Utilities for tuning and optimizing Windows Vista. Windows XP Configuration Utilities

From computers supported by the program.

Collection of information

• Connection timeout(specified in seconds) - the time during which a connection with a remote computer is expected (30 seconds by default).
• Poll timeout- time limiting the duration of information collection for a data group. The option is set to prevent freezing of information collection on any of the groups. If your computer is slow or slow network connection, then the value should be increased.
• Number of threads- the number of simultaneous threads that poll remote computers using WMI. To speed up the process of collecting information, you can increase the number of threads to 50 or 100, to reduce the load on the server, on the contrary, reduce it to - 5-10.
• Schedule - this setting allows you to automate the process of collecting information. Enable the "Scheduled data collection" option and configure the polling schedule.

• License Information

To receive information about the serial numbers of products, go to the link " Set up obtaining serial numbers from the registry". This option possible only for products that store serial numbers in the registry in clear text . The information obtained from the registry allows you to control the license purity of programs and operating systems installed on network computers. At adding new template, you need to enter the path and name of the registry key responsible for storing license information (for example, a serial number). Using the buttons " Change" and " Copy" You can edit existing templates, as well as create new templates based on old ones.

Button " Import" allows you to import information about templates from a cfg file. We plan to place template files on our website to account for some popular programs. Using import, you can load the downloaded templates into the program.

Button " Save to file..." you can export templates to a cfg file. Using export, you can send us information about useful programs to be included in the template file licenses.cfg, which comes with the program by default.

Button " Send to developers" allows you to send a path configuration file to developers.

Option " Consider licenses even though there are no products in the list installed programs ".

In case of incorrect removal of the product, information about serial number may be stored in the registry. Therefore, the program usually checks the presence of the key in the registry with the list of installed programs. The option above allows you to detect all keys in the registry, if necessary (to detect copied, not installed products).

• Agent settings

This section specifies settings for collecting information using a remote agent. Read about using agents.

To ensure the security of information when working with agents, following settings:

• The change Agent TCP Ports by default, allows you to increase the security of working with agents.
• Use of a password. Set a password if necessary. The passwords of the administrator module and agents must match for successful operation.
• Usage IP filter. Enable filtering and add to the list the addresses of computers with the main program "10-Strike: Computer Inventory" installed, from which the agent is allowed to receive commands and provide information.

After installing agents on network computers, you must specify the computers where information will be collected using the agent. Click " Specify a list of computers on which agents are used". In the dialog that appears, check the computers.

• User data from the registry

The registry contains information about OS and program settings, security settings, etc. Once you know the path to these settings in the registry, you can configure inventory to collect them. In this section, you can specify such parameters. Click " Add" and specify the name of the setting, its path in the registry, and the value of the setting.
The data collected in this section is displayed in the "Computer card" data group tree node.

• Collection of information via SSH

The SSH protocol is used to collect information from Linux and MacOS. Use this section to set up an SSH connection. Specify login, password and port. You can select computers for which SSH polling will be used.
For each computer, if necessary, you can set your own connection settings (option " Set your SSH port and account for each computer").

Data import

This type of setting allows you to use the method of collecting information from customers through an open on general access folder. When using the component 10-Strike Network Inventory Client (Further " customer") on network computers configured to dump information into this folder, when the program is loaded, the collected data is imported into a common database of computers. Along with using agents, collecting data from clients is also an alternative to polling via WMI.
Attention! Client Data Import Folder and database folder x (see next parameter) must be different! When importing data from clients, the program transfers data files from the import folder to the database folder. If the option is enabled "Keep a log of changes", the program analyzes the difference between new and old files. Therefore, clients cannot dump data files directly into the database folder (see the next parameter)! The program may simply not see the new data.

• Import data from FTP

Clients located on other networks can collect information locally using the client and upload it to an FTP server. This section specifies the settings for importing data from an FTP server.

Import data from FTP". The program will connect to the FTP server and read client files. Specify the settings for connecting to the FTP server. In the appropriate fields, specify the server address, port, username, password and directory. To check if the settings are entered correctly, click " Test connection".

• Import data from E-Mail

Clients located in other networks can also send the collected information to E-Mail. This section specifies the settings for importing data from E-Mail.

