Free Computer Consultant ………. Daily Insights

Another tale of the cheap computer today. Now, again, I like inexpensive, but I HATE cheap - there is a difference!

My friends at the local ISP were talking about a customer who had just received a new PC as a gift from family members. This speed demon was equipped with Vista Basic (no flashy Aero interface) and only 512MB RAM; probably a 5400 rpm hard drive as well (should have 7200).

This person was complaining that her internet was slow. No, her PC was slow. When, after 5 minutes from boot time there are still icons loading in the system tray, that indicates 2 problems:

• Cheap hardware
• Too much “free” software trying to load up (hint: uninstall what you don’t need)
• Probably a hog anti virus program (McAfee or Symantec Norton, the worst I’ve found)

The cheap hardware MIGHT benefit, since it’s Vista, from a memory upgrade via Ready Boost. If you won’t spring for the real stuff (system RAM, that is), then be advised that certain flash memory, be it SD cards or USB sticks, can act as additional RAM in Windows Vista. This is called Ready Boost. Now, the flash memory MUST be Ready Boost compatible. If it doesn’t say, don’t count on it.

Is Ready Boost RAM as good as system RAM? No, but it’s better than swapping to the hard disk, especially if the hard disk is a pukey 5400 rpm jobby.

This SanDisk 2GB Cruzer Micro USB 2.0 w/ Ready Boost is supposed to be on sale this week at Buy.com for $9.29 after $20 mail in rebate.

SanDisk 2GB Cruzer Micro USB 2.0 w/ Ready Boost

With a laptop, you might opt for an SD Card for your Ready Boost since it can be inserted and just left there - it doesn’t stick out of the unit at all.

Either way, if your Vista PC is struggling, it’s worth a try.

I’ve long been a fan of Corsair memory products, but I’ve never really taken a look at their USB Flash Drives before.

Not everyone makes multiple copies of their backups as I recommend. But even if you do and you put all of the copies in the same location, such as a cold or hot car, beware that the same adverse condition can effect them all.

CD’s are not immune to very cold or very hot temperatures, neither are hard drives, flash media isn’t either. That doesn’t mean they’ll be destroyed each and every time they are subjected to hot, cold, or maybe being dropped; just don’t count on it.

Now I see that Corsair, a trusted source for PC memory, has a USB flash drive designed to take a lot of punishment.

Thought you might want to take a look. Here’s a link to a 4GB model at buy.com, one of my favorite places for picking up items such as flash memory.

Corsair 4GB Flash Voyager USB Flash Drive

Flash memory in cameras is fantastic. However, the only times I have experienced corrupt data (pictures) on flash memory is when the camera has started indicating low battery but we kept taking pictures anyway.

Fortunately, pictures can be salvaged from corrupt flash memory. Here’s how.

Don’t chance it. When the battery starts indicating it’s low, change it or charge it. Might save you a couple bucks and a lot of frustration.