Hey everyone, I'm shadow... a new registered user in the forums looking for a new home. Computing.net seemed nice so i hope i'm welcome. Um i have been reading up on 64 bit computing and it seems like a decision i will have to make when it isn't so buggy and the drivers and 16/32 bit apps are further compatible with WOW64. I'm just curious of how i can get the most out of my current system to get it running it's absoloute best. And what are the best security tools to use eg. antivirus, spyware, and firewall or whatever i need. My specs are: Amd Athlon 64 3000+ 754 socket 2.0Ghz 1024mb Corsair Extreme DDR Ram (pc3200) 1x 250gb Sata II hdd 2x80 gb Ide 7200rpm hard drive Nvidia Geforce 6600gt (256/256) and thats about all that seems important. Any suggestions about how to get my pc in tip top shape? and how to maintain it in that way. I currently have no security at all besides windows firewall which is standard. So it would help to know what to do when it comes to security as i hear some security programs hog resources. Thanks alot everyone! Shadow

plenty of suggestions regarding maximum performance in my post from last night. http://computing.net/windowsxp/wwwb... Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.' icq 10183575

Without adding anymore RAM, you can significatly improve your system's performance with the tips from below. - Always have Up-to-date Virus engine and Scan periodically or as needed. - Spybot, Ad-Aware, Spywareblaster, CrapCleaner are all things you should never be without. - Check your startup items (msconfig) for TSR's or memory hogs and disable them. - Make sure Windows registry is uncluttered. - Empty the Recycle Bin - Delete .tmp files, run CHKDSK,and DEFRAG as needed. - Delete files that begin with a tilde. When cleaning the system of garbage files, check for any files beginning with a tilde (~). Make sure all your applications, such as word-processing, spreadsheet, and graphics programs, are closed first, since sometimes the temporary file you are currently viewing uses a tilde. If the applications are closed, the tilde files can be deleted. - Delete old .zip files that are'nt needed. - Delete .chk files, and switch the swap file. If you've got permanent swap files, it's sometimes a good idea to set the swap file back to temporary and then permanent again to clean out any garbage. - Check browser history and cache files. Check that the user history files and Internet cache settings are set properly (cache size). Delete the cache files and history files then reset the history files to no more than three days unless you specifically need to store that information longer. By freeing up the cache, downloads from the Web actually speed up since there is more space available to store the temporary files. Clean out Windows temporary Internet files. - Update drivers as needed. Make sure you've installed the latest drivers for your devices. - Get a decent imaging tool and setup a periodic backup schedule for your system drive, you won't regret this. Goodluck! Note: Now depending on the specific 3000+ 754 CPU that you have and your current motherboard - I would suggest overclocking the CPU. Some of those 3000+ are very good overclockers.

The make/model/chipset of your motherboard would be helpful, as would the make/model/wattage of your PSU. Depending on which A64 3000+ you have, you may wanna consider overclocking it. I have the S754 3000+ Venice which I'm currently running at 2.5GHz (10 x 250MHz) with my PC3200 RAM at 208MHz. I experimented with it for a short time at 2.7Ghz (9 x 300MHz) but decided to back it down to 2.5GHz. Unfortunately, you have an SATA HDD & that *may* limit your overclock. I posted my results in the overclocking forum about a month ago. If you read it over, you're find a link to the case I bought. It's no longer on sale, but at the time, it was $40 w/$30 rebate & free shipping. http://www.computing.net/cpus/wwwbo... I few programs I would recommend for security are: - antivirus - AVG Free Edition 7.5.408 - firewall - there are several to choose from. I've been using Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall at the recommendation of heropsycho (a regular in the gaming forum). But many use Sygate Personal Firewall or ZoneAlarm Free. - spyware removers - Spybot Search and Destroy 1.4 & Ad Aware Personal 1.06. - general cleaner - CCleaner 1.34.407 You can get all the programs for free (& a lot more) at the following site: http://www.filehippo.com/

Looks like Sabertooth & I were typing our replies at the same time ;-)

Great! I was hoping jam will pop up to cinch the 3000+ plan since has one too & now I don't have to. I'll let him do the honors with the OC guide.

OC Guide please... i_XpUser