To configure import, enable the " Import customer data from mailbox ". In the appropriate fields, enter the POP server address, port, username and password. To check if the settings are correct, click " Test connection".

Custom fields

In this settings section, you can enter fields with additional information about the computer (for example, the person in charge or his phone number, date of the last repair or warranty service). Entering data in the added fields takes place in the " Computer Properties ".

Data filter

The list of installed programs may display programs whose presence in the reports is undesirable. For example, system or MS Office updates can clutter up the list. By default, the program attempts to filter system updates based on certain features stored in the registry. However, some updates still appear in the program list. To disable the display of these unwanted packages, use " Installed programs filter" in the program settings.

Click " Add". Enter masks for program names for which you want to disable display. For example, " *update*" or " *(kb*".

Web interface

Program data can be viewed on remote computers via a Web browser by connecting to the program's web server.

Enable the option " Enable web interface", specify the port and authorization parameters (login and password).

To do this, you need to specify the web server settings in the program: specify the port and authorization parameters (login and password). The default port may be occupied by some other service or program with a web interface. In this case, select another unoccupied port. To check that the web server is working and that the settings are correct, open the web page. You can then save your settings by clicking " Apply settings".

Report Options

In this section, you can set individual parameters for generated reports: set up headers and footers, text arrangement in columns, insert a company logo.

Background check

This section of settings is intended for specifying methods for background determination of the state of computers. Based on the scan results, the computer status is displayed in color in the list (computers gray color- inactive, blue - enabled). Background scanning helps to avoid connecting to computers that are turned off, loads the program and computer less when collecting information, and saves administrator time.

• Background polling interval, in minutes- time interval between computer status checks (5 minutes by default).
• Timeout to connect to remote computer(ms)- time to determine the state of the computer (default 500 ms).
• Checking with Ping (sending ICMP packets)- use ICMP protocol for background check.
• Checking the connection to the TCP port- use TCP connection with the specified port for background check. The drop-down list contains ports for standard protocols. When using firewalls on the network, ping (ICMP protocol) can be disabled on network computers. Checking TCP ports allows you to quickly determine the status of your computer. Examples of open TCP ports on corporate computers local networks: 135 (DCOM), 139 (NetBios).

Backup

This section allows you to configure the backup of the entire inventory database and configuration files. This measure is necessary to avoid the loss of collected data due to various reasons.

To set up backup, specify the location on the computer or other physical media where the program will save copies of inventory databases in ZIP format (field " Save to directory").

To automatically save configuration files or the entire inventory database, enable the " Save backup configuration files automatically" and " Save entire database automatically". Set the backup frequency.

Program "10-Strike: Inventory of Computers" - remote interrogation and inventory of enterprise PCs over the network. Create reports on hardware and software, monitor changes, detect problems, notify the administrator. Easy to install and set up. Take control of your computer fleet!

Download the free 30-day trial now and give it a try.

In the instructions for setting up TP-LINK routers, I always write about setting up through a browser. When we open the router control panel through the browser, and set the necessary parameters. But, there is another simple one, and fast way configure the TP-LINK router - using the Easy Setup Assistant program, which is located on the disk that comes with the router.

With all the TP-LINK routers that I had, in the kit you could find a small disk on which this very Easy Setup Assistant utility is located. With which you can quickly configure your TP-LINK router. By the way, many are looking for and want to download drivers for the TL-WR841ND router, and other models. It seems to me that people have to introduce this particular utility for quick setup. Since there are no drivers for routers (except for some mobile devices).

The disadvantages of such a setting are that only the main parameters can be set there. (connect, set up the Internet and Wi-Fi network). But on the other hand, nothing else is needed ordinary user. And yet, not everyone has computers or laptops. And if there is, then it is not a fact that there is a CD / DVD drive. Now many laptops are already being sold without a drive.

And the advantages of setting TP-LINK router disc that the Easy Setup Assistant allows you to step by step setup. Now we will look at everything, using the example of the TP-LINK TL-WR740N router (there are more). I wanted to show, but now there is no this model. Yes, and this instruction will be universal. Suitable for any TP-LINK router. True, I do not know how it is with new devices. But with the new Archer C20i router, the kit included exactly the same utility disk.

