Author Topic: Effectiveness of PC "optomizing" software? (Read 9128 times)

uptonfish · « **on:** August 18, 2009, 09:53:19 PM »

I was inquiring as to the effectiveness of these types of programs? Is there anyone(s) in particular that are better than others? Is it worth the money for these programs?

thanks for your input

Carbon Dudeoxide · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2009, 11:24:23 PM »

NEVER buy software that claims to 'optimize' your computer.

The only optimizing programs we recommend is CCleaner and Smart Defrag. Go check them out. They're free and they actually do some good.

Saurabhdua · « **Reply #2 on:** August 19, 2009, 01:06:28 AM »

Hello Carbon!

I use both of these!

Any comments about "Memory Optimizers" like Free RAM XP Pro or RAM Booster?

Do these things actually work or rather Overwhelm PC resources by creating a mere EYEWASH? $:-\$

Carbon Dudeoxide · « **Reply #3 on:** August 19, 2009, 01:12:51 AM »

You want to optimize memory? Turn off the PC. Once power stops flowing through your memory, the entire flash storage is cleared.

RAM 'boosters' are completely useless.

As I said, NEVER buy anything that claims to make your computer faster.

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #4 on:** August 19, 2009, 01:21:23 AM »

Quote from: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 19, 2009, 01:12:51 AM

You want to optimize memory? Turn off the PC. Once power stops flowing through your memory, the entire flash storage is cleared.

?

flash?

I don't think PCs use Flash memory for their main RAM

Either way, I used to use a neat little program called "RAMpage", it had the ability to "free" memory, but in general that just moved everything to the pagefile. It was good for displaying free RAM in the notification area, that's what I mainly used it for.

the "memory optimization" routines are basically a single call.

"GlobalCompact"

"analogX maxmem uses a unique and revolutionary algorithm to optimize it's memory, something that engineers took months to develop.

Code: [Select]

int Optimize()
{
 if (GlobalCompact()) GlobalCompact() else GlobalCompact() && !GlobalCompact();
}

Carbon Dudeoxide · « **Reply #5 on:** August 19, 2009, 02:05:12 AM »

Isn't RAM volatile flash memory?

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #6 on:** August 19, 2009, 02:15:19 AM »

it's not Flash memory it's DRAM.

Flash memory is, by definition, never volatile.

DRAM stores each bit in a separate capacitor, and it needs to be constantly "charged" (DRAM refresh) to keep the data intact. Flash Memory uses transistors.

Flash memory only uses power when data is read from/written to it, and keeps it's data when power is no longer applied.

More specifically, Flash Memory is really a type EEPROM, or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory; however, unlike say, BIOS chips, Flash Memory devices generally use a much larger block size and have much faster erase cycles, which was the main drawback of using EEPROM type memory for transient data storage to begin with.

Carbon Dudeoxide · « **Reply #7 on:** August 19, 2009, 02:57:23 AM »

Hmmmm all right. Thanks for that.

hot dog · « **Reply #8 on:** August 19, 2009, 07:13:00 AM »

Quote from: BC_Programmer on August 19, 2009, 02:15:19 AM

DRAM stores each bit in a separate capacitor, and it needs to be constantly "charged" (DRAM refresh) to keep the data intact. Flash Memory uses transistors.

Just to expand a little on this, not only does DRAM need constant refreshing, but DRAM loses it's contents when the computer is powered off because that Dynamic recharge is no longer present, I think that's what you meant by storage being "cleared" Carbon

hot dog · « **Reply #9 on:** August 19, 2009, 07:25:38 AM »

Quote from: BC_Programmer on August 19, 2009, 02:15:19 AM

More specifically, Flash Memory is really a type EEPROM, or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory; however, unlike say, BIOS chips, Flash Memory devices generally use a much larger block size and have much faster erase cycles, which was the main drawback of using EEPROM type memory for transient data storage to begin with.

When you say "bios chips" I assume you're talking about the PROM chips that were used before EEPROM? The one's that could only be written to once, and had to be replaced with a whole new chip to update the BIOS? Technically, EEPROM chips are used for BIOS storage now days because they're so easily "programmable" (making them easy to update or "flash") I'm sure you knew that, but I just wanted to make the distinction for Carbon..

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #10 on:** August 19, 2009, 08:42:03 AM »

No. I'm talking about EEPROM. they use the same tech, but as I said flash memory uses a larger block size in the control circuitry, the actual storage is the same, just the controller has been optimized. (erase-rate is a bit more important with a dynamically rewritable flash drive then with a BIOS chip.).

