Boring computer tech-info questions inside: Bob, Rasta and Herald needed.

[Guest]

1 - I'm having a problem downloading Libby Hoeler vid using FlashGet from cupfart.com. Files themselves will download if I don't use FlashGet, but I wanna use it since I have it.

When I highlight a Libby link and drop onto FlashGet, it downloads .php instead of vid. I guess that's because the php is a link not to the vid but to an intermediate jump-start connection.

If I type in the below, does FlashGet work?

http://vids.cupfart.com/~monarch/LibbyHoeler-part1(cupfart).wmp

Or, should I be asking this to monarch?

2 - Yesterday, I became aware that the download time per page increase as I continue to surf the Lit. It is nothing to do with how busy the traffic is at a particular moment nor is it anything to do with Lit host server.

It concernes my computer's RAM. I can hear it working harder and harder as time went, making the completion of page downloads slower and slower. Is it possible that my explorer is writing more and more data on my RAM, clogging the memeory?

I found that if I close the explorer and reopen it, download was once more smoother and faster. Is it a common occurence or is my puter fucked up?

P.S. I just found that Libby vid download never ends. It goes on and on, repeating itself. No ''save as'' option.

 

[Bob_Bytchin]

The link itself is defunct.

 

[Bob_Bytchin]

Post the actual link to the page that has the movie you want to download, and I'll tell you how to get the link for Flashget to download.

Also, what are your virtual memory settings?

 

[Guest]

http://cupfart.com/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=viewdownload&cid=5

Where can I find the virtual memery settings?

 

[Bob_Bytchin]

You have to right click on one of the movie links, then select "properties" in the pop up menu. Copy the entire address, and paste it into Flashget. Flashget will follow that link and download the movie.

For example, for Part 1, the link would be:

http://cupfart.com/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=getit&lid=31

 

[Guest]

Thanks, Bob.

My virtual memery is 32bit.

 

[Guest]

Currently managed by Windows (which is recommended)

 

[Bob_Bytchin]

Just make sure that Windows is managing your virtual memory.

Go to Control Panel....System....Device Manager...the Performance tab....Virtual Memory...and make sure that Windows is managing your virtual memory.

**You can set the virtual memory to your own settings if you wanted. A good rule of thumb is to set it for 2 to 2.5 times your system RAM. So if you have 64MB of RAM...set it for 160MB or so. This will create a permanent swap file that will boost the performance of your PC some. It prevents all the page filing that Windows does when you let it manage virtual memory on its own.

 

[Unclebill]

Originally posted by ChilledVodka
Thanks, Bob.

My virtual memery is 32bit.

You Virtual Memory setting should be found via the Control Panel, the System Icon. On Windows NT 4.0, it is on the Performance tab. I think it is the same in Windows 95/98 as well.

This setting usually defaults to the value corresponding to the amount of RAM you have.

What you describe sounds like your system is doing a lot of activity with the swap file (virtual memory).

Check the RAM cache size setting in your browser. In Netscape, it's found via the Edit, Preferences menu choice under ther Advanced options.

In IE, I believe it's found under Options or Internet Options depending on the version of IE. Reduce the RAM cache size setting and see if that helps. Also change the setting to verify a new page access from every time to when page has expired. (These are Netscape terms, IE probably has something similar)

As a curiosity, how much RAM do you have installed? You might also add some RAM and improve the performance unless you have more than 64 MB already.

Also, try shutting down all applications except your browser and see if that helps. Every program that is running (resident in RAM) can cause lots of Virtual Memory (disk) access which really slows things down.

 

[Guest]

160MB - would this be the minimum or maximum?

Also, I got a warning:
You may not be able to restart your computer, or system performance may be degraded.

Is it safe to disregard the warning?

P.S.
Don't call me chicken shit.

Originally posted by Unclebill

What you describe sounds like your system is doing a lot of activity with the swap file (virtual memory).
So it seems

Check the RAM cache size setting in your browser.

Reduce the RAM cache size setting and see if that helps.
To how much?

Also change the setting to verify a new page access from every time to when page has expired.
Will do.

As a curiosity, how much RAM do you have installed?
My RAM is whooopin' 16MB.

 

[Unclebill]

It seems you have a Virtual Memory setting of 160 MB. Try dropping that to 32 MB. What it means is you can store up to 10 times your actual RAM on disk and swap back and forth as needed to keep things running. The problem is the time required to execute the swaps. Cutting bac to 32 MB you will only be able to store 2 full memory images to disk which should reduce the disk activity. But it may not help simply because of the limited RAM you system has.

I'm inclined to err on the conservative side so I would NOT ignore the warning. I'd lower the setting until I don't get the warning.

I have 128 MB of system RAM and a cache setting of 4 MB. Try setting you RAM cache to 2 MB, then up it to 4 MB and see how the performance goes.

Also look at your disk cache (this is different from virtual memory) and don't use more than 20% of your free HDD space as a starting point.

Sounds like a RAM upgrade would be a BIG benefit. Depending on your motherboard (or mainboard), you can expand to as much as 2 GB (2,000 MB). RAM is fairly cheap right now. I recently saw 512 MB of PC 133 SDRAM for about $60.

Check you mainboard manual for the system capacities and the type of RAM you need.

 

[Bob_Bytchin]

As a curiosity, how much RAM do you have installed?
My RAM is whooopin' 16MB.

