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Performance, or lack of it, is something you have to interpret. What causes performance degradation?
Think about what you have done, or not done, to your system. There lies the key. |
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Performance hits and what to do about them:
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Firewall - A firewall is software designed to notify you of access being requested by an outside source (some
website, possibly a hacker), or from inside (you looking for a website, or a "trojan virus" trying to send
information out, or a spyware doing the same). This is a great concept, but one you need to understand, and know
who's the good guy, and who's not. Not easy. You are asked to make decisions, make the wrong one and you can block
your own access, or let the wrong guy in.
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Insufficient memory - constant disk "chatter." This occurs because the system "swaps" data not required
currently to disk so it can load what it does need. Memory does not increase speed, but keeps the system from slowing
down to swap the data out.
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Processor upgrade - when none of the above seem to fit, maybe it's time. Software is the big consideration
here. How much software have you upgraded, or are looking to upgrade in the near future should be the guide here. New
software has more instructions, requires more disk space to store the program and the files, requires more memory to
run, requires more processor speed to handle the instructions. More different programs mean more time wasted waiting
on the system. Time to upgrade.
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Disk drive - stores the data. Mechanical, the faster the data can be retrieved, the better. Amazing how much
faster helps Internet access. Most of the files are stored on the local system should you revisit a web site
(temporary internet files). Disk speed will get them loaded faster. Size is more a requirement of the type of
application...pictures take a lot, letters very little.
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Bus speed - how fast the data can be transferred from the disk drive and other devices to memory chips and
processor and back. This has been a big improvement area in newer system design.
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Memory - size, and again, speed. How much can be stored electronically rather than mechanically is important,
and again how fast can the data be moved in and out.
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Processor speed - this number is just a number until you add in all of the components mentioned before. A
faster processor is not going to reap rewards unless you have the data being acquired more efficiently, moved across
the system better, and stored electronically in memory.
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