BIOS chips have come in several versions- the original ROM chip, whose contents were physically "engraved" into the circuits- then the PROM, whereby the chip was burned by blowing specific transistors circuits to represent 0's and 1's- then the EPROM, which could be erased by exposing it to ultraviolet light... there were a few others, but I don't have them ALL memorized. nowadays, though, BIOS chips are Flash memory devices, just like in a flash drive.

hot dog · « **Reply #11 on:** August 19, 2009, 01:56:21 PM »

Quote from: BC_Programmer on August 19, 2009, 08:42:03 AM

BIOS chips have come in several versions- the original ROM chip, whose contents were physically "engraved" into the circuits- then the PROM, whereby the chip was burned by blowing specific transistors circuits to represent 0's and 1's- then the EPROM, which could be erased by exposing it to ultraviolet light... there were a few others, but I don't have them ALL memorized. nowadays, though, BIOS chips are Flash memory devices, just like in a flash drive.

interesting...I always thought that "rom" chips are PROM chips, after being burned

In other words, after they're burned they are ROM chips because they loose the "P" in PROM and they're no longer "Programmable", like a worm disc, "write once read many". Didn't realize there was another verison of "rom" that came before...

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #12 on:** August 20, 2009, 08:57:51 AM »

essentially- yes, they would become, functionally, simply a "ROM" chip. however remember that, unlike the earlier hard-circuited BIOS's (used up to around the 486 era) they could still be burned further- IE, everything could be made a 0... or maybe it was a 1... either way, they were still "changable" in that sense.

smeezekitty · « **Reply #13 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:08:51 PM »

http://www.sourceforge.net/projects/littlecleaner/
is safe and free but really not neccessary
just avoid optimisers alltogher

Carbon Dudeoxide · « **Reply #14 on:** August 20, 2009, 11:09:39 PM »

Don't use Registry Cleaners as well. They're pretty much useless.

By using them you risk damaging your Operating System.

Saurabhdua · « **Reply #15 on:** August 21, 2009, 12:54:03 AM »

Hello Carbon & other Folks!

Don use Registry Cleaners?...Carbon, it seems you are going too far from reality!

No. of Guys even don know on how to access Windows Registry & No. of "GOOD" Registry cleaners do offer that flexibility & expertise to the Novice & avert all hassles!

Its a "Periodic RITUAL" for me to clean my System atleast once a month in the order of::

>>Clear Junk Files using any one of the popular names.

>>Run a "Registry Cleaner" & wipe off those obsolete & redundant entries using likes of Auslogics FREE registry Cleaner OR WISE Registry cleaner OR AML one.....there are literally LOADS of these!

>>After cleaning JUNK, I go for "Registry Defragmentation" using QuickSys utility.

>>Finally, the "File Defragmentation" using MyDefrag.

It really keeps my System running at an OPTIMUM Levels.

[Removed]

smeezekitty · « **Reply #16 on:** August 21, 2009, 12:59:30 AM »

i use little reg cleaner once a month
i usuly find about 200 unused reg entrys
and i have slightly inproved boot time after doing so
and nver had any problem with it

Carbon Dudeoxide · « **Reply #17 on:** August 21, 2009, 02:40:38 AM »

Absolutely appalling remark at the end, Saurabhdua. Removed.

So, after all the trouble with the registry cleaners and defragmentors, how much faster does your computer get?

Saurabhdua · « **Reply #18 on:** August 21, 2009, 04:08:47 AM »

Excuse me..O dear Carbon Dude!

You can't take away my "Freedom of Expression"!...It was NOT DEROGATORY at all?!

Secondly, A "Moderator" can NEVER be a Hardliner!

Please REVIEW & pull my Content back!

Carbon Dudeoxide · « **Reply #19 on:** August 21, 2009, 04:31:05 AM »

Quote from: Saurabhdua on August 21, 2009, 04:08:47 AM

You can't take away my "Freedom of Expression"!

I just did.

It was an unnecessary and offensive comment.

smeezekitty · « **Reply #20 on:** August 21, 2009, 11:55:00 AM »

i notice some difrence but 1300 ms is not the faster boot time

kpac · « **Reply #21 on:** August 21, 2009, 11:57:33 AM »

Quote

It was an unnecessary and offensive comment.

And can you stop using all the possible kinds of post formatting available as well?

Quote

You can't take away my "Freedom of Expression"!...It was NOT DEROGATORY at all?!

Freedom of expression? Where? If you don't like the rules here, start your own forum.

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #22 on:** August 21, 2009, 01:12:18 PM »

Quote

No. of Guys even don know on how to access Windows Registry & No. of "GOOD" Registry cleaners do offer that flexibility & expertise to the Novice & avert all hassles!