Well, do not forget that TP-LINK has more. Which is designed to configure and manage routers from mobile devices.

Where can I download the TP-LINK Quick Setup Wizard?

Your best bet is to run the Easy Setup Assistant from the CD that came with the package. If there is no disk, or there is no way to start it, then the quick setup utility can be downloaded. Follow the link http://www.tp-linkru.com/download-center.html . Select your device model, then hardware version (look at the bottom of the router on the sticker, for example, V2), go to the "Utility" tab, and download the archive with the utility by simply clicking on the link with the name, for example: "Tp-Link TL-WR841N_V8_Easy Setup Assistant_131119_CA". Then just open the downloaded archive and run the "EasySetupAssistant.exe" file.

But, in this case, the utility will most likely be on English language, which will complicate the setup process a bit. On the disk, the Easy Setup Assistant utility will most likely be in Russian.

Step-by-step, quick setup of a TP-LINK router using the program

The router is not connected yet. We take a disk, insert it into the drive of a computer or laptop. If the utility does not start automatically (didn't start for me), then open "Computer", or "This PC" (in Windows 10), then open the "CD drive", and run the file "Autorun.exe".

The Quick Setup Wizard opens. We do everything strictly according to the instructions. Hover the mouse over our model (in my case it is TL-WR740N), and select "Quick Setup Wizard".

The wizard's window will open. Select the Russian language (if any), and click "Start".

Attention! At this point, the utility will turn off Wi-Fi on your laptop, if any. So that it does not interfere with us in the router's tincture.

In the setup wizard window, we will see instructions that will say that we need to connect the router to the computer via cable. We use the cable that was included. Click next.

The next step is to connect the Internet to the router. Connect a cable from your ISP or ADSL modem to the WAN connector. After connecting, click on the "Next" button.

On the next page, the setup wizard will ask us to connect power to the router. Connect the power adapter, plug it into a power outlet. If the indicators on the front panel do not light up, then check if the power is turned on with the button on the router (if there is such a button, for example, it is not in the TL-WR740N). We press the "Next" button.

We will see a description of the operation of the indicators of the TP-LINK router, by which you can determine whether the router is connected correctly and whether it works correctly.

It will start checking the network adapter, and the network status.

If during this check you see a message that configuration is not possible, and you need to check the connection of the router, then disable the antivirus (or its built-in firewall). I have not yet completely disabled my Dr.Web, then an error appeared when checking the parameters. You probably won't have these problems with your antivirus.

We wait until the verification is completed successfully, and click "Next".

Router installation is complete. The Easy Setup Assistant will proceed to configure the router.

Automatic Internet connection setup on TP-LINK router

Now we need to set the most important settings. Set up our router to work with an Internet provider. Nothing difficult. Just select your country, region, provider, and connection type from the list. It's done like this:

If you have NOT Dynamic IP, and for example PPPoE, L2TP, PPTP, you will also need to set a username and password. And also other information, if necessary. All this information must be given to you by your ISP.

If your country, region, or provider is not in the list, then check the box next to "I did not find suitable settings", and set the settings manually.

All data is provided by the ISP.

If your router is connected to ADSL modem, then in manual settings select "Dynamic IP".

Everything must work.

If the settings are correct, the router will connect to the Internet and proceed to setting up the wireless network.

TP-LINK: quick Wi-Fi network setup through the program from the disk

A window will appear in which we need to set a name WiFi networks. Think of any name. You can even leave the default (which is already spelled out).

A window will appear with the result of setting up our TP-LINK router. There will be information on setting up a connection, the name of the Wi-Fi network, and a password. You can write down the password somewhere, or leave a checkmark next to "Save settings data in a text file on my desktop" and click "Next". will appear on the desktop text file, which will contain the Wi-Fi password.

We again wait while the Easy Setup Assistant utility saves and checks the router settings. And click "Next" again.

A window will appear with information on setting up a WPS connection, click "Next".

Then we will see the last window in which you just need to click on the button "Complete". If you want to enter the settings through the browser, open the control panel, then click on the link "WEB-interface settings".

So, step by step, we set up the router.

