far as transfering your data, you should be backing up anything that

> >> you wouldn't want to loose.  No point in backing up programs because

> >> you can always re-install them from your original CD's !

>

> >> --

> >> Best Regards:

> >>                      Baron.- Hide quoted text -

>

> >> - Show quoted text -

>

> > Thanks for the tips, again.

> > Backing-up everything on cd-roms is what careful,wise,prudent ppl do.

> > I'm definetely not one of those. I would have thought there might be

> > some shareware program which would somehow transfer all the old files

> > into your new computer. But that might be wishful thinking on my

> > behalf.

> > If I search for new RAM, does it have to be Dell RAM, or can it be

> > made by some other company? If I'm lucky enough to find the RAM very

> > cheaply, then what's the most I can upgrade my machine to?

> > Are you sure that installing new RAM is as easy as just opening up the

> > computer and inserting it onto the clips? If the hardware companies

> > are making it that easy,well the computer repair men will be out of

> > business in a few years!

> > If I do decide to increase the RAM, since the computer is already

> > open, are there any other cheap upgrades I can make? Don't say

> > graphics card since I'm not into playing games.

> > if I get a new soundcard, will the quality be appreciably better than

> > my current one? if it'll only be a small improvement, then I can't be

> > bothered.

> > Thanks for all the advice and bye friends.

>

> You can get a larger drive, this would give you more virtual drive

> space.  Its not as good as Memory but it will give you space.   I kinda

> think 20 gigs is a bit small.

>

> You can image a drive to move it.  Thus you lose nothing.  I've done it

> 8 times and have no issue doing the following.

> I've seen on seagate they allow you to download a free copy of their

> utility to back and move data.   Its looks like its Acronis backup, just

> relabeled.

>

> http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US&name=DiscWizard&vg....

>

> I know this sounds hard but you just put a new larger drive as a 2nd

> drive, use the tool to mirror (image) the old drive onto the new one and

> then remove the old drive and make the new drive primary single.   If

> you understand all that, then you're 90% there.

>

> I did this to my laptop using an external USB enclosure to upgrade from

> 80gigs to 100gigs.   An enclosure for 19$ or so is another idea or buy

> an enclosure and drive combo and then once you transfer everything you

> swap drives and use the old drive for backup.

>

> Sorry don't know your financial constraints and even a cheap drive may

> be a lot.   And as much as I think this is easy, it can be hard if you

> are not technically inclined.   Memory and Drives are only plug and play

> for the most part.

>

> I had an old laptop with 30 gigs and I had the same issues as you did.

> But could not find any "major" way to improve things.   Yes you can make

> small steps and constantly clean things.   I even did a batch file to do

> it for me routinely.- Hide quoted text -

>

> - Show quoted text -

 

Why didn't I think of that? Of increasing my hard rives capacity

whilst I had my computer open to increase it's RAM? Maybe coz I'm a

retard. But that's another story.

Is adding some GB's to my hard drives capacity as hard as increasing

the RAM or is it easier?

Since I missed something as obvious as increasing my computers hard

drive's memory, can anyone please be kind enough to think of any

other upgrades I might as well make whilst I have my computer already

open?

Bye brothers.

[Guest someone]

Re: Computer too slow for my liking.

 

Re: Computer too slow for my liking.

 

Opening up a Dell computer is very easy to do. It requires no tools, just

thumbscrews. Check your manual. It gives directions for adding RAM and

adding another hard drive. If your Dell is like my Dell (4100 series, and

it sounds like it may be the same), the specifications in your manual will

tell you what kind of RAM you can use. It had originally non-ECC PC133

SDRAM. The manual shows you how to add another block of RAM, and it

requires no tools. You merely, basically, just insert it. When I upgraded

to 512 MB, I had to take out both blocks and insert two new blocks of 256

each. The maximum for my computer is 512. Installing another hard drive is

more complicated, and I have not done that yet, but the instructions are in

my manual. It does involve taking out some screws. If you buy the RAM from

a website, it will diagnose your computer and tell you what kind you need.

Any computer store can do that too.

 

"Sal_55" <zaman_2756@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:f2752159-92a0-459a-a253-0cfed1042503@h11g2000prf.googlegroups.com...

> On 20 Mar, 15:13, Big Al <Bi...@nowhere.com> wrote:

>> Sal_55 wrote:

>> > On 19 Mar, 20:28, Baron <baron.nos...@linuxmainiac.nospam.net> wrote:

>> >> Sal_55 wrote:

>> >>> On 19 Mar, 13:37, Jim <g4rga2...@yahoo.fr> wrote:

>> >>>> On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:17:56 -0700 (PDT), Sal_55

>> >>>> <zaman_2...@yahoo.com> wrote:

>> >>>>> I have a Dell computer with about 20 GB hard drive and 128 RAM.

