Thursday, June 21, 2012

The MIracle Machine - Make A Million With Your PC

Now, I don't want you think I'm money-hungry. But, in a way, I guess I am - a little bit. And, that's the reason why owning the "perfect" computer is so important to me.

I'm not buying a PC so that I can chat and leave messages and comments in online forums.


I'm not buying a PC and all of these gadgets so that I can read emails.

Hell, I like looking at the weather online just as much as the next man, but do you think I'm gonna spend 500 bucks just so that I can check the weather and read the news??? Hell no. I'm putting this "mule" to work.

I want to make some money and earn a living with this bad boy.

I want to invent something. Or, write a book or something. Or, create an app that people will need more than they need sliced bread.

Or, hell, I may even create some type of art - or, make a movie. Or, produce music. I don't know.

But, the possibilities are endless as long as I have the time to explore and practice.

Let me tell you something that just amazes the hell out of me.



It amazes me when people tell me that they only use their computer for playing games like Solitaire.

I mean, it's like a hidden gem for those folks. Some of those rascals are hooked on it. Can you believe that???

Imagine what their lives will be like when they discover "Angry Birds".

I stay away from that stuff. I don't wanna become an Angry Birds addict . Life is too short. Well, hell, it's too short to be chasing a dollar also. But, what can you do with the economy the way it is now days?

When you're broke as hell, work in retail, struggling to survive, and have to deal with scumbucket managers and backstabbing co-workers five days a week, even a lemonade stand looks like a promising venture.

It's so bad I've even been thinking about catching squirrels and selling their hides for a dollar. 


Lord, I don't even wanna talk about it...

Anyway...

I'm not looking for a "get-rich-quick" scheme. 

I know there are other benefits to owning a computer - like: staying in touch with family and friends and studying and even meeting someone special online, so it ain't all about the money. But, a lot of people don't even do that.

Some people just surf the Net and watch YouTube all day. They don't even type, use Skype, or pay bills online.

Hell, if they have an issue, or if something breaks around the house, or if they want to know how to find or repair something, they don't even have enough sense enough to use their computer to research it online. ??? I'm like: Why in the hell did you  spend three, four, five, six hundred dollars on a box to check your emails when you have that damn big-ass damn phone glued to the side of your head with all of those apps on it??? And, paying 70-something dollars a month...

Come on, man... Your phone improves the quality of your life. Why not your computer?

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Peddle To The Medal - Ram Memory Test

If you've ever thought about adding more Ram memory to your computer but have been on the fence about whether or not you should get it because you weren't sure if it was a real benefit or if you were capable of installing it, then stop waffling and debating with yourself about it. Get it.

Last night, I upgraded my Toshiba Satellite from a 4GB Ram system to an 8GB Ram system by installing two 4GB Ram modules in that bad boy. And it only took me about two minutes! And that included opening the packages! 

Now, some installations require a little more work, but after reading some of the forums and comments online, I've come to realize that there are a bunch of damn amateurs out there installing Ram modules and telling other people how to do it! lol. Everybody's a computer pro these days. Hell, look at me! I'm an amateur and I'm telling You how easy it is.

But, it's true. It was easy as pie.

And, you can do it too. Just go online and research "how to install ram memory" in your particular computer. I'm sure somebody has a video. Also, you can google "how to install ram memory" in your computer and find some how-to info that way.

I went on YouTube days before and watched a few videos on how to install the modules, so that helped. Plus, I made sure I had the right tools (a Phillips screwdriver) ahead of time and handy so I wouldn't stress myself out hunting for "something that might work" as a makeshift tool.

Anyway, after I got the modules installed and the system up and running again, I didn't really notice a major difference as far as speed was concerned.

But, after loading a multitude of apps which included two video programs, MS Paint, twelve webpages, Solitaire, a word processor, the calculator, some pics, various YouTube videos, and saving a 1.35 GB file in under 10 minutes, I could see the difference.




There was no lag or hesitation at all. No pop-ups warning me that I was low on memory. No crashes or anything.The system ran smooth. And, I didn't even touch the virtual memory!

And, I should've kept my hands off of it. But, I couldn't resist.

According to Microsoft, if you have a PC (I'm not sure on the Mac), your virtual memory should be set to one and a half times whatever your Ram is.

2gb Ram = 3000mb virtual memory
4gb Ram = 6000mb virtual memory
6gb Ram = 9000mb virtual memory
8gb Ram = 120000mb virtual memory

etc.

Hell, although I now have 8 gigabytes of Ram, I tried everything.

I went all the way down to 2000mb (2 GBs of virtual memory) and as high as 12000 megabytes (the proper setting) but, I settled for something in between. I'm not tellin' you what it is until I've had a chance to test drive the settings a little more but it seems to work fine.

In fact, so far, it works just as well as what I had it set on before the upgrade and better than the setting suggested by Microsoft - which allowed the Roxio program to freeze my system. I had to unplug and remove the battery to get going again.

Right now, I have six YouTube videos playing, a streaming app (Scottrade), MS Paint, and this blog, and there is stuttering only on one of the videos. It's playing faster than my system can load it. But, it's still a lot better than what I'm used to on my Acer or Dell.

Normally, I don't watch six videos at a time. This is just a test.

There are other ways to test the Ram which may include downloading some software online but I'm not putting that crap on my computer just yet. As long as it does what I need and want it to do, I'm satisfied. If not, I'll find something else to boost performance.

