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Table of Contents
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Should you upgrade?
A Helping Hand
Favorite Freeware
Featured Download

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Should you upgrade?

As many of you know, last week's newsletter never became a reality. After pondering for a while about the newsletter, I have decided to send it out every other week instead of every week. I think it will help improve the quality of each newsletter, and I'll be able to take care of my many other responsibilities. I also will be moving soon to California to start some post-graduate studies down there at a seminary. It will be an interesting change as I will continue to work for setSystems from my place in California. Because of that change, I am very glad that I recently upgraded to a newer computer system. I bought the system as a refurbished unit online from Dell. It came with a 20 gb hard drive, a Pentium III 1 Ghz chip, 256 mb of RAM, 32 mb of video memory, Windows Me, and Microsoft Office 2000 - Small Business Edition. Needless to say, it was a big improvement over my previous system, and it should last me for quite a while. I can also add on some more memory, purchase a new hard drive, add a DVD-ROM drive, or add a CD-R drive if I needed to. Now, I am the exception rather than the rule at this time in the world of computers because computer sales have been declining over the past year or so. Quite frankly, the main reasons behind the decline are as follows: 1. We do not see the need to purchase the latest and greatest computer because the one you have now works just fine, and 2. There really has not been any great innovation with computers for quite a while. The only thing that keeps increasing is the speed of a computer chip and the capacity of a hard drive. I guess the question to ask yourself is if it is worth it to shell out more bucks for a new computer, or can you get by with what you have.

John Saddler
info@setsystems.com

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A Helping Hand

• For some of you, it may be good to go out and purchase a new computer system. For you computer users who have a system that is less than 300 megahertz with a small hard drive and less than 64 mb of RAM, you may want to seriously consider it. Much of the software developed today and in the future will be developed for machines with greater speed and memory. For example, if you wanted to upgrade to Windows XP which will be released in the fall, you will need a minimum of 128 mb of RAM and at least a speed of 300 Megahertz on your system, otherwise, it will not run properly.
• Another thing to keep in mind is that computer sales are suffering right now. I have been watching the prices for computers these past 6 months, and they have dropped steadily. If you were thinking about getting a new system, now would be a good time since prices are very affordable for some pretty nice systems. I forked out a total of $1180 for my system and that included a few extras such as a zip drive, new speakers, bundled software, and a nice new 17" monitor. You could find something just as good for a cheaper price by now.
• For the rest of you who are in my shoes who are now content with the machine they have, you can do a few things to keep your system running well for very little cost. First, you can purchase more memory (RAM). Usually, most newer computers are able to take additional RAM up to a certain limit. Plus, the cost for RAM has continued to grow cheaper. I was checking out some the other day and found 256 mb of RAM for $70.00.
• Some of you may be running out of space on your hard drive. Upgrading your hard drive is very affordable as well. You can get a 20 GB hard drive for $100. Unless you store tons of music files and pictures, 20 GB will last you a long time.

Other upgrade options such as getting a DVD-ROM drive, a CD-R drive, and a better video card all can help and improve your computer experience. Keep in mind that some of these things require some minor expertise, so if you do end up buying some new computer components, make sure you read the instructions or get some help from a friend, co-worker, or family member.

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Favorite Freeware - Cacheman, 624 KB - Outer Technologies

http://www.outertech.com/
Download Program
Specs - Win 95/98/ME

This program is a handy utility that just might greatly improve the speed of your computer. It basically allows you to adjust the settings of your system's cache which can free up your memory and improve performance. The interface is fairly simple, and the installation is quick. Note: this utility is only for Windows 95/98/Me users. It will not work for Windows NT/2000.

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Featured Download - Registry Compressor, 997 KB - KMCS Software

http://www.kmcsonline.com/
Download Program
Specs - Win 98/ME/2000 - Shareware - $21.95

For you Windows 9x/2000 users, you have something mysterious and vague called the registry hidden on your hard drive. This thing called the registry is actually very important. Any changes made to the registry can affect the performance of your computer. Well, the registry tends to get cluttered when you install and uninstall software, and it helps to clean it up from time to time since it improves your system performance. You can modify the registry on your own (which is not a good idea), or you can use Registry Compressor Pro to help you clean out the registry. You do not have to be a technical wizard to run this program, and it comes with a backup/restore feature which is critical whenever you do make changes to the registry. There is a version for Windows 95 users also available. Note: Always, always be extra careful when making changes to the registry, even if you are using a program to help you in the process.

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