To determine your Ram memory, chip manufacturer and chip speed go to System Properties then click on the General tab, You will see the amount of Ram you have as well as the chip info.
1. Optimizing your computer:
Run Defrag (depending on how much you use the computer and how much info you save to the hard drive) one time every month or so. Go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Defragmenter.
2. Web Browser slow:
If you use the computer every day to search the net, etc., delete the files in Internet Explorer every couple weeks. Go to Tools, Internet options, Temporary Internet Files, Delete Files.
It is good to delete cookies every few months, but you will have to retype all passwords, user IDS, etc. as you access your favorite sites.
3. Computer slows down:
As you visit files and pages, the computer stores this in a hidden file users can’t access. As it increases in size, the computer runs slower. However, there is a way to empty this file. It will make your computer run much faster if you have owned and used it for several years.
Go to My Computer on your Desktop,
RIGHT CLICK ON My Computer icon,
then click on Properties (which is System Properties) click on Advanced,
Click on Settings in Performance,
click on Advanced tab,
click on Change in Virtual Memory,
Custom size will probably be selected WRITE DOWN THE NUMBERS contained in the Initial size and Maximum size, Initial size should be not more than 3 times your Ram memory and Maximum not more than 6 times your total memory.
You will need to re-enter these numbers later, or use settings at 2.5 times and 5 times the Ram size, which should be ideal settings.
After you write these numbers down
Click the bullet on the No Paging file line,
Click Set.
Click Ok.
You will get a box that says you have to reboot your computer before these take effect.
Click ok.
Click Ok to get out of the small windows you are in.
After you do so, it will ask you if you want to restart your computer.
Click Yes, if you have all your work and programs saved and closed.
Rebooting will delete all the information in the hidden file.
NOW YOU NEED TO REPEAT THE PROCESS AND SET IT BACK TO MANUAL.
Go to My Computer on your Desktop,
RIGHT CLICK ON My Computer icon,
then click on Properties (which is System Properties)
Click on Advanced,
Click on Settings in Performance,
Click on Advanced tab,
Click on Change in Virtual Memory,
Click on Custom Size,
Re-enter the numbers you wrote down in the Initial size and Maximum Size, or use 2.5 x Ram and 5 x Ram.
Click Set,
Click Ok,
Click Ok,
Reboot your computer so you have the Initial size and Maximum size paging file selected.
Whatever you do, do not exceed 3 times your memory and 6 times your memory for Initial and Max. or your computer will be slower.
DO THIS WHENEVER YOU FEEL THE COMPUTER IS SLOWING DOWN.
4. You can’t get to a website, it won’t come up:
Unless the website was taken down, websites generally are working, there can be physical problems such as:
(a) the server is down;
(b) someone cut a line between your computer and the server where the website is located;
(c) you have a communications problem with your provider;
(d) you have a problem with your computer;
(e) or whatever.
Tracing the route from your computer to the website server will let you know what isn’t the problems listed above.
Most good ISP's and companies have their websites on more than one server, if one goes down another server takes over. Therefore their website is never down because of a server issue.
You can trace the route from your computer to the website. Doing this will show you where the problem is, for example what city, etc. And, it is interesting to see how many cities the process goes through to get the website up on your monitor.
If you are using Windows
Click "Start"
Go to "Programs"
go to "MS Dos Prompt"
(In some cases, you will have to go to Start, Programs, Accessories, “Command Prompt”)
At the Dos prompt type the following:
tracert www._____.com Type the URL of the website you are trying to get too.
To return to windows just type "exit" at the dos prompt. Don't type the " "
just the word exit.
5. 4. AntiVirus, Spyware and more:We have used many McAfee, Norton, etc. If you have a need to switch you might want to check out trendmicro.com.
The only drawback I see is it's a foreign company, I prefer to spend my money in America, that's why I drive a Ford Pickup. Although, there are times I wish I didn't drive a Ford.
However in my opinion, I haven't found a better program with all the features they offer. They seem to be a step ahead of the others.
6. If you have a computer tip Contractors should know about please let us know. We would like to pass those along.
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