I know what's in the registry and where a lot of stuff would be and I know that there's no point deleting changing anything programmatically that a program shouldn't be changing. I've been over my reasons a few times already (file paths and the like). Even clearing out nonexistent COM components could have disastrous effects. what if normally the Server program is on a network drive? And you run it when it's disconnected. Oop! Can't find the file so it deletes the key. Now suddenly Super-Duper Server program doesn't work because it can't find the File library, BCFile (Heh, in my dreams) that it uses!

http://blogs.technet.com/markrussinovich/archive/2005/10/02/registry-junk-a-windows-fact-of-life.aspx

Quantos · « **Reply #23 on:** August 21, 2009, 02:39:20 PM »

Quote from: BC_Programmer on August 21, 2009, 01:12:18 PM

I know what's in the registry and where a lot of stuff would be and I know that there's no point deleting changing anything programmatically that a program shouldn't be changing. I've been over my reasons a few times already (file paths and the like). Even clearing out nonexistent COM components could have disastrous effects. what if normally the Server program is on a network drive? And you run it when it's disconnected. Oop! Can't find the file so it deletes the key. Now suddenly Super-Duper Server program doesn't work because it can't find the File library, BCFile (Heh, in my dreams) that it uses!

http://blogs.technet.com/markrussinovich/archive/2005/10/02/registry-junk-a-windows-fact-of-life.aspx

Seconded.

patio · « **Reply #24 on:** August 21, 2009, 03:34:04 PM »

BC...

Abandon the search engine project immediately and start on a Registry optimizer...

Seriously,
patio.

kpac · « **Reply #25 on:** August 21, 2009, 03:54:08 PM »

Quote

search engine project

When was this communicated?

patio · « **Reply #26 on:** August 21, 2009, 03:57:24 PM »

Quote from: kpac on August 21, 2009, 03:54:08 PM

When was this communicated?

Stop following me...

kpac · « **Reply #27 on:** August 21, 2009, 03:58:37 PM »

err.....It's not me, seriously.

patio · « **Reply #28 on:** August 21, 2009, 04:07:00 PM »

Did you DLoad and test the BETA ? ?

kpac · « **Reply #29 on:** August 21, 2009, 04:11:33 PM »

Ahh, it's a beta. So, no - I didn't.

Anyway, joking aside, what are we talking about? Is this BCSearch or something? Heh..

patio · « **Reply #30 on:** August 21, 2009, 04:15:46 PM »

Yepper...

Although if i remember correctly he gave it a more Robust name...

Something like Nuke the Whales and sort them out or something...

kpac · « **Reply #31 on:** August 21, 2009, 04:17:44 PM »

Quote

Nuke the Whales and sort them out

LOL

I feel a long post comin' on.

patio · « **Reply #32 on:** August 21, 2009, 04:22:52 PM »

Just wait 'til he shows up...

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #33 on:** August 22, 2009, 08:56:37 AM »

I have absolutely no idea what is going on.

BCSearch is at version 1.4 now... or maybe it was 1.6. hey, I'm not supposed to keep track of these things, am I? Also it's a file search program, not for web searches

heh, the older versions were... interesting. Take for example the instant crash when using the Directory Size Analyzer.

Also I've discovered that it doesn't want to work on windows 2000. But it's Microsoft's fault, their XML library won't load.

(and yes, you guessed it, I've already set to writing my own small parser to deal with that problem).

For the most part I've become intrigued by two games, "Poing" a arkanoid clone, and "walls" a clone of "Tron" as well as snake games.

I've been pondering how gameplay would work if I was to merge the two gameplay ideas into one game- instead of a paddle to bounce the balls around perhaps a snake?

At the same time I'm trying to get Poing into a state where the bugs aren't quite so embarassing. That being said I have had some short stints working on a recent idea of mine, something of a "hijackthis" clone, which I dubbed "possumfix".

Quantos · « **Reply #34 on:** August 22, 2009, 12:28:26 PM »

Quote from: BC_Programmer on August 22, 2009, 08:56:37 AM

That being said I have had some short stints working on a recent idea of mine, something of a "hijackthis" clone, which I dubbed "possumfix".

But will it work with CGA?

Computer Hope Forum

News:

Author Topic: Effectiveness of PC "optomizing" software? (Read 9128 times)

uptonfish

Carbon Dudeoxide

Saurabhdua

Carbon Dudeoxide

BC_Programmer

Carbon Dudeoxide

BC_Programmer

Carbon Dudeoxide

hot dog

hot dog

BC_Programmer

hot dog

BC_Programmer

smeezekitty

Carbon Dudeoxide

Saurabhdua

smeezekitty

Carbon Dudeoxide

Saurabhdua

Carbon Dudeoxide

smeezekitty

kpac

BC_Programmer

Quantos

patio

kpac

patio

kpac

patio

kpac

patio

kpac

patio

BC_Programmer

Quantos