What can I turn off?

[Tom]

I don't want a single thing running on my computer that is 100% necessary.
I think all I really need is my anti-virus - AVG?
Super Anti Spyware can be only on when I do a scan, right?

Is there list somewhere of all the stupid processes that are running all the time?
I want to turn of as much as possible.
FF and Chrome have turned out to be resource hogs and not worth bothering with anymore - I am back to IE, as it is far faster than either of the other two.
It seems to me the internet, at least Road Runner is slower than shit these days. Both at home and at work, it is pathetically slow.

[bigmack]

What are we talkin' here, laptop? How much ram you got?

[Tom]

Desktop, XP, SP3, 500 mb ram. 1.80 GBz

[traynor]

I don't want a single thing running on my computer that is 100% necessary.
I think all I really need is my anti-virus - AVG?
Super Anti Spyware can be only on when I do a scan, right?

Is there list somewhere of all the stupid processes that are running all the time?
I want to turn of as much as possible.
FF and Chrome have turned out to be resource hogs and not worth bothering with anymore - I am back to IE, as it is far faster than either of the other two.
It seems to me the internet, at least Road Runner is slower than shit these days. Both at home and at work, it is pathetically slow.

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/ou/how-to-fully-de-gunk-a-pc-of-crapware/547

I think the best app is actually called degunk, or something similar. Zdnet is probably the best resource to find the latest, greatest degunker.

If you have a CompUSA nearby, I think they charge like $30 to strip out all the crapware. At least that was what it was the last computer I bought there about two years ago (that was preloaded with junk).

[traynor]

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/five-apps/five-tips-for-using-ccleaner-to-degunk-your-system/767

http://download.cnet.com/CCleaner/3000-18512_4-10315544.html

[bigmack]

That ain't gonna cut it anymore, Tommy. You need at least 2G ram in today's world. Either get a new system, as they're quite cheap, or buy some ram.

If you opt to get more ram, scan with this: http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/ (Check the box to agree)

We'll then be able to dial you into the type of ram that will speed you into MuchoRapidoVille.

[Tom]

Looks like I can go to 4GB for $64.
But that's if I install it......not a good idea.
Know your limits, I always say. :rolleyes:

But I can get the guy who built it for me to upgrade it.

Thanks guys!

[DeltaLover]

I don't want a single thing running on my computer that is 100% necessary.
I think all I really need is my anti-virus - AVG?
Super Anti Spyware can be only on when I do a scan, right?

Is there list somewhere of all the stupid processes that are running all the time?
I want to turn of as much as possible.
FF and Chrome have turned out to be resource hogs and not worth bothering with anymore - I am back to IE, as it is far faster than either of the other two.
It seems to me the internet, at least Road Runner is slower than shit these days. Both at home and at work, it is pathetically slow.

Time to try something better :

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop

Give it a shot...

[PaceAdvantage]

This is a pretty comprehensive site devoted to figuring out which services are necessary and which aren't...proceed at your own risk:

http://www.blackviper.com/

[Canarsie]

Ram is one of the easiest things to do just follow the video. The rewards are great in system performance.

3B9ff9ei7hk




Looks like I can go to 4GB for $64.
But that's if I install it......not a good idea.
Know your limits, I always say. :rolleyes:

But I can get the guy who built it for me to upgrade it.

Thanks guys!


The Crucial tester is a great tool but for memory that old it probably can be found cheaper. They tend to be overpriced like most others they usually come with a lifetime guarantee. Post exactly what kind of ram it is and I'll try to get you a better deal. No promises but I'll make the effort.

[SchagFactorToWin]

This is a pretty comprehensive site devoted to figuring out which services are necessary and which aren't...proceed at your own risk:

http://www.blackviper.com/

Easily the best out there.

[DJofSD]

Tom, after you've addressed the RAM issue, don't forget to look at the stuff that gets loaded. Run MSCONFIG then take a gander at the lists under both the Services and Startup tabs.

You can look at the references like what Mike pointed you towards, or, you can just do some trial and error experimentation, unchecking things, rebooting and seeing what happens -- or doesn't happen. Yes, it is tedious doing it that way but it works. Just remember, you can always undo what you just did to get back to a known, desirable configuration.

[DRIVEWAY]

Looks like I can go to 4GB for $64.
But that's if I install it......not a good idea.
Know your limits, I always say. :rolleyes:

But I can get the guy who built it for me to upgrade it.

Thanks guys!

Upgrades:
Check the BIOS
Clean the fans - remove accumulated dust
Grow memory to 3+ gigs
Check lifecycle of hard drive - replace at 50+ months

Don't be afraid to spend up to $250

Happy computing

[barn32]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ls5zseW3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg

The solution: $476.99 (http://www.amazon.com/HP-G7-1261NR-2-5-1-9GHZ-Processor-SuperMulti/dp/B0075MR9YQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1343230734&sr=8-4&keywords=hp+g7+laptop)

[Tom]

This is a pretty comprehensive site devoted to figuring out which services are necessary and which aren't...proceed at your own risk:

http://www.blackviper.com/

This is going to be helpful - will schedule some time this weekend and a pot or two of tasty West Rock to browse.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.