Fuel Injection For Your Computer

[John W.]

Re: Fuel Injection For Your Computer

Rather than Carbonite you can use Mozy for FREE for up to 2 Gig of data.

It includes a terrific backup program that is extremely easy to setup. It automatically gathers your Outlook PST file or your Outlook Express data file and all of your Documents. Backs up Encrypted to their Servers when you are not using the computer.

I have used it for about 5 years and love the security it gives me.

You can get it free from http://mozy.com/?ref=Z4ZNQM

Won't do you much good if you have a ton of pictures but you can buy unlimited space for only $5 per month.

You have to set up an account with them (no credit card required) to get a username and password. You must keep the Username and Password in a safe place.

If heaven forbid you ever need to restore your data you just load your operating system, and your program files. Then go to Mozy and download their program. Enter your Username and Password and tell it to Restore your data.

[Terry M.]

Re: Fuel Injection For Your Computer

I dislike VISTA because none of the programs I have on other computers will run on VISTA. I have to buy different versions of those pro0grams, and for what? Just so Bill Gates can have some more money.

[Reba W.]

Re: Fuel Injection For Your Computer

I dislike VISTA because none of the programs I have on other computers will run on VISTA. I have to buy different versions of those pro0grams, and for what? Just so Bill Gates can have some more money.

If they will not run on Vista (have not run into this problem) they sure will not run on Windows 7. Have you looked at the possibility of patches that will make your programs run on Vista??

Dick on Reba's computer

[Terry M.]

Re: Fuel Injection For Your Computer

Neither a patch nor an upgrade are worth the trouble -- nor is going to Windoze 7. The VISTA computer is the laptop which I use mostly for out-of-town excursions -- so for the most part all I need on it is the Internet email functions.

[Mark W.]

Re: Fuel Injection For Your Computer

Jack, just so I have an idea of your computer's hardware baseline, what were the specs? Processor speed, amount of memory and size of hard drive?

[Jack H.]

Re: Fuel Injection For Your Computer

What processor do you have?

AMD Phenom 9650 quad core with 2 GB 1033 RAM. Not the fastest kid on the block, but decent for desktop casual use...

My system is 3 1/2y old and I've been looking at new ones as my HD's are giving signs of nearing their life's end. Unfortunately even a 250GB solid state HD is quite expensive at this time, and I've used over 200 of my current 250GB. Add in the fact that I run them as RAID1 so I'd need 2 of them and it really gets expensive.

(1) Consider defeating RAID and using your existing HDD's differently. Like one for dedicated system backup and the other for 'unimportant' data...read on.

(2) Yep, 250 GB will be a tough swallow ($$$) for SSD's today! But, few folks have THAT much storage space devoted to OS, programs and critical data files... Typically, what EATS up disk space is photos (JPG) and music (MP3) plus using a massive data base email program (like Outlook or Outlook Express) and never going into your .PST file to prune and discard old/past message traffic that's been archived.

(3) Think about relocating your 'dog' files (like JPG and MP3) onto a second drive and getting your main drive (C lean and mean by housing just Windows, your application programs and the few data base files you use frequently. Then, clone that, now smaller primary HDD drive to an SSD drive (80 or 160 GB) and you'll be cookin' with gas!

[Jack H.]

Re: Fuel Injection For Your Computer

Thanks Jack. Very interesting. Can a new SSD be installed in any computer, such as one that is 3 or 4 years old? What else, if anything, would be required? I know just enough about the components inside my computer to get me into deep trouble.

Generally, it's a piece of cake! You need a SATA interface to support these new drives which is criteria #1. If your system is +5 years old, it probably has a PATA (parallel ATA AKD IDE/eIDE) which won't cut it...
But, SATA controller boards that install in your PCI/PCI Express expansion slot(s) are cheap.

Next, the Intel SSD's only come in 1.8 and 2.5 inch geometry and most desk top systems have 3.5-inch bays for HDD installation. But, a set of 2.5 to 3.5-inch drive adaptor rails run about $10, so no problem.

The last thing you need is a disk cloning tool. Some like Norton's Ghost while others favor True Image. If you know what you're doing with Ghost (not always obvious) the whole job runs under Windows VERY fast.

True Image is easier to setup/use, but the actual disk cloning process takes place outside Windows and runs a bit slower in its pseudo DOS environment. But, it's a one-time chore and you're done when you've created a proper image of your existing HDD onto the new SSD.

When that's done, you simply disconnect your HDD and let Windows automatically detect the replacement SSD clone on its next power up. SIMPLE!

[Jack H.]

Re: Fuel Injection For Your Computer

AMEN!!! Dick is DEAD NUTS on. If you don't have at least one backup source, it's simply a matter of time before you'll be cursing...

I backup four ways once a week:

(1) To an external HDD that's USB connected.

(2) Clone to an external HDD that's USB connected using Ghost so I have an on-hand 'hot spare' ready to simply plug in.

(3) Backup to DVD (Blu Ray now) because they're removable platters that can be stored off-site in my safe deposit box.

(4) Backup to tape, so I've got belt + suspenders for my removable media.

[Jack H.]

Re: Fuel Injection For Your Computer

Microsoft has agreed to continue supporting XP through 2014, so there's time left on the clock for all of us, Terry...

[Jack H.]

Re: Fuel Injection For Your Computer

Jack, just so I have an idea of your computer's hardware baseline, what were the specs? Processor speed, amount of memory and size of hard drive?

Answered elsewhere. But, what my system is (nutz & boltz) doesn't really matter...

The acid test is simple. Hit your stop watch when your system exits BIOS/POST and measure the time until Win is not only up (Desktop showing) but actually fully loaded with all its resident tasks operable. If you're measuring multiple minute intervals vs. seconds, I can almost guarantee you your system is I/O bound by the intrinsic nature of your HDD and its latency characteristics.

Next, go get the free download from Microsoft of Process Explorer. Install it and fire off a system backup. While the backup is running, invoke Process Explorer and see how much CPU utilization is being devoted to 'System Idle'. I'll bet few of you weigh in much below 85% meaning your processor is sitting around twiddling its thumbs...