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Byteback
Celeron D
QUESTION: I disagree with the Ed's reply in December 9 issue, of preferring a Celeron D over a Sempron. This link http://www. xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/sempron-3000_8.html shows Sempron 3000+ S754 which retails for 4000rs at Galaxy Computers keeping up with a Celeron D 351 3.2GHz in most benchmarks. The Celeron D 351 is not available at Galaxy but Celeron D 346 clocked at 3.0GHz costing 4400rs. As the verdict at Xbitlabs says "Intel's entry-level Celerons D are still superior in some media content processing tasks, while the Semprons are faster in the rest of applications.".. the Sempron sounds a better deal specially since it does better in most applications (including games) while costing less. Its power consumption is around half of the Celeron D's. Over clocking capability is also very good, with the 1.8GHz easily overlookable to 2.4GHz on stock cooler and little to no heat increase.
Ahsan Ahmed
ahsan-ahmed@hotmail.com
EDITOR’S REPLY: We have reviewed and placed a verdict based on research that show that the maximum usage by computer users is not in gaming but multimedia tasks on their systems including ripping MP3s, watching video, listening to music, etc. For these multimedia tasks the Celeron D is better. Also, AMD processors have had a history of over-heating in a country like Pakistan; this was kept in mind when deciding on the verdict. Thirdly, Intel has a very strong warranty system on its processors and motherboards in the country. Thus, the final recommendation AMD processors are good, but nothing to write home about. The architecture is old and mostly they're nothing more then Athlons except for the 3100+. In many cases, still, the Athlons are better than semprons. Celeron D however is at least 25-30% more powerful than its comparative Celeron line. As the real-world needs are very much different from “Ideal” benchmarks.
Page file
What is meant by paging file? Would paging file increase the speed of my computer? Which OS is the best? Which is the best Anti-Virus software?
Ozair Mustafa Yousfani
Hyderabad
1. We have two types of memory in our systems; random access memory (RAM) and virtual memory, or the page file. Computers work by shifting files into the system RAM, from where the processor finds it faster to get data. If however, the physical RAM is full e.g. with word files and you turn on a game, then during the loading process the OS will have to unload parts of physical RAM and save them to a paging file on the disk, whilst the game loads. The page file is created during the Windows XP installation and resides on the hard drive. Page files are measured in megabytes. Its purpose is to extend the amount of physical RAM and make it available to the system. Both services and installed applications can benefit from this 'extra' RAM, even though it is substantially different from the sticks that plug into the motherboard. The size of the page file is based on how much RAM is installed in the computer. By default, XP creates a page file which is 1.5 times the amount of installed RAM and places it on the hard drive where XP is installed. If you suffer a lot of thrashing on your system (where the computer keeps going into a semi-lock mode) you can benefit from an increased page file. To modify the Page File, [Start] right click [My Computer] click [Properties] Click [Advanced] tab then click [Settings] in the [Performance] section Click the [Advanced] tab and then click [Change] under the [Virtual Memory] section.
You can experiment with different settings and find out which works best for your system.
2. In my opinion, the best OS is Linux. However, for most users, XP is the best. McAfee is a good Antivirus however AVG is also anti-virus software that's catching up fast.
Multiple Queries
I have Intel Pentium 3, 550 MHz processor, 256 Mb ram, 32Mb graphics card and 20 GB hard disk. How much can I upgrade my ram and graphics card, which my motherboard can support? I want to buy a 64 Mb graphics card for games. Please suggest a good graphics card within affordable range. And if it is possible to upgrade processor how much my motherboard can support?
Alam Ayub
ishallrise@hotmail.com
For gaming, it depends on which level of gaming are you looking at. For 3D games, esp. the new varieties you'll require in excess of P4 to play them properly. We're talking about at least a P4 3GHz+ System or the Duo Core with 1 GB RAM, 256 MB Graphics Accelerator to really get an immersive experience. However, for a more limited variety of games, you can get 512 MB RAM, a 128 MB Graphics Accelerator like the Geforce 5200 Ultra (within your budget). However, if you insist on a faster processor, than you will have to change your motherboard as well. In which case, you might as well upgrade your entire system.
CD-ROM
I have Pentium 4. The problem is that my computer doesn’t show CD-ROM Drive. I have both WinXp and in Win98, and also Samsung 52Max CD-ROM drive. When I start my PC it blinks but then it shows G: is not present.
Dalpat Rai
dalpatrai@yahoo.com
This could be because of a hardware failure in your CD-Rom. It is getting the power, but the drive itself has been rendered unplayable. Please get your CD-ROM checked.
Sharing files on net
Could you please explain the procedure of sharing computer files, through web, with my friends?
Saad Shakil
saadshakil2@hotmail.com
Some of the best files sharing sites are:
www.yousendit.com
www.sendthisfile.com
www.dropload.com
All you have to do is to upload your file to these sites and send a link to your friends. They'll easily download it from here. Files can be of any size even more than 1 GB.
Windows XP
I have processor with 1700 MHz, 512 MB RAM and 40GB hard disk. Whenever I install Windows XP, my monitor turns off when installation is complete. I have tried many times to install, but it wouldn’t work. Please tell me what to do?
Umer Farooq
small2cats482@yahoo.com
Your video card is not supporting the OS. Please consult a proper technician for advice on which 3D Accelerates, you can use with your motherboard.
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