Some more useful information

I would also recommend changing default password admin, which protects the entry to the settings. You can do this through the control panel, according to the instructions.

After completing the setup, you can disconnect your computer or laptop from the router. It does not have to be connected by cable. You will now be able to connect to your Wi-Fi network. And if you have an Internet connection configured on your computer, then it is no longer needed. This connection will start the router.

Perhaps you still have some questions about this article, leave them in the comments. If you get some kind of error, or something cannot be done, then write in detail at which step you have a problem with the configuration.

Not many device users on Windows base know that this operating system has a huge number of built-in useful utilities(narrowly focused applications that are designed to solve a specific problem). A huge disadvantage is that they are not always easy to find in the system and not every beginner will be able to deal with some of them. Therefore, third-party utilities are most often used.

However, built-in system functions useful and functional, and it will also be useful to know how to work with them in the absence of third-party applications.

system configuration

This is one of the main utilities. Mainly responsible for operating system loading and allows you to change many parameters.

To launch it, just start writing in the search " system configuration”, and Windows will automatically show it in the results. Another option is to press simultaneously Win+ R and enter in the window that opens msconfig, and click Enter.

Understanding the configuration window is quite simple, it contains only five tabs:

System Information

You can launch the application in a standard way: Win + r and enter in the window msinfo32 . Provides comprehensive information about installed system and physical equipment. In essence, many third party programs do the same. Therefore, in many cases, instead of installing the downloaded software, you can use system information.

Troubleshooting Windows

Launching it is quite simple:

Computer management

Computer management is not one utility, but a whole application set. Allows you to change and check many parameters, some of which will be discussed below.

You can run it by pressing Win + R and using the command compmgmt.msc. It can also be found through the search or in the start, in the administrative tools section.

Task Scheduler

This component is designed to run certain tasks on time. Here you can set the computer to turn off, start files and programs, turn the Internet on and off, and much more.

You can start it through the control panel or enter the command taskschd.msc in the window that appears by pressing the Win + R keys.

By the way, it is very convenient to use the scheduler to run defragmentation or disk cleanup at a specific time.

The event log

Most of the system events of the system are recorded here. The logs contain diagnostic, informational, and critical errors and warnings.

Viewing events can be customized as you wish, there are sets of filters and subscriptions.

When serious system errors occur, they will usually first check this utility to understand what went wrong.

The application is launched by entering the command eventvwr.msc after pressing Win + R, or through the control panel.

Resource Monitor

One more diagnostic utility. Allows you to monitor the operation of the system in real time. It makes it possible to monitor the ongoing processes in the system, not only software, but also hardware.

So, here you can find out the load on the processor, see disk and memory accesses, determine which running process consumes traffic, etc.

You can start using the command perfmon /res, after pressing the combination Windows + R. You can also get here through Computer management by selecting Performance - Resource Monitor.

Disk Management

A standard application that allows you to flexibly manage the physical and local drives. Can be used as an alternative to third-party software. Knows how to assign drive letters, repartition, format in different file systems and much more

On Windows 10, you can start by clicking right click mouse on the start and selecting the item of the same name. Or use Win + R and the command diskmgmt.msc.

System Stability Monitor

A powerful tool for checking the stability of the system as a whole. Allows you to track events over time and with a convenient schedule.

Run standard - a combination of Win + R, and then enter the command perfmon /rel.

Disk Cleanup

A small application that cleans the disk from unnecessary garbage. It does not clean like the same Ccleaner, but it allows you to delete unnecessary system files. Sometimes in this way you can free up several gigabytes.

To run use the command cleanmgr in the Run window (Win + R).

Memory Testers

Last, consider a tool that allows you to check the RAM without using third-party software. Works quite effectively. You can run the command mdsched.exe from the command interpreter, which is launched by the Win + R combination.

Other utilities

We have not mentioned all the useful system functions. In fact, there are many more, for example:

• Registry Editor- allows you to make changes to the system. A very serious tool that gives a lot of opportunities, but it can also completely “put” the OS.
• Task Manager- governs all running processes and program. Simple at first glance, but enough powerful tool management. In recent Windows versions even allows you to assign processor cores to each task.
• Editor group policy . Novice users rarely come across this tool. It allows you to change almost everything in the system. For example, it is with the help of this editor that you can prohibit the computer from working with external drives.
• Firewall- built-in firewall. Allows you to protect your computer from attacks from the Internet. In Windows 10, together with the built-in antivirus, it allows not to use third-party antivirus solutions at all.

