FAQS! FACTS! FAX! 021 (03/09/96)

RAM RAIDED

I have an Escom 486 DX4 100 PC, fitted with 8 megabytes of RAM. The computer press are always saying that increasing PC memory size improves speed and performance, so I went ahead and doubled the RAM to 16Mb, which System Performance confirms is present.

I cannot discern the slightest difference. I’ve tried other things, like defragmentation; I’ve got plenty of hard-disc space and although I use Microsoft Office, I rarely have more than one application on the go at any one time. Have I overlooked something?

S.R.C., Edenbridge.

A

Generally speaking the speed at which a PC operates is determined by the processor, and the amount of cache memory in your system, (it speeds disc access) but applications will appear to run slowly if there’s insufficient RAM memory. The processor has to work harder, dealing with smaller chunks of  data. In the old days -- about a year ago -- when the cost of RAM memory was still quite high, 4 megabytes of RAM was a more or less standard configuration for new PCs; then along came Windows 95, which ran painfully slowly on such machines. Doubling the memory to 8 megabytes usually did wonders, so it became accepted wisdom that increasing memory size would always improve performance. That holds true for some heavyweight applications -- especially DTP and graphics-based programs -- but assuming you can make no improvements to your machine’s cache memory, it appears 8 megabytes was the optimum size for your PC, and the software you’re using.

NEVER TOO LATE

I’m a 72 year old grandmother; I learned to type many years ago on a huge Underwood typewriter. Over the years I’ve used golfball, daisywheel and various memory typewriters, and now I have a Canon Starwriter 70 word processor. I’ve recently been on a computer course and realise I need to upgrade, to enable me to produce graphics, but I have no need of a full computer. I use my machine for writing poetry and prose, storing information, compiling mailing lists and producing small posters. Have you any suggestions for a pensioner, too busy to play games, ‘surf’ the Internet and who does not want to spend vast sums. Also, what does one do with an outdated word processor?

D.M., Harrogate

A

The graphics capabilities of integrated word-processor machines, like your old Starwriter, tend to be fairly limited. Canon tell us they’re launching the Starwriter Jet 4000 this month. This has a larger laptop-style screen, a built-in ink-jet printer and good graphics capabilities. It comes supplied with clip-art discs containing fancy borders and images and it will be selling for around £450.

Don’t dismiss the idea of a PC altogether though; you should put your new found expertise to good use. Well-specified 486 systems -- now effectively obsolete, but ideal for your purpose -- are regularly advertised in computer magazines for £500 or less; good quality ink-jet printers can be found for under £150. If space is a problem you might consider a laptop PC, they take up no more desk space than a small typewriter. Prices for discontinued models, with monochrome screens, start at less than £600.

If you’re looking for a good home for your old Starwriter then why not drop it into your local charity shop, or contact any of the following organisations, who will be able to put it to good use. AIDIS Trust (01202) 695244, FCD (The Foundation for Communications for the Disabled) on (01684) 563684, and SEQUAL (Special Equipment Aids for Living), (01691) 718331.

NEVER TOO LATE AGAIN

At 66 I’m a late starter with computers, with lots of unanswered questions. I’m getting a considerable amount of pleasure from my Dell 425 SI, but I’m unsure about the need to upgrade with a CD ROM Drive. Are there any dictionaries or information sources available on floppy disc, or are they all confined to CD ROM?

D.S., Gillingham

A

There’s still plenty of software -- including specialised databases -- on floppy disc but you have to remember that a CD ROM can hold more than 400 times as much information as a 3.5-inch diskette. Access times are faster, they’re more robust and data is less easily corrupted.