Boost Windows XP Performance with Flash Memory

Give your Windows XP the same performance benefits as provided by Microsoft ReadyBoost, only without its limitations! eBoostr enables Windows XP using flash memory to increase system speed.
Have you read about Microsoft ReadyBoost technology in the press, but are disappointed it didn't make its way into Windows XP? Are you reluctant to upgrade your PC or operating system, but wish for the increased responsiveness and performance benefits provided by ReadyBoost? Get eBoostr (http://www.eboostr.com/) and give your Windows XP the same performance benefits as provided by Microsoft ReadyBoost, only without its limitations!

ReadyBoost is one of the core technologies implemented by Microsoft in Windows Vista. The new technology solves a bottleneck typical for many PCs when upgrading to a new Microsoft operating system: the lack of memory. It is no secret that every new operating system released by Microsoft is more memory-hungry than the one it replaces. With ReadyBoost technology built into its latest generation of operating systems, Windows Vista, Microsoft attempted to address this problem. This time they did it by allowing using cheap flash memory such as USB memory sticks or memory cards typically found in digital cameras to expand the amount of memory available to the system, reducing hard drive access and improving overall system performance and application responsiveness.

ReadyBoost is a great technology when you're low on RAM. The problem is that ReadyBoost is only available in Windows Vista and it never made it to its older sibling, Windows XP. Computers using Windows XP are older than those sold with pre-installed Windows Vista. In general, they have less memory installed, and would benefit from using ReadyBoost even more than the modern machines. Alas, ReadyBoost will not be available unless you pull the trigger and upgrade to Windows Vista.

Is there a real necessity to call for such drastic measures to get a performance boost? No! MDO Ltd. has released a replacement for Microsoft ReadyBoost technology - only this time it works on Windows XP machines!

eBoostr (http://www.eboostr.com/) does everything that Microsoft ReadyBoost can do. It replaces relatively slow access to hard disk by fast one to flash memory, allowing you to use up to four different flash devices, and provides the same benefits of increased system performance, improved application load times and better overall responsiveness.

eBoostr is even more useful than ReadyBoost as it does not place strict performance requirements on the flash memory you use to speed up your system. While ReadyBoost requires you to use faster and more costly memory cards, eBoostr can work with just about every inexpensive flash drive on the market. Unlike ReadyBoost, eBoostr supports up to four flash devices at the same time, a real breath of fresh air after ReadyBoost which supports just one. Finally, eBoostr enhances the performance of slower PCs as well as computers with lots of RAM, while ReadyBoost mostly benefits slower PCs with a limited amount of memory.

Do you have a laptop computer with a built-in card reader or a free USB port? Plug a memory card or a flash drive into your laptop and enjoy increased system performance and longer battery life! It's no secret that mobile hard drives used in notebook computers are much slower than their desktop counterparts. eBoostr reduces the amount of hard drive activity, which results in even greater performance benefits than on the bigger desktops, while at the same time reducing the amount of energy required to drive the laptop, allowing your notebook to survive longer on a single battery charge.

Grab the nearest flash card, install eBoostr (http://www.eboostr.com/) and start enjoying increased system performance and application responsiveness immediately!

10 Simple Ways To Speed Up Your Windows XP
Many people are interested in making the most of their hardware. So here are 10 simple tips on how to make your Windows XP computer run faster without having to purchase additional hardware.
1. Defrag Disk to Speed Up Access to Data

One of the factors that slow the performance of the computer is disk fragmentation. When files are fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk when the file is opened to piece it back together. To speed up the response time, you should monthly run Disk Defragmenter, a Windows utility that defrags and consolidates fragmented files for quicker computer response.

* Follow Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter
* Click the drives you want to defrag and click Analyze
* Click Defragment

2. Detect and Repair Disk Errors

Over time, your hard disk develops bad sectors. Bad sectors slow down hard disk performance and sometimes make data writing difficult or even impossible. To detect and repair disk errors, Windows has a built-in tool called the Error Checking utility. It’ll search the hard disk for bad sectors and system errors and repair them for faster performance.

* Follow Start > My Computer
* In My Computer right-click the hard disk you want to scan and click Properties
* Click the Tools tab
* Click Check Now
* Select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box
* Click Start

3. Disable Indexing Services

Indexing Services is a little application that uses a lot of CPU. By indexing and updating lists of all the files on the computer, it helps you to do a search for something faster as it scans the index list. But if you know where your files are, you can disable this system service. It won’t do any harm to you machine, whether you search often or not very often.