 Anyway... get the Ram modules. I think you'll be glad you did.




Hyperspace jump

Video provided by - SHISCO1
 

Monday, June 11, 2012

If Your Mojo Is Too Slow, Get Some Ram Air-Flow!

When I bought my Toshiba Satellite, I also purchased that "Roxio Easy VHS to DVD 3" software package that included the USB to RCA adapter because I have a hundred pounds worth of VHS tapes that need to be converted to DVD or flash. Really, I need to get rid of that crap, but I just can't bring myself to throw those old movies out.

Anyway...


So, I purchased the Roxio software and attempted to install it on the Toshiba. It took more than thirty minutes to get the software to install. Then, after three attempts (and after it finally installed), the program wouldn't do anything. Wouldn't load. No logo. Nothing.

Then, after a little more than an hour, it started working. But, the video on the computer screen kept "freezing" and going blank although the VCR tape kept playing.

I never got pissed because I had hopes and KNEW I would eventually get the software to work. And I didn't expect much of the Toshiba anyway since I knew it had the bottom line processor in it. But, later, I realized I had just wasted two hours of my life screwing around with that crappy computer when I could've been doing something more productive.

And, the software still doesn't work 100%. It still "freezes" sometimes.


And, I've read the reviews on the Roxio and according to half the people that have used it, the program sucks like hell, so I'm not fully blaming the Toshiba. But, that laptop still just isn't fast enough.


And, it doesn't handle multitasking much better than my old Dell Latitude. That old Dell Latitude loads apps and webpages just as fast. AND, I can have a multitude of programs open and multitask without any drama.

I can watch a movie, type, have my Internet connected, have Microsoft Word open, have my notepad open, use Microsoft Paint, and download two or three movies as I'm watching a movie. And, I can still step into the kitchen to cook a light meal without worrying about my system crashing.


When I try that with the Toshiba, I get "jet-lag" and pop-ups telling warning me of high CPU usage. It's not as bad as the Acer - which constantly warns me of "low virtual memory" - but it's still pitiful. I don't like pop-ups and I don't like opening and closing programs. I like instant access. So I keep a lot of programs open. When an idea or interest hits me, I want to be able to use the app immediately. I don't want to click and wait for it to load. So, this Toshiba is starting to piss me off.

But! Could more RAM be the answer to my prayers?

I went online to Amazon.com last Wednesday and ordered some more RAM since the Toshiba is expandable from 4 GBs of memory up to 8 GBs, and the postman delivered it today (on Monday). I ordered the after-market brand, Kingston, but the reviews were good, and so was the price. Wal-Mart couldn't even beat the price - $74.00 versus $28.00.


I ordered Ram earlier from Amazon.but it was the wrong module. It was my fault because I read the description wrong. So, I had to go back to Amazon.com, re-order, and wait a few more days.

But, I'm in business now, baby...


Product Description: Kingston Technology 4 GB Module 1333MHz DDR3 PC3-10600 204-Pin SODIMM


Part Number: KTT - S3B/4G (Toshiba Part Number: PA3918U-1M4G)

................................................................................................ 















And, I'm gonna install that Ram Power tonight! 


The same day I bought the Toshiba I went on Toshibadirect.com and matched the Ram module replacements I needed, and the description of what that Ram could do had me hooked! After reading the first few lines of benefits, my mouth was watering like hell to get my hands on that Ram memory. I was sold.


And, if this upgrade does what Toshiba Direct claims it will do, I'm definitely gonna give my Acer netbook a power boost.

And, I'm gonna make a "Before and After" video and possibly post it so be on the look-out for that. Hell, you might want to get you some more Ram yourself after you see the horsepower I'm about to bring to the table.

...........................................................................................


Product Description From the Toshiba Direct website:


Adding more RAM memory to your computer will give you a significant gain in system performance, quicker boot-up and the ability to run multiple programs simultaneously. When you need to increase your RAM memory, get the same Toshiba memory modules that were installed in your computer. Toshiba memory is designed and tested to ensure optimal compatibility with Toshiba laptop and All-in-One computers.
Based upon your needs and the types of applications you use on your computer, including the configuration of your devices and peripherals, the amount of memory needed will vary. The more power you expect from your computer the more memory you'll need. Installing the maximum amount of memory in the slots will give you the best overall system performance. If you have an older computer, adding some RAM memory can help lengthen the life of your computer before replacing it with a new one.
Features:
  • Increase your computer's performance with extra memory
  • The same modules installed in your computer at the factory
  • More memory can actually increase your battery life
  • Allows more multitasking which saves time and hassle
  • Custom designed for your specific Toshiba laptop and All-in-One model
  • Toshiba tested, guaranteed 100% system compatibility and reliability
  • Backed by a limited warranty with renowned Service and Support from Toshiba
  • Adding more memory is one of the least expensive ways to help boost overall system performance
Specifications:
  • Maximum data transfer rate of up to 10667 MB/sec (Max.*)
  • Memory clock: 166MHz
  • Cycle time: 6 ns
  • I/O Bus clock: 667MHz
  • Data rate: 1333MT/s
  • Module name: PC3-10600
  • Peak transfer rate: 10667 MB/sec
  • Dimensions and weight: 2.67” x 1.26” x 0.12”; 8 grams
  • One year standard limited warranty
Notes:

*Data transfer rates vary and are often less than the maximum possible.
**DDR3 modules are compatible when mixed with lower speed DDR3 modules, but will default to the lower speed.