I think this topic has already been addressed on this forum, but I was unsuccessful searching for it. If this is a repeat topic, sorry. If you know a quick link, please let me know. Otherwise, I've learned that although my RAM memory is good~ 767 ram, my memory resources is 46% (with only 1 application open and running) and should be running more like 80%. A tech support rep told me applications can run in the background and although they are not open, can be resource hogs. He then instructed me to look in the Task Mgr and end unnecessary processes. I am not smart enough to know which processes are necessary and which are not. I tried ending one and get this scary message that ending it could be detrimental to the system and computer's overall function... or something along those lines... so I'm too chicken to end anything. How do I learn what's safe to end and free up some more resource memory? I have Windows XP. And (feeling like I just stood up in an AA meeting) I'm also an AOL user. It is something I'm addicted too, feel very comfortable with and not willing to cut the cord from yet. I understand many computer intellects HATE AOL- and expect the first advice I receive is to stop using AOL. Until now, I've used AOL for years without any issues. So, if you could help me resolve my resource memory issue while continuing to use AOL- I'd REALLY appreciate it! Thanks.
"So, if you could help me resolve my resource memory issue while continuing to use AOL- I'd REALLY appreciate it!" That's a conundrum that can't be solved??? AOL is the most invasive, trouble burdened, non-user friendly POS known to man. Scroll down the "task list" on this page to the AOL entries and you'll know why we don't like it. http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist_a.htm You can also use this site to explain any task shown in the task manager window. As to help on the resourses, your SOL. Since January of this year AOL has had a problem trying to resolve the "AOLssc.exe" task and it's voracious appetitie for resourses (100MB+ of memory). It's directly related to AIM. The items listed below may help but don't expect massive improvement. Resourse's 101 for AOL Junkies: 1. AOL starts itself when your computer starts and runs multiple programs in the backgound. Look in your aol "settings" to turn it off at boot. That switch will turn off approx. 20% of it's resource hogs. The rest are too complicated to shut off for a novice to attempt. If your going right to AOL everytime your computer starts this won't help. After you start AOL the only way to stop the process effectively is to use the setting above and reboot. 2. Stop using the browser within AOL when surfing. You'll see an increase in surf speed when you use the Internet Explorer Icon on your desktop to surf. AOL is tracking your surfing no matter what you do but this seems to show moderate inprovement in speed. 3. Step back a version or 2 of the AOL software. From version 7 and up it got massively hungry for resouces. If the AOL bells and whistles are what you want this won't help. 4. If your using the AOL spyware, pop-up blocker, virus ..etc. turn off all the other ones that are on your PC. Turn off the XP firewall. Turn off, or better yet, uninstall all other protection software like Norton or McAfee or any free ones Like AVG. They too are competing for resources. 5. ADD 2 GIG of memory. 6. Seek help with your addiction. The first step is "Turn off the sound for "You've got mail"" :lol: :lol: I found this data on the web a while back and the page is no longer up or I'd link it. "The average AOL user looses 78.5 hours per year dealing with problems on their PC's directly related to AOL issues." That's 2 work weeks of problems!!!!!!!
I agree with everything mentioned above. But you may have other programs running in the background that you can get rid of.... Alot of programs that I see are things such as instant messengers, weather desktop, webshots, screen savers and so on. You may also have a bunch of spyware on your system that is chewing up resources. If you have been viewing this board for a while you might have heard everyone talk about adaware or spybot search and destroy. Those are some good programs to check your system with. What is it about AOL that you like? If it isn't the browser then I would use Internet explorer or better yet Firefox once you have logged on. If I remember correctly, if you are using AOL dial up then you dont even have to have there software installed. You can just create a new connection with the connection wizard and put in the needed information (username, password, dial out number etc.) If for whatever reason you do want all the features of AOL being used and you cant part with any "bell and whistle programs", and your system is clear of spyware, then I would recommend adding more memory to your system. The more you add the better performance you will have until you can finally part with the memory hog programs.
I use a program called ENDITALL.exe to end the background processes when I need more space. It can temporarily close those processes or "kill" them. You still have to be careful with it but it is very useful when opening large programs. You can change settings to keep certain processes "safe" before closing. It keeps necessary processes running by default . All you have to do is restart to get all the process running again. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,697,00.asp
Wow, thank you for all the information. I have a lot to learn. So much for my wish for an easy fix. :cry: I will try many, if not all, your suggestions. My AOL is powered through Road Runner Cable- no dial up. I have many of the programs mentioned such as Adaware, Mcaffee Virus Scan, AVG, and a new free Screen Capture program I just recently downloaded. (After getting Screen Capture program is when my memory and frequent disconnection issues started happening.) Unfortunately, I'm a creature of habit. I learned the internet and email with AOL, enjoy their browser, technical support, email features, etc. I tell my hubby that when I find something I like, I'm loyal and stick with it! That's a good thing isn't it? But if AOL is screwing me over- I guess I need to rethink this partnership. :wink: As silly as it seems, I'm not excited about having to change my email address- lose all my saved favorite web pages, etc. I like that AOL saves old mail for me which saves me time of having to do it myself. I noticed Road Runner doesn't have an "old mail" feature and checking mail other than at home doesn't seem as easy on RR. (Their mail web site has not worked for me twice now.) I've heard Outlook Express is an unstable email program meaning it is an easy place for hackers to spread viruses. Wasn't Outlook the cause of the I Love You viruses shutting down tons of networks because of this? {Big Sigh} Thanks for not beating up on me too badly. I realize you probaby muttered "idiot" to yourselves because of my fondness of AOL. Perhaps I've been brainwashed. It's a cult thing. Hopefully I'll soon gain the knowledge and strength to break-free! Now, as for leaving the Windows environment and jumping ship to Linux- I'll have to grow some big brass ones for that day. :shock:
Screen capture. Even in windows Alt+Print Screen and then paste it in paint or word is more than adequate for most applications. Alt+PrintScreen prints the active window not the whole screen like Print Screen by it self does. Ken, I tried using your suggestions first before downloading a program. I needed very specific parts of a window, such as a copy of the paste icon in Word. The time it took to capture the window, pull it into another program and cut down to the itty bitty icon I needed became annoying. That's why the free program someone referred me too was very helpful, it has easier pin-pointing and is quicker. Thanks again for all your help and suggestions. I'll be sure to contact you if we decide to check out Linux.
Thanks to everyone By the way, I didn't mean to single Ken out with my gratitude. I appreciate everyone's response and will look into all your suggestions. Thank you Romworks, Ddrdan, Grysunshine, Quincy, etc. Ddrdan, I chuckled with your suggestion to get help with my addiction and turning off the "you've got mail". I've at least made part of the step! I hate that mail message and usually have the sound off when I'm online.