RAM issues

[croc]

Does is there any direct link between your RAM and defragging your HDD. and is it possible for your RAm to decrease?

[Dave A]

RAM could decrease if a RAM card/unit went faulty...

The problem normally is an ever growing demand on RAM by your applications.

[croc]

so the more programs i have the less Ram? or is it the more i use those programs the less RAM?

[Dave A]

Both really - the key to speed is having spare RAM capacity available and not getting into the swap file (virtual RAM allocated and stored on your hard drive).

I honestly don't know if defragging your hard drive helps - the drop-off in performance once you are into the swap file is so severe, another second or two doesn't count for much.

[Chrisjan B]

RAM usage depends on the amount of programs that start up with your computer eg. Antivirus, Skype etc.

As a rule of the thumb I recommend with Windows XP 512MB RAM at least but preferably 1GB and Windows VISTA 2GB minimum.

There is no link between RAM usage and defragging your hard drive.

If you go into Windows taskmanager and check the performance tab it will show you the amount of RAM you are currently using and also the amount of installed RAM. When the usage is more than the installed RAM it is time for a memory upgrade. The computer will use the swapfile if not enough and because RAM is way faster than your hard drive it will slow down.

Hope it answers the question.

Dave I say again - who needs an IT guy when you're near!

[Dave A]

This one I'm well familiar with. I've had to deal with sucking life out of old machines for ages. They're worth nothing second hand, so we tend to squeeze them to the day they finally break.

I've also got staff who load all sorts of junk aps onto their machines - and then come whining to me when suddenly it's feeling a little ill. First step, uninstall all the fluff.

[croc]

ok so i checked my RAM and ive still got more than im using, will go through and find all he fluff proggrams but hen should i use a windows defrag or another one and before or after the 'fluff' is gone? which way is better?

[Dave A]

Dump the fluff then defrag. Personally I don't have an issue with the Windows XP defragger, but I can't say I've benchmarked it against anything else either other than a brush with System Mechanic. (Didn't like System Mechanic BTW).

[croc]

dump the fluff check, windows defag, check. never heard of system mechanic, but then i dont actually know much of what is out there! what defrag programs do you knnow of that you would suggest as awsome?

[croc]

Dave you got any suggestions for me, you seemed so super clued up on all this stuff!

[Dave A]

It is a forum - the idea is anyone can add their 2c worth
I've already added mine ^^

[Dave S]

Hey Croc,

I find that Windows Defrag is good, (have tried a few others and one of the Chinese downloads actually screwed-up "Sector o"). Cutting all the "fluff" might not be enough, the system registry might still hold some old links, you may need to use a Registry Cleaner, but be careful, not all are good!! try to find one that is approved by MS.

If your system is not too cluttered with programs, have you considered a drive rebuild? I know MS only allow a few activations before their software is toast, I do a complete HDD rebuild every year and my system purrs like a kitten, but is fast as a Cheeter.

What is your actual system specification? (HDD size and qty, RAM, CPU, Mboard, Sound card, Graphics card and RAM, etc?) Perhaps I can figure something less harsh than a rebuild?

[croc]

thanks bud that will be great, will list my specifications for you later just in a bit or a rush! but in the meantime, what is involved in a HDD rebuild?

[Dave A]

but in the meantime, what is involved in a HDD rebuild?

I'm curious too.

I've got visions of a format and total reinstall, which I normally only do under duress - like when the drive data has corrupted by some dodgy software. I've found things fly on a fresh install like that, but what a PITA.

So I'm hoping you mean something else

[daveob]

I've got visions of a format and total reinstall

What I do in these cases is : when you first format the drive/s, install the OS and all the software you use ( office, etc ) and setup all your internet connections, e-mail accounts, etc.

Then, before you do anything else, make a Ghost copy of the drive. That way, when the system is corrupt beyond repair, whip out the Ghost disk and you've got all the PITA work done within a very short time.

just my 2c worth.