* Go to Start
* Click Settings
* Click Control Panel
* Double-click Add/Remove Programs
* Click the Add/Remove Window Components
* Uncheck the Indexing services
* Click Next
4. Optimize Display Settings

Windows XP is a looker. But it costs you system resources that are used to display all the visual items and effects. Windows looks fine if you disable most of the settings and leave the following:

* Show shadows under menus
* Show shadows under mouse pointer
* Show translucent selection rectangle
* Use drop shadows for icons labels on the desktop
* Use visual styles on windows and buttons

5. Speedup Folder Browsing

You may have noticed that everytime you open My Computer to browse folders that there is a little delay. This is because Windows XP automatically searches for network files and printers everytime you open Windows Explorer. To fix this and to increase browsing speed, you can disable the “Automatically search for network folders and printers” option.

6. Disable Performance Counters

Windows XP has a performance monitor utility which monitors several areas of your PC’s performance. These utilities take up system resources so disabling is a good idea.

* Download and install the Extensible Performance Counter List(http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/reskit/tools/existing/exctrlst-o.asp)
* Then select each counter in turn in the ‘Extensible performance counters’ window and clear the ‘performance counters enabled’ checkbox at the bottom button below

7. Optimize Your Pagefile

You can optimize your pagefile. Setting a fixed size to your pagefile saves the operating system from the need to resize the pagefile.

* Right click on My Computer and select Properties
* Select the Advanced tab
* Under Performance choose the Settings button
* Select the Advanced tab again and under Virtual Memory select Change
* Highlight the drive containing your page file and make the initial Size of the file the same as the Maximum Size of the file.

Windows XP sizes the page file to about 1.5X the amount of actual physical memory by default. While this is good for systems with smaller amounts of memory (under 512MB) it is unlikely that a typical XP desktop system will ever need 1.5 X 512MB or more of virtual memory. If you have less than 512MB of memory, leave the page file at its default size. If you have 512MB or more, change the ratio to 1:1 page file size to physical memory size.

8. Remove Fonts for Speed

Fonts, especially TrueType fonts, use quite a bit of system resources. For optimal performance, trim your fonts down to just those that you need to use on a daily basis and fonts that applications may require.

* Open Control Panel
* Open Fonts folder
* Move fonts you don’t need to a temporary directory (e.g. C:\FONTBKUP?) just in case you need or want to bring a few of them back. The more fonts you uninstall, the more system resources you will gain.

9. Use a Flash Memory to Boost Performance

To improve performance, you need to install additional RAM memory. It’ll let you boot your OS much quicker and run many applications and access data quicker. There is no easiest and more technically elegant way to do it than use eBoostr (http://www.eboostr.com).

eBoostr is a little program that lets you improve a performance of any computer, powered by Windows XP in much the same way as Vista’s ReadyBoost. With eBoostr, if you have a flash drive, such as a USB flash thumb drive or an SD card, you can use it to make your computer run better. Simply plug in a flash drive through a USB socket and Windows XP will use eBoostr to utilize the flash memory to improve performance.

The product shows the best results for frequently used applications and data, which becomes a great feature for people who are using office programs, graphics applications or developer tools. It’ll surely attract a special attention of laptop owners as laptop upgrade is usually more complicated and laptop hard drives are by definition slower than those of desktops.

10. Perform a Boot Defragment

There's a simple way to speed up XP startup: make your system do a boot defragment, which will put all the boot files next to one another on your hard disk. When boot files are in close proximity to one another, your system will start faster.

On most systems, boot defragment should be enabled by default, but it might not be on yours, or it might have been changed inadvertently. To make sure that boot defragment is enabled:

* Run the Registry Editor
* Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Dfrg\BootOptimizeFunction
* Set the Enable string value to Y if it is not already set to Y.
* Exit the Registry
* Reboot

Hope you find these 10 tips useful. Have a nice day!

Data Storage Media – A Guide to Selecting Media For Storing and Backing Up Computer Data

Not so long ago computer data was backed up onto floppy disks. These days there is a bewildering range of different media options available for storing and backing up computer data. This article explains the differences between them so users can select the most appropriate for their needs.
Data, or information stored on your computer, can either be held on fixed disk drives inside the computer or on removable media such as CD's that can be inserted and removed.  Removable media can be used to transfer files between computers or to backup the data already existing on fixed disk drives. There are three types of removable media: Magnetic, Optical and Flash.

