FAQS! FACTS! FAX! 052 (22/04/97)

CONVENTIONAL ANSWER

I read your advice, about giving a PC a 'spring clean'  to improve performance (Chip Change, FFF 25/03/97), with great interest. My PC is 486/100 with 16Mb RAM and 500 Mb hard disc, with Windows 3.1 --  a real flyer in its day  -- but now it creaks and wheezes under a ton of redundant software. I only use it for word processing, accounts and the odd game, I'm hoping I can get another year out of it. As per your advice I tried the defrag utility but about halfway through the file search it came up with the message 'not enough conventional memory'. There's a piece in the Windows manual about freeing up conventional memory, but it was complete and utter gibberish. Can you give me the English version?

Richard Taylor, Enfield

A

You must get rid of all the clutter, before you run defrag. Programs like Clean Sweep, Uninstaller and WinDelete can help identify unused software, bits of old programs, that take up valuable disc space. As far as freeing up conventional memory is concerned, you should run the memmaker utility, (type 'memmaker' at the dos 'C' prompt, and follow the instructions), then try defrag once more. If it stalls again try this: type 'mem' at the dos prompt, and make a note of the 'used' conventional memory allocation. Next type 'edit config.sys', select print from the file menu to get a printout, then do the same with autoexec.bat. This will ensure you have a permanent record of your start-up files, which determine how memory is allocated. Next, using the edit command again, work your way through both files, typing 'rem' then a space, at the start of each line in turn, then save the file. You should only work on one line at a time. Re-boot the machine after each save, and check the memory allocation using 'mem'. If there's no change to the 'used' column remove the rem command and go to the next line.  If the used allocation has decreased try defrag. It's a bit long-winded but this way there's little chance of anything going wrong and eventually defrag should run. Afterwards don't forget to restore your start-up files to their original condition.

SLIPPED THROUGH THE NET?

Last October in Connected there was a reference to the Acorn NetStation, which was apparently going to be on the market in time for Christmas. Nothing further has been heard since and enquiries at local retailers has brought no response. Do you have any more information?

John Hufton, North Hykeham, Lincs.

A

The latest news is that NetStation network computer will be on sale in May, priced at £380. You can find pictures, reviews, technical information and links to distributors on: http://www.cybervillage.co.uk/acorn/nc/

SOUNDS QUIET

I have an Dell P166 with a Vibra SoundBlaster 16. The problem that I have had since new  is that when I play midis or CDs I cannot increase the volume. It is set to 'max' but it is still pretty quiet. The external speakers do not have an additional volume control on them. Should I buy new speakers with a volume switch or is there another way?

Stephen

A

You need a set of  'active' speakers, with a built-in amplifier. They're widely available from computer dealers and via mail order.  Prices start at around £15 for models in the 2 to 5 watt range, rising to several hundred pound for meaty systems, with specialised low-frequency drivers or sub-woofers.

THE RIGHT IMAGE

I give instructional demonstrations on the use of various software packages. The problem I have is getting enough people to see the screen, to learn what mouse movements they need. Any more than three or four round one screen becomes unwieldy. I seem to recall a gadget that could be plugged, in some way, in to the monitor output socket, enabling the computer screen to be displayed on a large screen via an overhead projector. Can you offer any advice on the supply of these gadgets and whether they would work on 'dual' platforms. Do they replace the screen of the computer or work in conjunction with it, by means of some sort of 'Y' splitter arrangement of leads? Price is an important consideration, is there a second hand market in such things? In my conference organising days I would hire projectors and screens, are there any firms who hire such presentation tools today?

G. R. Lilly

A

You have a number of options. Data compatible video projectors like the CTX Ez Show 500 cost from around £2600 upwards. Several laptops have detachable LCD screens that can be used with overhead projectors, expect to pay in the region of £2000 to £25000 for the most basic models. The cheapest solution, however, might be a VGA to PAL converter card, so that the screen display can be shown on one or more TVs or monitors; these cost from £100 upwards. There are several specialist companies who sell, rent, lease and trade in second-hand PC-based presentation equipment, try Pico Direct on (01483) 202022.