[TenTec] "Remember, it's a computer." (OT)

[Tom North]

WA2PVK points out some things that I think are very valid. I'll toss in my
.02, FWIW.
I'm running 3 machines on a network here:
- 1.2G AMD T-Bird/Asus A-7V combo with Matrox dual-screen card, for CAD and
graphics; no sound, no bells & whistles, just a cash cow running graphics
oriented software that keeps me in toys. More than that turned out to be a
distraction for this box.
- AMD K6 550 on a Soyo MB, sound, CD-RW, all the frills; this is the 'shack'
machine, and has several software packages of various vintages that are ham
related.
- WinBook J1 laptop (1G Pentium III) that has all the stuff the other two
have (save dual-screens), plus serves as a plotter server and internet
portal.
These 3 all have a couple things in common:
- Windows 2000 Professional OS.
- MS Office 97; it does everything I need to do. Office 2000 caused problems
and was removed. This may be the only MS software on them, save the OS.
- I use Opera as a browser. Security is adequate and it does a great job of
shooting down pop-ups. Plus I like the way it works.
- Minimum 'Player' programs. I have Quick Time and WMP on 2 machines. Real
Time caused problems. If it doesn't run on the first two, 'too bad'.
- VERY ADEQUATE RAM on all 3. Win 2k & XP Pro will require at least 256MB+
to run right on any box. I believe that a good amount is at least half the
speed of the processor - i.e. 1 GB processor, 512 MB RAM. Just to be sure,
the CAD machine carries 1 GB due to the software/task requirements.
- All are carefully maintained in terms of virus protection and defragging;
I use Norton SystemWorks for the maintenance of the system, registry,
obsolete pgms. etc. It works for me.
While there are some things that I know I can do in AutoCAD (LT2000i & 2000)
to cause a software crash, I cannot remember the last time I had a lock up
on any of 'em. I am of the opinion that keeping the balance on the hardware
side hefty and the software as simple as possible (read: don't upgrade every
time MS or whomever releases a new version), things will work in a very
transparent manner. Also, don't hesitate to trade back a new device driver
for an older one that works right.
Hope this helps. Any questions will answered to the best of my ability
(direct, please.)
73'
Tom  N5OZQ

----- Original Message -----
From: tentec-request at contesting.com
To: tentec at contesting.com
Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2003 9:26 PM
Subject: TenTec Digest, Vol 3, Issue 60


Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2003 21:17:24 -0500
From: "WILLIAM MANSEY; WA2PVK" <res0wsci at verizon.net>
To: <KD4ZNC at arrl.net>, <tentec at contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] "Remember, it's a computer."
Message-ID: <000501c2eb62$2f488780$d3004004 at williamdesktop>
References: <002c01c2eb5a$094f9670$6801a8c0 at MODLINET1>
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Message: 11

I am also enjoying this "off topic" (now) thread as it gives me something to
think about other than my Orion.  (well - ALMOST)
I am running Windows and did have problems with certain utilility,
anti-virus, and other products.  I won't bother mentioning the names but
they have been mentioned in previous posts.  I found some free (at least the
basic versions) software that far outperformed the expensive "name brands"
and I have had virtually none of the problems I had with those other
programs.  One of these is the AVG program listed at the bottom of this
message.  Another is ZoneAlarm.  AdsGone and NoPops are some of the other
programs that seem to work great.  I am just providing information and have
NOTHING to gain by mentioning any particular program(s).
I have changed EVERYTHING in my computer, and have added things that were
not there, with the exception of the power supply and motherboard.  This
includes the sound card, video card, Ethernet card, hard drive, added a
slave hard drive, floppy drive, DVD/CD-RW drive, CD-RW drive and more
memory.  I have had no problems with lockups once I figured out how to go
track down drivers and associated programs for devices I had removed.  Once
all these things were either disabled or removed from the system - all
worked very well.
It is a good idea to periodically check for "obsolete" programs,
applications, drivers and other residual stuff.  Performing a disk check,
disk cleanup, and running the defragmenter will help speed things up.
Sorry for taking up the space on the Reflector.  Any questions?  Please
Email me directly.    73, Bill
PS: current OS is Windows XP Professional Edition
res0wsci at verizon.net