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- HOW TO SPEED UP YOUR SYSTEM
-
- As you know, the fastest computers in the market today are
- the 80386 and the 80486 based machines. The techniques
- presented here are good for both the old models and the new
- ones, but they work better with old PC's and XT's.
-
- They may seem trivial to experienced users, but it is amazing
- to know that many computer users do not use these simple
- procedures even though they are aware of them. By using some
- or all the techniques described in this section, you can
- considerably improve the processing speed of your system and
- reduce the time it takes to complete your projects.
-
- Every computer owner wishes to have a faster system, but not
- everyone can afford it. Fortunately, the clock speed is
- merely one of the many factors that affect the overall
- performance of computer systems.
-
- Before you upgrade your system, ask yourself some of these
- questions:
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- - How many hours am I using my computer every day?
-
- - Is there a way to get the job done in less time than
- what it is taking me now?
-
- - What is the cost involved in changing my system? -Does
- the amount of time I save justify the cost
- involved?
-
- If the answers to these questions indicate that you neeed to
- upgrade to a faster system, then go ahead. Otherwise, stick
- to what you have and try to improve the performance of your
- system using the available software techniques.
-
- In addition to the techniques you will see in this section,
- there are a few more that will speed up your computing. We
- found three that are especially helpful.
-
- 1) If you do a lot of number crunching, you may consider
- buying a math coprocessor. Math coprocessors are
- available at several speeds for all types of micro-
- processors. Prices vary. So, call several mail
- order companies for the best value.
-
- 2) You may be able to use commercial programs (such as
- Word Perfect and Lotus 123) much faster using
- templates which help you locate important keys
- without having to go back to the user's manual for
- reference. You can get all kinds of templates from
- computer stores or from the FuncKey Enterprises.
- Their address is: Route 1, Box 639G Sanger, TX 76266
- The telephone number is (817)482-6613.
-
- 3) Your typing speed does make a difference in
- completing computer-related tasks. Surely, it is
- more likely for you to finish a ten-page document in
- a shorter time if your typing speed were sixty word
- per minute than if it were thirty words per minute.
- If you feel that you need to improve your typing
- skills, I suggest that you go to your local computer
- store and buy a typing tutor or get a shareware
- version of PC-Fastype from one of the distributors
- listed in the software section of this disk.
-