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From: burgoyne@eng.umd.edu (John R. Burgoyne)
Newsgroups: comp.windows.ms
Subject: Re: How do I INCREASE the speed in Windows?
Message-ID: <1991Feb14.175254.24230@eng.umd.edu>
Date: 14 Feb 91 17:52:54 GMT
References: <1520@fs1.ee.ubc.ca>
Sender: news@eng.umd.edu (C-News)
Organization: College of Engineering, Maryversity of Uniland, College Park
Lines: 59

In article <1520@fs1.ee.ubc.ca> jtanlim@mars () writes:
>
>Hi,
>   I have some questions on how I can improve the speed or
>apparent speed in 386 enhanced mode (or any other mode).  
>I have the following configuration:
>		386 25MHz  (no cache)
>		4MB memory
>	 	512K ATI VGA
>		ViewSonic 4  (ViewPerfect 4 (?))
>		65Mb Mitsubishi 535 (?)
>                Panasonic KX-P1124
>
The cache models are much faster. I have no cache at home but do
have it at work. Usually there's no way to upgrade your motherboard.

>1) I've heard that more memory is better, but how much more?
>   Isn't 4Mb enough?  I have room for 4Mb more on board.
>
It depends on what you're doing. 4 extra MB costs about $180 these
days. If you use something like Corel Draw, its worth it.

>2) What is the optimum time slice?  I know that sometimes the 
>   optimum speed is not perceived as such when the response
>   time is not even.  So, can somebody also tell me how to
>   make it seem like it is working faster.
>
This only makes a difference for non-windows apps. If you're running
only true WinApps, it doesn't change anything.

>3) One of the main complaints I'm getting from the users is that 
>   printing is very slow.  I know it's because the 1124 is slow,	
>   but will installation of the optional 32K buffer help?  When	
>   something is being printed, WRITE responds very poorly to 
>   keystrokes and this is very annoying.
>

If you're not using native printer fonts and Windows is being called
upon to generate the fonts, this is very slow. The buffer probably
won't help much.

>4) Does anybody out there really use Windows in 1024x768?  I find 
>   the characters too small and too dim to read.  I would like to 
>   hear from those who have tried it, what the pros and cons are.
>   Flicker is not that bad of a problem.
>
If you're using a moitor/card combination that requires interlaced
mode at 1024x768, it is generally intolerable, particularly on
smaller monitors.

I think to do 1024x768 right, you need something like the Hercules
Graphics Station(?) with something like the NEC 4D for a monitor.

OTOH, 800x600x(16 or 256) are both pretty good.

Finally, don't forget to use SMARTDRV.SYS and to setup a permanent
swap file.

Robert