>> >>>>> Also

>> >>>>> it has a 1.5 GHZ processor. The problem is the computer takes too

>> >>>>> long to perform functions, especially when I run a lot of programs

>> >>>>> at the same time. I know some of you will say that in order to run

>> >>>>> many programs at the same time I need to upgrade to a better

>> >>>>> machine, but currently due to disablity this is the only computer I

>> >>>>> can afford. I have run virus checks and run Adaware and Spybot.

>> >>>>> Also

>> >>>>> I have turned the system restore percentage from 12% to about 8%.

>> >>>>> Doing all this I have noticed some improvement. But the computer

>> >>>>> still lags when I run about 3 processes at the same time.

>> >>>>> Anyone know if I can somehow increase the size of the virtual

>> >>>>> memory? Or any good progams which can speed up my computer?

>> >>>> You don't say what operating system you are using. If it's XP

>> >>>> or Vista, then I'm afraid your computer will run slow as it

>> >>>> really hasn't enough hard disc space and nearly enough RAM for

>> >>>> the task.

>> >>>> --

>> >>>> Jim,

>> >>>> English Region,

>> >>>> E.U.

>> >>> Thanks so much for all the advice given to me so far.

>> >>> I have just broken my left foot and don't think now is the best time

>> >>> to be fiddling around with my screwdriver in order to add more RAM.

>> >>> Is

>> >>> there no way I can increase the RAM some other way? I don't really

>> >>> know what I'm speaking about, but can't you increase the 'virtual

>> >>> memory' of the computer to increase the RAM?

>> >>> If I decide it's too much hassle to increase the RAM on my current

>> >>> machine and I buy a new computer, then is there anyway of

>> >>> transferring

>> >>> all my files to my new computer? I remember in the old days there was

>> >>> some kind of parallel cable you could attach betwen computers to

>> >>> transfer all the files.

>> >>> Thanks again and bye friends.

>> >> Don't you have a good local dealer who could sort all that out for you

>> >> ?

>>

>> >> As far as transfering your data, you should be backing up anything

>> >> that

>> >> you wouldn't want to loose. No point in backing up programs because

>> >> you can always re-install them from your original CD's !

>>

>> >> --

>> >> Best Regards:

>> >> Baron.- Hide quoted text -

>>

>> >> - Show quoted text -

>>

>> > Thanks for the tips, again.

>> > Backing-up everything on cd-roms is what careful,wise,prudent ppl do.

>> > I'm definetely not one of those. I would have thought there might be

>> > some shareware program which would somehow transfer all the old files

>> > into your new computer. But that might be wishful thinking on my

>> > behalf.

>> > If I search for new RAM, does it have to be Dell RAM, or can it be

>> > made by some other company? If I'm lucky enough to find the RAM very

>> > cheaply, then what's the most I can upgrade my machine to?

>> > Are you sure that installing new RAM is as easy as just opening up the

>> > computer and inserting it onto the clips? If the hardware companies

>> > are making it that easy,well the computer repair men will be out of

>> > business in a few years!

>> > If I do decide to increase the RAM, since the computer is already

>> > open, are there any other cheap upgrades I can make? Don't say

>> > graphics card since I'm not into playing games.

>> > if I get a new soundcard, will the quality be appreciably better than

>> > my current one? if it'll only be a small improvement, then I can't be

>> > bothered.

>> > Thanks for all the advice and bye friends.

>>

>> You can get a larger drive, this would give you more virtual drive

>> space. Its not as good as Memory but it will give you space. I kinda

>> think 20 gigs is a bit small.

>>

>> You can image a drive to move it. Thus you lose nothing. I've done it

>> 8 times and have no issue doing the following.

>> I've seen on seagate they allow you to download a free copy of their

>> utility to back and move data. Its looks like its Acronis backup, just

>> relabeled.

>>

>> http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US&name=DiscWizard&vg...

>>

>> I know this sounds hard but you just put a new larger drive as a 2nd

>> drive, use the tool to mirror (image) the old drive onto the new one and

>> then remove the old drive and make the new drive primary single. If

>> you understand all that, then you're 90% there.

>>

>> I did this to my laptop using an external USB enclosure to upgrade from

>> 80gigs to 100gigs. An enclosure for 19$ or so is another idea or buy

>> an enclosure and drive combo and then once you transfer everything you

>> swap drives and use the old drive for backup.

>>

>> Sorry don't know your financial constraints and even a cheap drive may

>> be a lot. And as much as I think this is easy, it can be hard if you

>> are not technically inclined. Memory and Drives are only plug and play

>> for the most part.

