hi huck
couple more things on the subject of norton systemworks, if you're up for it. <g3>
going back to, "although it seems handy and informative it seems to drag my system down to a crawl on regular occasions".....
you mentioned the alarm for when to run speed disk (norton's defragger). keep in mind that users can set that alarm wherever they desire. i set mine at 95%, meaning the percentage of fragmentation can reach 5% before i am warned. i keep what norton calls 'doctors', or sensors open on my desktop, and the disk optimization sensor tracks this %. when i see it approaching 95%, i usually run speed disk.
prior to running speed disk, i use cleansweep to empty all temp files, cache, cookies. as you know, that action just tosses them into the recycle bin. so i then empty all protected files and the recycle bin. then i defrag. this always seems to provide a performance enhancement.
take a moment to see what level your disk optimization is set at. if it's letting you surpass 5% fragmentation, imo, that's too much and should be reset.
also, it's a good plan to run the norton optimization wizard in norton utilities. i believe that this also enhances system performance. with 128mb ram, you have plenty to go around, so i suggest you also have speedstart enabled, if it is available with the version of nsw that you run.
and lastly, you noted, "I do run speed disk, etc from time to time".... be certain that the "etc" includes norton windoctor. windoctor's ability to find and fix windows problems is impressive, imo, and should be utilized frequently.
and finally, on to the really important stuff.... "--"THE Last Waltz" was on TCM last night. That's a really nice piece IMO. Bob looks super cool back in the day too<g>..", absolutely! bob's performances of 'baby let me follow you down', 'i don't believe you', 'forever young' and 'i shall be released' were marvelous. i especially like the 'follow you down' reprise. i have the 3-record vinyl, in near pristine condition. of course the dylan tracks are worn about an eighth of an inch deep, but that's to be expected! <g3>
good luck
:)
mark |