And it's not full list what you can use without using the functionality of third-party software.

A modern person spends a lot of time at a computer, whether it is stationary equipment or a laptop, so it is advisable to create the most comfortable conditions for yourself when working on it.

In addition to external factors such as indoor lighting, a large role in providing convenient and safe use play device settings.

For the finest adjustment, you may need a program for.

Introduction

What are these programs and what are they for? Such software suggests fast access to all possible settings and computer screen settings. With it, you can adjust any monitor parameter optimally exactly for yourself.

Of course, access to most of the functions provided by such a program, can provide their own computer resources, for example, they can be accessed via Control Panel.

However, make it through special program, in fact, one click, much more convenient.

The functionality of such programs is quite wide - they help to change the color, brightness, screen resolution, manage it, adjust the position of buttons, panels and shortcuts, etc. That is, such software "collects" all the possibilities of changing the screen parameters to make it easier to access them .

In addition, some software helps to configure more complex settings that cannot be changed using the computer's own resources.

Why is it so important to carefully fine-tune your monitor settings? This is due to the fact that the main load when working at a computer falls on the eyes, and it is the screen that creates it. Thus, with careful adjustment of the monitor, this load can be reduced, potentially even helping to maintain good vision.

Main characteristics

Choose the most optimal program, often, it is quite difficult, since it is necessary to take into account a whole lot of parameters at the same time.

To simplify and speed up this process, the summary table below shows the main characteristics of all software included in the TOP, which may be of primary importance when choosing.

Taking into account these parameters will allow you to quickly choose the most suitable software for yourself.

Ultramon

most functional and simple program of all presented in the TOP. It is easy to work in it and it helps to spend enough fine tuning monitor, change even the most insignificant parameters in a wide range. Distributed for a fee, but has a trial period.

Particularly easy to work with - it allows you to copy and move desktops from one monitor to another, copy them, stretch the taskbar across multiple monitors, etc. It also allows you to swipe technical setup screens - change color, resolution and more.

The advantages of such software are as follows:

• "Sharpness" for multi-monitor;
• Simple control and clear interface;
• Wide functionality.

• Paid license;
• Sufficiently narrow functionality of the settings technical parameters;
• A large number of functions that are not required by the average PC user.

And here is what users who have already worked in this program say: “I didn’t find anything better than this program”, “It does not have some functions that are in Actual Multipal Monitors, but in general I am satisfied with the software”, “It works stably, the functionality is sufficient for optimization screen controls.

Nokia Monitor Test

This is a small and lightweight utility designed to adjust monitor settings (geometry, contrast, and others) without changing its control systems. The name should not confuse you - the software is designed to work specifically with screens and.

It has high-quality Russification, and the help files installed in the utility will help you decide on the settings depending on the nature of your work and the amount of workload.

This will reduce eye strain when working at a computer.

• No need to install the program;
• Availability of reference materials for setting up;
• Minimum load on the hardware and memory of the device.

• Narrow functionality;
• The lack of the possibility of any adjustments, except for "technical" ones;
• Works stably on most systems.

The opinions of users who are already actively using this program are as follows: “It is a pity that it is impossible to run on Windows 8 X64. I tried everything and nothing works”, “Allows you to set up the monitor qualitatively and evaluate all the main parameters of the picture. The set of tables is reference. Great program!”, “Helped bring the monitor back to life.”

power strip

An application that allows you to configure the technical parameters and control both one monitor and several at once. It is distributed for a fee due to its high complexity and wide functionality.

It differs in that it supports, including the old ones.

It has 500 settings for the display, video card, both the simplest and the most complex. There is extensive and clear help for all complex and simple functions and parameters.

• Support for multi-screen mode;
• Very wide functionality;
• It is equally convenient both in working with multi-screen systems and with simple ones.

• Paid software distribution;
• The need for its installation;
• Quite a significant load on the memory and hardware resources of the computer.