>>

>> I had an old laptop with 30 gigs and I had the same issues as you did.

>> But could not find any "major" way to improve things. Yes you can make

>> small steps and constantly clean things. I even did a batch file to do

>> it for me routinely.- Hide quoted text -

>>

>> - Show quoted text -

>

> Why didn't I think of that? Of increasing my hard rives capacity

> whilst I had my computer open to increase it's RAM? Maybe coz I'm a

> retard. But that's another story.

> Is adding some GB's to my hard drives capacity as hard as increasing

> the RAM or is it easier?

> Since I missed something as obvious as increasing my computers hard

> drive's memory, can anyone please be kind enough to think of any

> other upgrades I might as well make whilst I have my computer already

> open?

> Bye brothers.

[Guest Big Al]

Re: Computer too slow for my liking.

 

Re: Computer too slow for my liking.

 

someone wrote:

> Opening up a Dell computer is very easy to do. It requires no tools,

> just thumbscrews. Check your manual. It gives directions for adding

> RAM and adding another hard drive. If your Dell is like my Dell (4100

> series, and it sounds like it may be the same), the specifications in

> your manual will tell you what kind of RAM you can use. It had

> originally non-ECC PC133 SDRAM. The manual shows you how to add another

> block of RAM, and it requires no tools. You merely, basically, just

> insert it. When I upgraded to 512 MB, I had to take out both blocks and

> insert two new blocks of 256 each. The maximum for my computer is 512.

> Installing another hard drive is more complicated, and I have not done

> that yet, but the instructions are in my manual. It does involve taking

> out some screws. If you buy the RAM from a website, it will diagnose

> your computer and tell you what kind you need. Any computer store can do

> that too.

>

> "Sal_55" <zaman_2756@yahoo.com> wrote in message

> news:f2752159-92a0-459a-a253-0cfed1042503@h11g2000prf.googlegroups.com...

>> On 20 Mar, 15:13, Big Al <Bi...@nowhere.com> wrote:

>>> Sal_55 wrote:

>>> > On 19 Mar, 20:28, Baron <baron.nos...@linuxmainiac.nospam.net> wrote:

>>> >> Sal_55 wrote:

>>> >>> On 19 Mar, 13:37, Jim <g4rga2...@yahoo.fr> wrote:

>>> >>>> On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:17:56 -0700 (PDT), Sal_55

>>> >>>> <zaman_2...@yahoo.com> wrote:

>>> >>>>> I have a Dell computer with about 20 GB hard drive and 128 RAM.

>>> >>>>> Also

>>> >>>>> it has a 1.5 GHZ processor. The problem is the computer takes too

>>> >>>>> long to perform functions, especially when I run a lot of programs

>>> >>>>> at the same time. I know some of you will say that in order to run

>>> >>>>> many programs at the same time I need to upgrade to a better

>>> >>>>> machine, but currently due to disablity this is the only

>>> computer I

>>> >>>>> can afford. I have run virus checks and run Adaware and Spybot.

>>> >>>>> Also

>>> >>>>> I have turned the system restore percentage from 12% to about 8%.

>>> >>>>> Doing all this I have noticed some improvement. But the computer

>>> >>>>> still lags when I run about 3 processes at the same time.

>>> >>>>> Anyone know if I can somehow increase the size of the virtual

>>> >>>>> memory? Or any good progams which can speed up my computer?

>>> >>>> You don't say what operating system you are using. If it's XP

>>> >>>> or Vista, then I'm afraid your computer will run slow as it

>>> >>>> really hasn't enough hard disc space and nearly enough RAM for

>>> >>>> the task.

>>> >>>> --

>>> >>>> Jim,

>>> >>>> English Region,

>>> >>>> E.U.

>>> >>> Thanks so much for all the advice given to me so far.

>>> >>> I have just broken my left foot and don't think now is the best time

>>> >>> to be fiddling around with my screwdriver in order to add more

>>> RAM. >>> Is

>>> >>> there no way I can increase the RAM some other way? I don't really

>>> >>> know what I'm speaking about, but can't you increase the 'virtual

>>> >>> memory' of the computer to increase the RAM?

>>> >>> If I decide it's too much hassle to increase the RAM on my current

>>> >>> machine and I buy a new computer, then is there anyway of >>>

>>> transferring

>>> >>> all my files to my new computer? I remember in the old days there

>>> was

>>> >>> some kind of parallel cable you could attach betwen computers to

>>> >>> transfer all the files.

>>> >>> Thanks again and bye friends.

>>> >> Don't you have a good local dealer who could sort all that out for

>>> you >> ?

>>>

>>> >> As far as transfering your data, you should be backing up anything

>>> >> that

>>> >> you wouldn't want to loose. No point in backing up programs because

>>> >> you can always re-install them from your original CD's !

