Improving Computer Performance

*Note: I am not the original author of this thread, therefore I do not personally condone any of the websites, or programs listed in this post, nor do I claim credit to this post.
This is for people with low-end machines that still enjoy playing Rappelz, and would like to run it as smoothly as possible.

(This was originally posted by theecko, on the official forums.)

Tired of waiting for computer technicians to fix your problem? Don't know how to do things on your own? Well look no further! *Note these steps are based on Windows XP.*

These steps will help improve performance in Rapplez. Do not trust it to solve all lag issues. You may have to lower the settings in Rapplez as well.

Computer Dust:

Dust is everywhere; we know that and a good place to find a lot of it is inside your PC if you do not clean it regularly. You should only clean the inside of your computer using compressed air cans, commonly filled with CO2. Do not use any sort of liquid or a vacuum cleaner, as a vacuum will generate static electricity. Make sure your computer is OFF when you clean it. You will notice better performance as dust creates heat. It is recommended to clean at least 2 times a year.

Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter.

You may also want to check your C drive for errors. If windows can find any errors it will automatically fix them.

My Computer > Double-click > Right-click on C Drive > Properties > Tools Tab > Error-Checking.

Visual Effects:

Windows XP has visual effects that makes it look fancy compared to the older versions of Windows. All these effects eat up some performance that could be dedicated to your gaming.

My Computer > Right-click > Properties > Advanced Tab > Performance Settings > Adjust for best performance.

Unused Programs:

Uninstall any unused programs you have that you don't use or have any use for. It will free up disk space. The more disk space you have the faster your computer runs. Always run a disk defrag after uninstalling programs. *You may only notice a degrade in performance with 25% or less disk space left.*

Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.

To check how much disk space you have:

My Computer > Double-click > Right-click on C drive > Properties.

Hardware:

There are a lot of hardware to keep track of on updating; even with a brand new computer there are some hardware components that are out of date. This process will show you how to update every hardware component within your computer.

Right-click on My Computer > Properties > Hardware Tab > Device Manager > Click on any of the + signs and a list will drop down > Right-click on any item > Update > Install the software automatically (Recommended) > Next.

System Configuration Utility:

This utility gives you access to services and start up programs your computer loads and runs. By unchecking some of the services and start up program your computer will run faster. *Do not uncheck any program if you do not know what it is. Only uncheck them if you are sure of their function.*

Start > Run > type in msconfig > Service and Startup Tab.

PC Pit Stop:

http://www.pcpitstop.com/ this site will analyze your entire computer at no cost. It will even tell you any problems your computer might have and suggestions to fix it. *Note some suggestions tell you to go into the registry. I don't recommend you do that unless you know what you are doing.*

Free Full Tests Scan > New Members > Don't Create An Account > Let's Go!

Process Library:

http://www.processlibrary.com/ this site is an online resource database that has information of extensions running under your processes in Task Manager. It will give you all the information you could ever want to understand what that extension is and what it does. *Sometimes trojans and keyloggers can be in the processes.* There is also a new scanner they offer which will detect all the processes that are on your system and displays results about them. http://www.processlibrary.com/processscan/

Spyware and Ads:

These will often "jump" on your computer just from viewing web sites and slow it down. The source of these come from sites infected with spyware and ads.

Ad-aware http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
Spybot Search & Destroy http://www.safer-networking.org/

Anti-Virus Programs:

Viruses/Trojans/Worms can seriously mess up your computer and slow it down. For a great free anti-virus scanner I recommend AVG. http://www.grisoft.com/ww.homepage

If you don't want to download stuff than visit Trendmirco, it offers a free online virus scanner. http://www.trendmicro.com/

Trend micro Home Page > Home & Home Office > Trend micro Housecall > Scan Now.

Symantec http://www.symantec.com/ as well offers a free online virus and security scanner.

Symantec Home Page > Viruses & Risks > Symantec Security Check (bottom of page).

Graphic Cards:

Newer drivers will have better performance and fixes. It is cruical to have the newest version. If you have a Nvidia graphic card go here http://www.nvidia.com/page/home.html. If you have a ATI graphic card go here http://ati.amd.com/support/driver.html

DirectX:

DirectX is a collection of application programming interfaces for handling tasks related to multimedia, especially game programming and video, on Microsoft platforms. DirectX 9 is here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2da43d38-db71-4c1b-bc6a-9b6652cd92a3&DisplayLang=en

AMD Duel Cord Optimizer:

Somethings Dual Cord processors get bogged down. So what should you do? Give it a boost by optimizing it!

This download is only for people that have AMD Dual Cords. http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/Techni...1_13118,00.html

Temporary Files and Cookies:

You should always clean out your temporary files and cookies once a week, as it takes up space. If you are using Internet Explorer 7:

Right-click on IE icon > Properties > Browsing History > Delete > Delete All.

CCleaner is also good for this job. http://www.ccleaner.com

Disk Defragmenter:

It is a program every computer has. It eliminates fragmentation in file systems by placing the files close together and in order. By doing this the computer can access the hard drive faster. It also extends the lifespan of a hard drive. Recommended you defrag your hard drive once a week.

Can You Run It:

System Requirements Lab has a neat analyzer that can tell you if your computer can run a certain game. Simply click on the drop down menu and select a game. The list only contains PC CD/DVD games. http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/referrer/srtest

Copyright @ 2008 theecko. All rights reserved.