Unclebill already answered you, but I had said this earlier too.

A good rule of thumb is to set it for 2 to 2.5 times your system RAM.

 

[Guest]

It seems you have a Virtual Memory setting of 160 MB.
No, I have not. Do you take me for a total idiot?
Try dropping that to 32 MB. What it means is you can store up to 10 times your actual RAM on disk and swap back and forth as needed to keep things running. The problem is the time required to execute the swaps. Cutting bac to 32 MB you will only be able to store 2 full memory images to disk which should reduce the disk activity. But it may not help simply because of the limited RAM you system has.
I accessed the virtual memory and tried to ''managed by windows'' to manual setting where I needed to ''minimum'' and ''maximum'' setting, then re-start the comp. Shouldn't have bothered. After the re-start, it was still managed by Windows.

I have 128 MB of system RAM and a cache setting of 4 MB. Try setting you RAM cache to 2 MB, then up it to 4 MB and see how the performance goes.
Where can I meet this cache setting person? Anything remotely resemble this cache thing is the temporally internet file cache, witch is set to 40MB.

Also look at your disk cache (this is different from virtual memory) and don't use more than 20% of your free HDD space as a starting point.
Are we talking about temp internet cache here?

[/B]

 

[Unclebill]

Not taking you for an idiot at all. The 160 setting sounds like Windows management set it to 10% of HDD space or maybe 10% of free space.

I would suggest taking the management away from windows temporarily and setting it to 32 MB.

If you're using Internet Explorer, I believe it is under Internet Options. I use Netscape Nevigator so I can't provide much help in changing these settings in IE. Maybe someone else browsing the thread can help here. And I do believe you're right that what I mentioned is the Internet Cache. if the setting is in the browser options

Here's a link to a local San Diego seller of chips and stuff if you'd like a good price check on RAM or other computer stuff. I believe they ship also since I believe you're not in this area.

http://www.thechipmerchant.com/lib/thechipmerchant/pricelist.html

 

[Draco]

OK, guys...step back from the PC for a moment.

Setting the Virtual Memory to User control IS recommended.

128 megs minimum AND maximum is the SWEET Spot for it.

Set both values to that and then disregard any warnings you get.

Restart.

OK...on a technical point...YOU cant hear RAM working....RAM is your computers system memory...it has NOTHING to do with your Hard-disk...which is what you can hear.

Go to www.outertech.com and download Cacheman 5.1. It s a cache management tool which frees up RAM (memory) hogged by Windows. Set it for a normal Desktop system and then fine tune it as you get comfortable. It will make a huge difference to your PC's performance .Windows (98 especially) is a memory hog, a lot of system files (DLL's) dont hand back to the system the memory they were using, so eventually...Windows runs out of memory and grinds to a halt.

Also....clean out all your cookies, temporary internet files, temp files and all other junk you dont need. Then defrag the system. and restart it. You;d be surprised at the difference it makes. PC's are like cars, they need a tune up every now and then . I suggest cleaning and defragging once a week, more often if you use your machine heavily and install/uninstall lots of progs.

Hope this helps, for any more advice...feel free to PM me

 

[Bob_Bytchin]

128 megs minimum AND maximum is the SWEET Spot for it.

He only has 16MB of RAM and is running Windows 95. A 128MB swap file probably isn't the best idea for him.

I gave him advice on swap files WAY back up the page, and it went way over his head. For Windows95, and for systems with 16MB of RAM or under, 2.5 x system RAM is the MAX you need...anything extra isn't improving system performance.

 

[Draco]

He needs to head down to the local PC shop...and buy some ram...at the price it is....sixteen megs...shit my video card has 4 times that.......

How does it surf at all....???

The whole idea is for windows NOT to use its swap file...its a very inefficient system. But in this case, it has to, as win95 will be using about 12 meg for itself...Cacheman will help a little, but he really needs to buy a 32 or a 64 meg chip.

Time to upgrade peoples.....

 

[Draco]

I suggest looking thru Ebay for some cheap EDO ram

 

[Bob_Bytchin]

He needs to head down to the local PC shop...and buy some ram...at the price it is....sixteen megs...shit my video card has 4 times that.......

How does it surf at all....???

The whole idea is for windows NOT to use its swap file...its a very inefficient system. But in this case, it has to, as win95 will be using about 12 meg for itself...Cacheman will help a little, but he really needs to buy a 32 or a 64 meg chip.

Time to upgrade peoples.....

Very good question...I get upset when my cable connection falls below 1 MBit/sec....I couldn't imagine having to deal with computer lag as well LOL

Yes, I he could stand to buy some RAM as well....I don't know what kind of system he has, but if he's running 95, I can only imagine. RAM for his sytem can't be any more that $40 for 256MB of RAM. Talk about a huge kick in the proverbial ass that would be for him.

 

[Draco]

True...he needs to pop the case open and have a look-see inside. I'm guessing its either 72 pin EDO or very early PC-66 168 pin SDRam..which is dirt cheap...even in NZ. EDO is getting harder to find, thats why I suggested EBay.

Good hunting.....

Disclaimer:
(While I will hazard a guess, do not take it as gospel and rush out and purchase a certain type before you have a look. Find someone who knows even a little to have a look for you...or most local PC Shops will "pop the hood" and be able to tell you at a glance.)