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Question

CPU speed --> Hardware v. software.

Sep 16, 2015 12:29PM PDT

Hello Folks. I'm a software guy, having been a programmer and MIS manager through my career. Yesterday, in an effort to figure out why JAVA would not work, I went into a diagnostic startup via msconfig and was shocked to find out how blazing fast this computer can be! Looking at all the variables, I cannot figure out (JAVA not pertinent to this) what is slowing the machine down in "Normal" config? Running Windows 7 Pro SP1 on an Acer Aspire desktop, 1.5 MG RAM, 1.66 MHz dual core Intel processor. I monitored the RAM and CPU use and did not see much diff in these values while it was "blazing" along. Comments??

PS--> I know I need more memory and am upgrading to three of the four Meg max soon.

Thanks...Robert

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Java install
Sep 17, 2015 3:25PM PDT

BTW -- I was successful in installing the latest (Cool version of Java. Now my Java console works again. Also, despite the difficulty with my machine, I'm using both the latest JRE and JDK because I'm learning "Android Studio" to write apps.

Regards,

Robert Goltz

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Answer
Let me share a Java tool I find useful. In fact two!!!
Sep 16, 2015 12:34PM PDT

1. JAVARA. Easy to find but I like it since it can clear out old versions and more.
2. Ninite.com to get my new Java without toolbars.

As to what may be slowing it down, maybe a dump of a HIJACKTHIS log so we can see what's running? Or many Autoruns?

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a Java tool I find useful
Sep 17, 2015 3:22PM PDT

Thanks for the feedback. I have considered doing a post of a "Hijack" file on their website. I can do one here too if it would be helpful.

Am following through with the RAM increase and will see if that helps!

Thanks again.

Cheers,

Robert

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Answer
Swap file?
Sep 17, 2015 7:40AM PDT

Monitor the swap file.
With that small amount of ram the file could be going quite active when you load your start up items.
If it is then that's a good reason why the machine becomes slow.

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CPU speed --> Hardware v. software.
Sep 17, 2015 3:19PM PDT

Bob:

Thanks. Do you think increasing the size of my swap file would help until I do the RAM upgrade.

Cheers,

Robert

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Swap file
Sep 17, 2015 8:54PM PDT

I'll defer to the R.P. answer below.
I was just thinking that w7 + 1.5GB of ram + an igp? is not a good mix for speed.
Unless you want to monitor the swap file then it's just a guess.

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w7 + 1.5GB of ram + an igp
Sep 18, 2015 1:06PM PDT

Thanks again Bob & R. Proffitt for your input. I know I'm pushing this old thing a lil hard. Can't afford to replace it, but upgrading/increasing RAM I can! On the subject. Which services do I need to load for Internet access during a "Diagnostic" start? The machine was so fast in that configuration, however, I did not have network!

I can do a different "start" for when I want to do some schooling on App/Java programming.

Cheers,

Robert Goltz

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Answer
That page file question.
Sep 17, 2015 3:26PM PDT

Maybe, MAYBE back in XP and prior days it could help. Today I just let Windows manage it.

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This is too much about services on the web.
Sep 18, 2015 1:24PM PDT

So I can never tell anyone which services they need today. I counted over 100 possible services so I can't know what folk need today and no one I know makes a menu to select this set of services for work, another for play and so one. As machines grew in size you only get this question on very old PCs.

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This is too much about services on the web.
Sep 18, 2015 5:34PM PDT

R.P. I thank you for your continued interest in my post. After some research, I understand your point completely. I'm experimenting with enabling anything "Net" related in my "Diagnostic" startup config and will figure it out. Just looking for advice on a particular set of services, if a small list, that are required for Internet access.

Cheers and regards,

Robert

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For Reducing "Services" Load, This Site Can Help
Sep 21, 2015 10:34AM PDT
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Reducing "Services" Load
Sep 22, 2015 11:19AM PDT

Grif:

Thanks for the input. I greatly appreciate it. I remember in Vista I found a similar "list". I look forward to reviewing one for 7.

Yes, I've ordered a 2GB stick for this old lady and will double my existing to 3 full GB. The machine says it will support 4 total so I will start @ 3 and go from there.

Cheers,

Robert

PS---> anybody wanna buy a Kingston 512MB stick? LOL