>>>

>>> >> --

>>> >> Best Regards:

>>> >> Baron.- Hide quoted text -

>>>

>>> >> - Show quoted text -

>>>

>>> > Thanks for the tips, again.

>>> > Backing-up everything on cd-roms is what careful,wise,prudent ppl do.

>>> > I'm definetely not one of those. I would have thought there might be

>>> > some shareware program which would somehow transfer all the old files

>>> > into your new computer. But that might be wishful thinking on my

>>> > behalf.

>>> > If I search for new RAM, does it have to be Dell RAM, or can it be

>>> > made by some other company? If I'm lucky enough to find the RAM very

>>> > cheaply, then what's the most I can upgrade my machine to?

>>> > Are you sure that installing new RAM is as easy as just opening up the

>>> > computer and inserting it onto the clips? If the hardware companies

>>> > are making it that easy,well the computer repair men will be out of

>>> > business in a few years!

>>> > If I do decide to increase the RAM, since the computer is already

>>> > open, are there any other cheap upgrades I can make? Don't say

>>> > graphics card since I'm not into playing games.

>>> > if I get a new soundcard, will the quality be appreciably better than

>>> > my current one? if it'll only be a small improvement, then I can't be

>>> > bothered.

>>> > Thanks for all the advice and bye friends.

>>>

>>> You can get a larger drive, this would give you more virtual drive

>>> space. Its not as good as Memory but it will give you space. I kinda

>>> think 20 gigs is a bit small.

>>>

>>> You can image a drive to move it. Thus you lose nothing. I've done it

>>> 8 times and have no issue doing the following.

>>> I've seen on seagate they allow you to download a free copy of their

>>> utility to back and move data. Its looks like its Acronis backup, just

>>> relabeled.

>>>

>>> http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US&name=DiscWizard&vg...

>>>

>>> I know this sounds hard but you just put a new larger drive as a 2nd

>>> drive, use the tool to mirror (image) the old drive onto the new one and

>>> then remove the old drive and make the new drive primary single. If

>>> you understand all that, then you're 90% there.

>>>

>>> I did this to my laptop using an external USB enclosure to upgrade from

>>> 80gigs to 100gigs. An enclosure for 19$ or so is another idea or buy

>>> an enclosure and drive combo and then once you transfer everything you

>>> swap drives and use the old drive for backup.

>>>

>>> Sorry don't know your financial constraints and even a cheap drive may

>>> be a lot. And as much as I think this is easy, it can be hard if you

>>> are not technically inclined. Memory and Drives are only plug and play

>>> for the most part.

>>>

>>> I had an old laptop with 30 gigs and I had the same issues as you did.

>>> But could not find any "major" way to improve things. Yes you can make

>>> small steps and constantly clean things. I even did a batch file to do

>>> it for me routinely.- Hide quoted text -

>>>

>>> - Show quoted text -

>>

>> Why didn't I think of that? Of increasing my hard rives capacity

>> whilst I had my computer open to increase it's RAM? Maybe coz I'm a

>> retard. But that's another story.

>> Is adding some GB's to my hard drives capacity as hard as increasing

>> the RAM or is it easier?

>> Since I missed something as obvious as increasing my computers hard

>> drive's memory, can anyone please be kind enough to think of any

>> other upgrades I might as well make whilst I have my computer already

>> open?

>> Bye brothers.

>

 

Brain surgery is easy if you know what you are doing. Still....

Memory, other than getting the stuff and the right type, is a simply

slide in (newer types at an angle, then straighten up) and done.

 

HD's if you have a desktop is not that hard. But you have to set master

or slave if you put it inside. Normally a single cable allows 2

drives, HD/CD/DVD etc. One is always master and one is slave. Better

cables etc can be set to auto select. Old school is to set the jumpers

on the back, one to master and one to slave. You can find specs for

most every drive on the web if its not on the drive. Don't change your

current drive if you want it to continue to work.

If you have your HD and CD on one cable, then you need a 2nd cable to

get a 3rd device. Most Motherboards have 2 controllers allowing 4

drives. Once installed in XP, you might get a notice you have new

hardware, or you go to control panel / administrative tools / computer

management / disk management. You can partition and format from there.

 

Once formatted you have a "D" or "E" drive to play with. You can now

use trueimage etc to backup the Main drive to the new 2nd drive. Once

mirrored you remove or flip the drives around (change jumpers), and boot

of the now larger drive. Or you can remove it. I'd leave it in. Use

it for backup even with Windows backup or manually dragging. Any

backup is going to be better than nothing when you crash.

 

The logic of backup is to put the backup on a different drive. A backup

to the same drive has no value if that drive goes belly up.