In need of help . . .

Hello.
I'm running a DELL Dimension 2400 Desktop.
It's a work computer.
2.60 Ghz processor w/ 2 Gigs of RAM.

I'd like to know what I can do to help my computer run faster.

This is a list of my "maintenance" that I do for the computer.

1) CCleaner -
a) cleaner
b) issues
2) Disk Cleanup
a) mostly for compressing files
3) disk defrag (windows version)
*) I just downloaded Diskeeper Lite after doing some research on this site. I don't like the fact that it takes up space in the system tray. Should I keep it or remove it? Or is there an option to remove it from the system tray?
4) Virus Scan & Spyware Scan (AOL Safety & Security Center) FULL
5) Windows Defender Scan FULL

After this, I consider my job done.

A few things to note -
in my Add/Remove Programs list on CCleaner, there are a LOT of programs there. A lot of them have obscure names and I'm not sure if I need them.
Is there any way I can show someone this list and I can be told what I need and don't need?

Please guide me as to what I should do for this to happen.

Just as well, I'd like to be guided in terms of giving you logs to do a "general" check up & see if everything belongs where it should and how to remove what doesn't belong.

Thank you for your time and help.

Regards,
Emanuel.

 

I use the Diskeeper Pro version, fantastic defragger and runs nicely on my system. I dont mind it running in the background since I set it on the automatic defrag mode, and it sucks up barely any system resources...IIRC, the Dkservice.exe process takes up less than 9 MB, and doesnt interfere with running programs. With your 2 GB ram, it shouldnt even be a problem.

However, if still you want to prevent it from starting up, disable the auto-defrag mode, and uncheck it from the startup services list (use msconfig). You should also go to adminstrative tools>services, click on the dkservice and change the startup type to 'manual'.

BUT note that you will have to manually startup the dkservice if, later, you want to use diskeeper for defragging or it will give a message saying 'dkservice not started' or something like that.

Hope this helps.

 

As for getting a handle on whats running in the background you can give Process Library a try.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/ProcessLibrary.Com_Quick_Access_InfoBar_d5037.html

 

Hi Manny, welcome to Major Geeks.

With your 2G of memory you have a deal of scope.

Set Windows to load the operating system permanently into memory by opening regedit and changing the following key

Hkeylocalmachine/system/currentcontrolset/control/sessionmanager/memorymanagement

Change the largesystemcache value from 0 to 1 in the right hand pane.

A work machine huh.
There are quite a few services you can control if you don't need them.

Are you on a network?
Is your XP version home or pro?

Do you use MSN messenger or
Windows messenger?

Let me know and I will post a list

Studio T

 

Should I keep my trial version?
I'm not willing to pay for the full version,
and I want to know if it's worth it to keep the trial one.

Thank you for getting me started with the process library.
I actually haven't started exploring my work computers' processes but I have tried it on my laptop at home.
It's a bit hard, sometimes, to remove processes which you do not want. However, I will simply post new topics for those when it comes time for me to do it on this work computer.
Just wanted to let you know I appreciated your reply. Thanks, again.

Hi Studio T, thank you for the welcome.

As for changing the registry value for "Setting Windows to load the operating system permanently into memory" -
I would just like to show you PICTURES of my task manager in order for you to see whether or not this is appropriate.
You see, even though I have two gig's of RAM on this computer, it does not really feel like it's running as fast as it should be.
Hopefully you will be able to see whether or not it is appropriate to set windows to load the operating system permanently into memory or not.
With your approval after looking at my attached JPEG pics of the task manager (full screens), (or if you'd like to request screenshots of other information), I will then make this change.
Here are the pictures ;
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/omegawon/APPLICATIONS.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/omegawon/NETWORKING.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/omegawon/PERFORMANCE.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/omegawon/PROCESSES.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/omegawon/USERS.jpg

Am I on a network?
Yes, I believe so.
I have a router set up for the internet.
It's a Roadrunner Business Static IP service.
The router is connected to a SWITCH (10/100 Fast Ethernet Switch) which is connected to a Local Area Connection between THIS work computer (Master Computer/Server) and another computer, the SLAVE computer which is used solely for Point-of-Sale purposes for my store. The slave computer does not have any internet access, per my request.
Hopefully, that answers the question of whether I am on a network or not, because frankly, I am not really sure.

This windows XP version is a HOME edition, version 2002, Service Pack 2.

Finally, the last question -
No, I do not use Windows Messenger, NOR MSN Messenger.


I look forward to your response(s)

Thank you once again for your time and help,
it is much appreciated.

Regards,
Emanuel.

 

Also -

Here is an example of what my Tray looks like.

The weird thing about it is,
it ISN'T always full like this, EVEN though all these programs are running on it.

What I'm saying is -
Even though all these programs are running in the tray,
they don't ALWAYS show up in the tray.
Is there any reason for this?

 

Will post back in a minute............................