And here is what those who actively use it say about the program: “My favorite program”, “This program will allow you to discover new opportunities, so download it soon”, “I have been using the program for a very long time, I consider it the most valuable of the similar ones.”

UD Pixel

Every day, multimedia applications, including games, are becoming more demanding on resources. personal computer. Unfortunately, not every user has the opportunity (or desire) to upgrade the hardware of the computer. Of course, the problem can be solved at the "iron" level, for example, by changing the combination of jumpers and thereby overclocking the processor to the maximum frequency. And yet this method does not always give an effective and, moreover, safe result. Another way change clock frequency by manipulating the BIOS. Here the risk is about 50 to 50, because if the wrong CPU Speed ​​\u200b\u200bSetting is set, then base system I / O will refuse to boot at all, and the unfortunate experimenter will have to hand over the ROM for repair, and he will most likely be told that the ROM cannot be repaired, a replacement is required and obviously not free. As you can see, both methods can lead to sad consequences. But we were told that a solution had been found, and, according to the developers, it is revolutionary - these are optimizer programs. Today's story is about them.

Let's first try to understand the independent part of optimizing the operation of Windows.

For the normal operation of the system, it is enough that explorer.exe is launched (explorer, not to be confused with the browser Internet Explorer!), internat.exe (keyboard layout), systray.exe (taskbar), rundll.exe (run dll libraries as applications) and cdi (disc recognition in a CD-ROM device). An elementary way to check their presence is a single press of the ++ combination. Everything else is applications running in resident mode or used by the user on this moment. But this is only a necessary minimum for self-optimization. The entire "bouquet" of downloadable services can be viewed using 2 ways. The first requires a convenient file manager(FAR, VC, NC): to be found in the root directory hard drive the file responsible for autoloading autoexec.bat. Then, by pressing the file edit key (F4 in FAR'e), block unnecessary launches, that is, enter a three-letter word (rem) before each of them. For example: REM C:\virus.exe. But in this way it is impossible to block everything and everything, since this refers in a sense to the DOS side of Windows.

Second way: enter into command line Windows'a (Run ...) the magic word msconfig and get into the System Settings. To start only vital services, just select Test run (or Diagnostic run in Win XP). Next, turn on the necessary services as needed (sound, antivirus, etc.).

Next step. It is highly desirable to remove wallpaper from the desktop and leave a minimum number of shortcuts on it.

All of the above actions should give a little extra percentage of the speed of completing the tasks assigned to the PC. But there are many hidden settings OS, access to which is very intricate. To simplify it, there are not only tweakers, but also automated utilities.

What is the essence of optimizer utilities? First you need to understand the complexity of the problem situation. We all know that almost any Windows OS has a very bad property to accumulate various parts of files, and they gradually not only clog HDD, but also negatively affect the performance of the hardware. For a more or less normal operation of a highly demanding application, full return is needed not only from the hardware, but also from software environment. Utilities should "leave touch" parts of the OS that are not responsible for the performance of the program, and at the same time keep free those "gateways" through which the desired application must be executed. Fans of computer games must have seen examples of optimizers in the 3D shooter Venom and the role-playing game Divine Divinity, which adjusted to the capabilities of the computer configuration. Both of them were, of course, designed for the "metropolis" application.

Universal Utilities

win accelerator
Status: shareware
Copyright: Alex Klanovsky
Web: http://winaccelerator.8m.com
Size: 352Kb
OS: All Windows

The main purpose of the utility is to speed up the launch of programs. It allows an individual approach to each application by specifying any file with the *.exe extension. By default, the standard settings described above are added to the list of file launch settings. system applications, as well as office programs. There are 4 speed setting modes min, norm, high, max. For example, let's add to the list active programs graphic editor Photoshop (7th version), more precisely, its exe file. In normal mode, its loading time became 2530 seconds, after switching to max 7 seconds. Acceleration occurs due to the redistribution of memory, where and how it is distributed, the developers are modestly (or slyly) silent.

The utility has one drawback; it does not work, or rather, it displays a message about the program that performed the incorrect operation when trying to change the startup speed while the application is running. And one more thing: the activation of the speed occurs only after the second launch of the application.