Magnetic Storage 

Magnetic Storage: Hard disks, floppy disks and digital audiotape are examples of Magnetic storage. They operate through a read/write head, which creates and reads magnetic impressions on the disk.

The downside…

•    The magnetic impression only lasts for around five years
•    The capacity of most removable magnetic disks is too low for many types of files


Optical storage 

Optical Storage holds information in digital form that is written and read by a laser. All CD and DVD devices are examples of this.

The upside… 

•    Increased capacity: one Optical disc can store the same amount of data as over 500 diskettes
•     Durability: they last up to seven times as long as Magnetic forms of storage



Flash Memory (Solid-State Removable Storage)

Solid-state memory (or Flash memory) is a high-performance plug-and-play storage device that contains no moving parts. It is found in digital cameras, video game consoles and digital audio players. You can use it in the form of USB Flash Drives to transfer or backup data. Flash memory is small, light and fast.


Backup

Backup is the copying of files onto portable media so that if your computer crashes, data won’t be lost in oblivion. Backup is usually routine in large businesses but is often neglected by individual users. Some suggest backing up data files and duplicating your hard drive weekly. It takes around 45 minutes to backup a 500-megabyte hard disk.

There are two options- Local or Internet backup. The following is a list of Local backup options. Most of these also double as devices used to transfer data between computers. 
•    Diskettes
•    Zip Drives
•    CD's
•    DVD's
•    Flash Drive


Internet Backup

Another backup option is sending your files to an Internet site for safekeeping. If your computer crashes you can simply download them from the site. Here are a few examples of such sites:

Backup Defender- www.backupdefender.co.nz
My Backup- www.mybackup.co.nz

N.B. The author does not recommend or endorse any of the above service providers.


Diskettes and Zip Drives

Diskette

A Diskette is a 3.5-inch removable magnetic disk. The older version, the floppy disk, is 5.25 inches square and flexible. Copying to a diskette is quick and economical.

Ideal for…

•    Those who use their PC for personal finance - the diskette enables you to retrieve checkbook balances etc.
•    Projects that need to be continuously backed up such as a film script, as it is a cheap alternative.

Not so good for…

•    Some newer computer and laptop models that do not have a diskette or floppy drive installed.
•    Large amounts of data as diskettes don’t have a great storage capacity


Zip Drives

A Zip drive is a small, square shaped magnetic disk that is ideal for backing up your PC. The 100-megabyte size holds the equivalent of 70 floppy diskettes. They also come in a 250-megabyte size

Ideal for…

•    Duplicating your entire disc drive
•    Archiving
•    Storing graphic images or other large files 
•     Transferring large files
•    Keeping certain data separate from files on your hard disk 


The downside…

•    They seem to be a fleeting technology - most computers do not have a Zip Disc drive installed and opinion varies on how long they will be around for.


Compact Disks

There are different standards of CD's that have different capabilities. Just to confuse us they are recognized by seemingly similar acronyms; CD-R, CD-RW, CD+RW, DDCD and E-CD.

CD-R

CD-R (Compact Disc - Recordable) is a CD that can be recorded to only once. It usually holds 74 minutes of audio or 650 MB of data, although newer versions hold up to 80 minutes of audio (700 MB of data). If your PC has CD burning software and a compatible CD-R or CD-RW drive, the CD-R can be used in the same way as a diskette. However unlike a diskette it cannot be deleted or overwritten. Look out for CD-Rs that have an additional protective layer which make them less susceptible to damage caused through scratching.
Ideal for…

•    Making music CD's
•    Storing photos
•    Storing permanent data


Not so good for…

•    Transferring files as they can only be used once


CD-RW/CD+RW

A CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable) and CD+RW can be recorded onto as many times as desired. Data can be overwritten and erased. Other than this, the CD-RW is identical to the CD-R. If it wasn't for their finite durability CD-RW’s and CD+RW’s could be reused endlessly.

Ideal for…

•    Transferring files
•    Holding temporary data

Not so good for…

•    Holding important permanent files-in case they are accidentally deleted

Double Density CD (DDCD)
This disc has a much greater storage capacity than an average CD-R or CD-RW.


