[Trlog] Laptop performance issue

[Dave Hachadorian]

On Fri, 11 Apr 2003 11:57:31 -0700 (PDT) MFoster <k0ex at yahoo.com> writes:
> Hi guys 
> 
> new user here.  Question about my Laptop performance.
> 
> HP Omnibook5700CT
> 150MHz + 80MB RAM + 2GB hard-drive
> 
> When I have TRLog running in DOS, I notice sag in the
> code speed as it writes to disk. 
> 
> When I pull up an MS-DOS window and run TRLog from
> there, the disk-writing event is MUCH faster AND there
> is NO sag in the code speed during this writing event.
> 
> 
> Maybe not as much info is being written during the
> Windows-launched session?  Or, Windows has some
> control over the disk-writing that isn't happening in
> DOS?  Or....? 
> 
> Anyone have an explanation?  
> 
> I know the tricks listed in the TRLog manual, and I
> haven't implemented any to see what difference it will
> make.  But now, my question is WHY it's doing this.
> 
> -Mark 

Windows controls disk caching, which provides real time
I/O precedence over disk operations. Disk writing is
held until the computer has some free time.

If you are running from dos, you need to enable
smartdrv.exe, with write-caching. At the dos
prompt, type:

loadhigh smartdrv.exe c+

Then, start TR


Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, AZ