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Computer Woes: A Series of Questions
Mim
dead.Registered User regular
dead.Registered User regular
Well, to start I am looking for a browser that isn't going to slow the crap out of my computer and moves quickly. Right now I'm on IE, and I've used Chrome (everytime a website was running slow it kept offering to kill the webpage it seemed every minute on the minute), and I've used Firefox which was nice with its add-ons but was using a lot of RAM (I have 256mb...)
Also, beyond getting rid of a lot of programs I didn't need and putting a chunk of heavy programs (Sims2, Ragnarok Online, Photoshop, Open Canvas 4, AIM, Yahoo, all of my music and photos and anything else I'm using) onto my 1 TB external harddrive, my computer is still running slow. I've done a virus scan and used spybot to look for spyware and the like and I've found NOTHING. Is there something I'm missing? I know iTunes is raping the shit out of my computer, is there another iPod compatible program to use that doesn't take up that much space and doesn't slow my computer down?
TL;DR
1.) What is the best web browser that doesn't slow down my computer?
2.) What can I do to make my computer run faster? I've tried moving tons of stuff to my external, but it's still moving slow.
I've had my computer for 2 years, 3 this May, so it's not that old.
Also...how much does RAM cost? If that is indeed the problem.
Also, beyond getting rid of a lot of programs I didn't need and putting a chunk of heavy programs (Sims2, Ragnarok Online, Photoshop, Open Canvas 4, AIM, Yahoo, all of my music and photos and anything else I'm using) onto my 1 TB external harddrive, my computer is still running slow. I've done a virus scan and used spybot to look for spyware and the like and I've found NOTHING. Is there something I'm missing? I know iTunes is raping the shit out of my computer, is there another iPod compatible program to use that doesn't take up that much space and doesn't slow my computer down?
TL;DR
1.) What is the best web browser that doesn't slow down my computer?
2.) What can I do to make my computer run faster? I've tried moving tons of stuff to my external, but it's still moving slow.
I've had my computer for 2 years, 3 this May, so it's not that old.
Also...how much does RAM cost? If that is indeed the problem.
BlueSky: thequeenofchaos Steam: mimspanks (add me then tell me who you are! Ask for my IG)
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Cost is completely dependent on the type of RAM your motherboard can support.
Example: I bought 8 gigs of DDR1033 for $100, amazing quality OCZ, their highest performing. BUT, that's because the type I got (DDR1033) is mainstream... and the most popular types have lower costs. If you're back in the PC2700 or 3200 era, you may have to spend more.
I really should get on knowing more about computers...
RAM is cheap. It is ridiculously cheap for the most common varieties. Like, 4GB of perfectly respectable DDR2 RAM is $40 with free shipping from Newegg. The only snag would be if your computer was old enough to use SDRAM or something - it's an outdated format, and thus expensive. So, your first step is going to be figuring out what kind of RAM you have. If your computer was an off-the-shelf model, like a Dell or eMachine, you can use Newegg's memory configurator. If somebody built your computer for you, ask them what type of RAM they tossed in. Once you know what type it is (SDRAM, DDR, or DDR2), post a follow-up, and people can recommend you specific brands and sizes. It would help to know what operating system you're running, too.
Considering your PC only has 256 MB of ram, you might just have a really low-end computer. Even 2-3 years ago computers were mostly being sold with at least 512 MB. How fast is your CPU? It might just be time for an overall upgrade if you can afford it. Otherwise just add RAM.
Another thing that is probably worth while since you've been moving/deleting files is defragging your HD. Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Defragmenter in XP. It can take a few hours depending on the size of your HD, I usually just start it up before I go to bed so it's done in the morning.
You can use a program like SiSoft Sandra that should give you details about your current hardware and setup.
Uh, under the properties for My Computer it says:
Intel(R)
Celeron(R) CPU 2.53GHz
2.53GHz, 256 MB of RAM
My system is a Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Ver. 2002 Service Pack 3
If that helps any. Uh, if you need more I need to be told where to look for it, I am a complete n00b with this stuff.
Mim, is this a desktop or laptop? What company? What model?
Go into the system properties (Control Panel>System) and tell us what the specs (processor, model, etc.) are and we can help you more.
256MB of RAM is barely enough to run Windows XP. iTunes, etc. are raping your computer because you have no RAM.
EDIT: See if you can figure out what kind of RAM you have with the system configuration finder:
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/my_systems_info/details?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~tab=2
Find the service tag on your computer and enter it.
EDIT2: Oh god it uses RDRAM. Just give up - there's no way this thing can be upgraded. You will be better off just getting a brand new computer.
OPERA
srsly opera
If you don't build PC's, keep an eye out at your big-box retail stores for clearances, they happen often. Don't ever be suckered into getting any sort of protection plans or extended warranties
Installing windows Vista on a fresh HDD and logging on to a pristine install with no bloat-ware.
Knowing what every component inside your PC is, and know that its all installed right.
It's a beautiful experience
Critical Failures - Havenhold Campaign • August St. Cloud (Human Ranger)
That's usually a bad sign. I would proably go with a new PC too, as the cost will likely be compariable for new RAM vs. budget machine.
I would either build yourself a new computer, or if you're only doing light gaming like The Sims 2 and an MMO buy a half-decent Dell when they're on special.
Go into the start menu. go to all programs > accessories > system tools > defragment
You may first want to run the disk cleanup tool under the same system tools folder.
but they're listening to every word I say
I don't think I'm quite ready to build my own computer, but if I do ever get the money to do so, I know where to turn now, thanks
EDIT: Also, will a RDRAM only work on the computer? I can't mix and match RAMs? And if my dad plans to get rid of his computer, could I take his RAM and put it in my desktop (I still want to keep my desk top).
For now, though, I can fairly safely say that any modern laptop you buy will blow your old desktop right out of the water. Dell is a decent manufacturer, but their business product line tends to be better than their home stuff. They also tend to have a shitton of deals going on at any given time, so instead of getting your heart set on one particular model, you might want to sniff around a bit to see if there's something just as good on the cheap.