Ideal for…
•    Backing up
•    Storing archival data

Enhanced CD
Enhanced CD (E-CD) is an audio CD with CD-ROM data added. CD-ROM data is added in the space not taken by audio. Recording artists can use this to include videos, lyrics, interviews or promo material. The E-CD can be played on a CD player but to view additional material you need access to a multimedia-capable device, such as a CD-i player, DVD-ROM, or CD-ROM drive.


Bridge Disks
A CD-Bridge disc holds extra information on a CD-ROM XA track. The disc can be played on either a CD-i player attached to a television, or a CD-ROM XA drive attached to a computer. Software such as Photo or a Karaoke CD player can provide lots of fun with the Bridge Disk.

DVD (Digital Versatile Disk): More than movies

Although DVD's have become more associated with video, they can also hold audio and computer data; hence their name Digital Versatile Disk. Like the CD, a DVD is a 120-mm by 1.2mm thick disk. However the DVD has more tracks than a CD so holds far more data. CD's have an unvarying storage capacity of 750MB, whereas DVD's store up to 17GB.

A range of acronyms is also used to distinguish between the different types and capabilities of DVD's available. These include DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW and DVD-Audio.
DVD-ROM

DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc - Read Only Memory) is similar to a movie DVD, but is designed for computers. The DVD-ROM stores data in the same way that the CD-ROM does and is used in the DVD-ROM drive of your PC.


The upside…

•    Larger storage space – hold more data than a CD
•    Can be filled with nearly everything; video, music or computer specific data
•    A base speed of 1.32 megabytes/sec


The downside…

•    Many older computers do not have a DVD-Rom drive installed
•    Can be recorded on only once


DVD-Audio

DVD-Audio (DVD-A) is designed for audio data and high-quality music. Its storage capacity is seven times that of a CD and provides at least twice the sound quality. Like the Enhanced CD, DVD-A can contain other data, providing the listener with extra information such as lyrics or images. DVD-A is predicted by many to replace the standard audio CD in the music industry.

DVD-R

Like the CD-R, the DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable) can be recorded on once.


The upside…

•    A DVD-R can contain an assortment of information; video, text, audio and computer data

•    A DVD-R can be played on your normal DVD video player but remember, if you have additional data not of the same format e.g. video and audio together, you will need a DVD-ROM or Multimedia player of some kind

•    A DVD-R is read at the same speed as commercially made DVD's


DVD-RW and DVD+RW
Similar to the CD-RW, a DVD-RW or DVD+RW (Digital Versatile Disc – Rewritable) can be recorded on, rewritten and erased multiple times. Other than this they are identical to the DVD-R.
DVD minus and plus are just different versions with the same functionality.

The Future of CD/DVD Storage

The majority of the technology industry predicts that soon DVD’s, with their larger storage capacity and faster access time, will replace CD’s. DVD-ROM drives are likely to be sold with new computer systems in the way that CD-ROM drives once were. However we are always on the cusp of newer technologies, such as the HD-ROM.

HD-ROM (High Density-Read Only Memory)

HD-ROM uses a more precise particle beam to write data. This enables information to be written on more durable materials such as metal so storage is virtually permanent. HD-ROM has hundreds of times the storage capacity of the CD-ROM.


Flash Drives

A Flash drive is a small portable memory stick that holds anywhere from 1Mb to 1GB of data. It is surprisingly lightweight and is often worn around the neck or carried as a funky key chain. They are compatible with any PC that has USB port and with Mac OS 9 and OS X, Windows 2000 and XP or Linux 2.4.17.


The upside…

•    Durable - more so than CD's or DVD's
•    No need for batteries or a separate power source 
•    Convenient - your computer should recognize the additional drive as soon as you insert it into the USB port
•    Ideal for backup
•    Larger storage capacity then many other portable devices
•    More portable than ZIP drives, CD's and Diskettes
•    Quick transfer rate (approx. 1Mb/sec)
•    Edit, rewrite, delete as many times as desired
•    Help desk personnel can use Flash Drives as a portable toolkit that includes system updates and recovery tools.


The downside…

•    More expensive than other portable devices
•    Viruses - The portability and compatibility of the Flash Drive increases the chance of spreading viruses. In many cases viruses carried by a Flash Drive will not be detected as most antivirus software is reactive and only recognizes known viruses
•    Theft - a Flash Drive can make it easier for data to be stolen from an unlocked PC 
•    Little Security - the size and weight of the Flash drive makes it very easy to misplace.  Most have little or no security features and data is accessed easily. Some Flash Drives do have built in security; either a password or in some cases a finger print system - but this comes at a price.