 Virtual
Memory – Do you have it?
All modern PCs use “virtual memory.”
Normally, when one speaks of computer memory, it refers to chips, rated
for the amount of work they can do. A chip of 128 megabytes
is the least amount of RAM (random access memory) you can purchase nowadays.
Virtual memory is not real memory. It
is an area set aside on your hard drive to be used when Random Access Memory
overflows. This is not a good situation, when you “run out of” RAM.
The overflow shifts to your hard drive, which is much slower than RAM.
If your programs seem to be running slower
than when you first got your computer, it could be that you have programs
that are automatically opening when you start up. To find out what
programs are running, go to Start, run, and type in msconfig. Click
on the tab, “startup” and look at the programs that are currently running.
Uncheck some of those when you know you don’t need to have running when
you start up. If you have doubts, call an expert and ask the question.
With Windows XP, you need a minimum of 256
megabytes of RAM. If you have 128 megabytes, you can start up the
computer, but you won't run a program like MS Word very well.
When you open Word, you could run out of RAM and virtual memory will begin
to fill up. Open more programs and you have a real problem.
If you are editing photos or videos, you may
need 512 MB of memory.
Memory is cheap; don’t skimp on it.
If you bought your computer at a store, they may be willing to give you
a deal on more memory. Local computer sales stores will know
the proper type of RAM to order for your computer and they will even install
it for you. For an investment of around $100, you should be able
to add another 256 megabytes of memory to your computer, if your computer
will accept the additional memory chips. This is something that is
not across-the-board standard for every computer. So, call an expert.
Have your computer specs in-hand when you do.
To see how much memory you have, open your
Control Panel. Double-
click System. On the General tab, total
memory should be listed near the bottom.
If you are running out of memory, as a temporary
fix, you can enlarge the area set aside for virtual memory.
To do that, open Control Panel. If you don’t know how to get to Control
Panel, don’t read any further. Take your computer to one of the local
computer repair centers.
If you have opened Control Panel, Double-click
System. Select the Advanced tab. Under Performance, click
Settings. Again, select the Advanced tab. Find Virtual Memory
at the bottom of the window, and click Change. Click the option button
next to "Custom Size." The minimum should be 1.5 times your memory size.
The maximum should be three times your memory. If you continue to
have problems, raise the maximum. Keep raising it until you no longer
get message warning you that you are running out of virtual memory.
Then plan a time to add more memory.
Cleaning a CD
According to Fred Langa who writes an on-line
technical newsletter, http://www.langa.com/newsletters,
“remove dirt, foreign material, fingerprints, smudges, and liquids by wiping
with a clean cotton fabric in a straight line from the center of the disc
toward the outer edge. Cleaning in a circle (ie following the circumference
of a CD) can create a curved scratch that can fool the laser; the laser
may try to follow the scratch instead of the real data track: You can get
skips or misreads as a result.
But by instead wiping across the CD (eg along
the diameter or radius) any accidental scratches are unlikely to cause
mis-tracking: The CD remains readable.
No scratch is good, of course: You should
use only soft cleaning cloths; and never rub any harder than is absolutely
necessary.
BTW: This is partially an age-dependent issue!
People who grew up with vinyl audio records learned to clean them
by wiping in a circular motion, in the direction of the physical grooves.
But that's exactly the wrong way to clean an optical disc.”
I hope you’ve found something of interest in
today’s column. The following is something to read to expand your
knowledge of the newest PC operating systems.
If you have a new computer, most likely you
have a version of Microsoft XP. Microsoft provides free upgrades
to the system. Go to the Microsoft site and get those upgrades.
Some of them will fix a flaw in the original XP system; some of them will
prevent invasion by certain viruses. You can even order a free CD
from Microsoft, containing all the “fixes.” Visit the Microsoft site
at http://www.microsoft.com.
And, then set your computer system to check for upgrades automatically.
If you are thinking of buying a new computer,
you should acquaint yourself with the new world that XP opens for computer
users.
The following information was
found on Microsoft’s site, http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/default.asp
Windows XP Product Information
Microsoft's most advanced desktop operating
system, Windows XP, is at the center of ongoing personal computing innovation.
With Windows XP, home users can experience the digital world like never
before, while business users can work smarter and faster. The links below
will take you to areas where you can learn more about each of the editions
and determine which one is right for you.
Windows XP Professional
Designed for businesses of all sizes and for
home users who demand the most from their computing experience, Windows
XP Professional delivers the new standard in reliability and performance.
It includes all the great features and new visual design of Windows XP
Home Edition, plus premier security and privacy features, advanced recovery
options, improved ability to connect to large networks, and much more.
Windows XP Home Edition
Experience more than you thought possible
with your home computer and the Internet. Windows XP Home Edition brings
dependability and simplicity to your personal computer. It includes a cleaner,
more intuitive visual design, advanced digital media features that make
working with digital photographs or playing digital music simple and fun,
and many new Windows experiences to explore. (Note: Windows XP Professional
may be a better choice for you.)
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition leads the evolution
of the notebook computer for businesses of all sizes. Thin and lightweight,
but extremely powerful, the new Tablet PC provides the freedom to be truly
mobile. By extending pen and speech capabilities, the Tablet PC provides
you with a more versatile and natural computing experience. You can use
the digital pen to write directly on the screen and control your computer
just as you would with a mouse. Use the Tablet PC Input Panel to enter
text into any application by using your own handwriting. Plus, the Tablet
PC has wireless technologies built right in, so you can use your computer
more often and in more places than ever before.
Windows XP Media Center Edition
New computers running Windows XP Media Center
Edition let you experience video, audio, pictures, and TV through a convenient
user interface that makes it easier than ever to enjoy digital media. Use
the simple layouts and intuitive menus to comfortably enjoy video, audio,
pictures, and television on your computer monitor or TV display. In addition,
the new remote control for Windows XP lets you unleash your favorite digital
media experience from anywhere in the room.
Until next week…
Ray McGill, owner of Nittany Travel, is the
President of KCnet; William Raco is Vice-President; Judy Yoho is Secretary
and Donald C. Miller of North Bend is Treasurer. Other members
of the board are Fred Bierly, Donna Gebhardt Lannan, Earl Keen, R.
Keith Kelly, Paul Korn, Amy Lapriola, Paddy O’Hara-Mays, Bob Rolley, and
Rich Wykoff. |