WinRAM Booster
Status: Shareware (Trial)
Copyright: Totalidea Software
Web: http://www.winram-booster.de
OS: All Windows

It turns out that the Germans can not only fight and play industrial music, but also create universal RAM managers. The utility is very interesting in terms of external execution: three graphs are constantly drawn on the screen (a kind of “cardiogram”) red Memory Used (RAM usage), light blue CPU Usage (CPU utilization) and lilac Swap File Usage (Paging file). The function of the utility is declared as clearing the RAM without restarting the computer. The importance lies in the constancy of the system. In addition to graphs, 2 types of additional monitoring are available: viewing resource utilization and viewing all applications involved in the user's work. WRAM is good for everyone, only one thing is not clear: the utility itself also takes up memory, doesn't it?..

Game Utilities

The gamer will certainly doubt the effectiveness of the method: “We contemplated not such Kulibins. After their activities, there is zero use, and a lot of talk. To be honest, your obedient servant had a similar opinion until life gave him an ultimatum either new processor, video card and RAM, or play, dear user, in Tetris and don't bore sellers with questions like "Will the game run normally on my 433rd?". Both options did not suit me, and then I remembered that a very long time ago, when my computer was still new and one of the most powerful, a rumor touched my ears that there were programs that allow games designed for, say, a frequency of 300 MHz, “fly” on 166 Pentiums. Laughing, the author of these lines replied something like “They will fly, most likely, not games, but motherboard» However, after 4 years it was no longer a laughing matter, and I decided to take a chance.

Game XP Game Machine
Status: Freeware
Copyright: Theorica Software
Web: http://www.theorica.tk
Size: 344kb
OS: Windows 9x, ME, XP

The program package, in addition to the main files, includes detailed instructions by usage (*.html format), license agreement on the refusal to use the program for commercial purposes and Readme. The reader can see the interface of the program in the screenshot. It is easy to guess that the first button is for acceleration, and the second one is for returning to normal mode. The checkbox allows you to change some of the standard Windows features for higher efficiency. After selecting the "tick" and pressing the accelerator, a reboot followed ...

The result of the utility left a very favorable impression, and yet it did not do without system failures: after returning to the "default" mode by for some unknown reason the dsound.dll (DirectX) library refused to work, but the funny thing is that after switching to warp speed, the library started working again. The cause of this failure was determined using the mutual exclusion method, that is, by prohibiting changes standard features. Perhaps the determinant of this minus is GXP predestination specifically for Windows XP, because the interface buttons cause more than serious deja vu. (If the author understood what he wrote in the last sentence, then we hope you do too. Approx. ed.)

GameGain
Status: shareware
Copyright: PG Ware
Web: http://www.pgware.com/
Size: 604kb
OS: All Windows

A more complex and well-made game optimizer. Based on the famous PC Medic. The seriousness of the approach to its creation is evidenced by a multi-level help file (*.chm format), an extensive version history (from 1.7.5 to 2.4.5 in total 42 versions) and the ability to contact technical support(in English). There are 2 types of acceleration available here: Fast mode and Fastest mode. There is also the possibility of correcting incorrect initialization of the processor type and OS. The second acceleration mode requires mandatory registration, as you probably already guessed, not free. You should not be upset about this, since Fastest is only slightly more efficient than Fast, and the program itself is not a trial, therefore it does not require mandatory registration, although it reminds you of the need for it every time you start (in general, the situation is painfully trivial.). No side effects were found during the entire period of work.

Finally, I want to make a warning, or rather, give parting words, do not install crack applications for the example described above, since their installation may entail the inability to return operating system in default mode.

The disadvantage of both optimizers is that they are designed for those applications where polygon 3D graphics, and are ineffective for games with an isometric (pseudo-three-dimensional) "engine". Also inconvenient is the lack of display of changes in the system; one could make a simple entry to a text file. Sad, but still imagine what happens if you activate GXP and GG at the same time ...

P.S. During the entire testing period, neither hardware nor system problems were noticed. The results of checking the system with the Sandra test package showed that the utilities had no effect on the hardware of the computer: the temperature of the processor and video card chip remained normal. Only a conflict with the package was noticed K-Lite codec, which was fixed by rolling back to GameGain.