In early summer I did a complete re-install of Windows on my "main" computer. I had started to get issues with external hard drives and recognition of USB devices in general. After a couple of years, the registry just holds on to too much information, much of it no longer relevant.
But, even though the re-install eventually went smooth, or relatively so, I have never been happy with the performance afterwards. Machine is has just been too slow, and certainly much more sluggish than before the "procedure" - and that was certainly not the objective!
I had sort of accepted it, but today I took some time to look in the Dell Support Forums and since I did not find anything relevant to my issue, I decided post a question. Low and behold, a "Peter" answered within a couple of minutes and asked what processor I had and if HyperThreading was on. Of course it was, it's always been on, but since I needed to double-verify the processor, I went into the BIOS to make sure that the info corresponded to what I had noted down fro mthe CPU casing (after I physically had it removed during cleaning). Sure enough, the info was correct and there was still a field that said "HyperThreading = Yes", followed by "These fields are for information only and can not be changed".
So, HyperThreading was there and on, but since it was a few month I dug through the BIOS, I decided to look through it again. For the upmteen time...
Low and behold: Under "Performance" there was a manual setting for "HyperThreading" and it was set to off. How could I have missed this one?
Turned it on, rebooted, Windows installed the additional software, rebooted again, and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! No longer is CPU tied up to 100% for menial tasks such as retrieving e-mail from a mail server, ripping a CD into mp3s, or simply scrolling through a long web page.
Who knew that little "feature" could make such a difference? I am happy again and not blaiming Dell for substandard hardware (even though they are using a weird combination of chipset SW sometime).
Lesson learned: When you checked everything umpteen times, check again...
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Friday, August 03, 2007
Customer Zervice Praise!
A small article/letter in the Seattle Times triggered me to comment on "good" cusomer service:
Last weekend we were in Portland. Had turned of all the computers at home, but forgot to switch off the surge arrestor/power strip for my wife'scomputer. Home on Sunday night, her PC would not start. It was (stone) dead. The oven in the kitchen indicated "PF" (Power Failure), sort of strange in the middle of the summer, no thunderstorms, no foul weather. Good friends and neighbors told us that power had been out for about two hours on Saturday.
So on Tuesday I took wife's PC apart to test the power supply. Dead! Late Wednesday I remembered that APC (the surge arrestor manufacturer) has an "Equipment Protection Policy". I went to their web site and and tried to look it up. Took a little while but found it. Called them, too late, after office hours. My little device (purchased for $30 in 2002) carries a $75,000 "Equipment Protection Policy".
Yesterday I called them again. After getting the run-around via an IAVRS (inter-active voice response system), I got to a live person (Janelle Blacklock). She had some problems hearing/understanding, but after about 10 minutes on the phone, we were all said and done. I had a case number, and about 30 minutes later, also had an e-mail with additional information. I was sort of happy.
But, my jaw dropped today, less than 24 hours after my call, FedEx delivered a new replacement device from APC. Talk about service!
OK, the problem was/is not the APC part (it is still working), but the way their warranty works is that I will have to send "my" (old) APC device to them. Their tech lab will investigate and see if it (surge arrestor) has been exposed to any "power surges" (you can see that in the actual silicon "arrestor"). If they find evidence of that, they will assume the responsibility and repair my wife's PC.
Likely a fat chance that will happen, but I am still VERY impressed with their customer service.
Even though a new PSU for her PC (assuming that is the only thing that is wrong) can be had from Dell for just around $40, I sort of decided to give their "process" a try. Now I do not regret it!
Last weekend we were in Portland. Had turned of all the computers at home, but forgot to switch off the surge arrestor/power strip for my wife'scomputer. Home on Sunday night, her PC would not start. It was (stone) dead. The oven in the kitchen indicated "PF" (Power Failure), sort of strange in the middle of the summer, no thunderstorms, no foul weather. Good friends and neighbors told us that power had been out for about two hours on Saturday.
So on Tuesday I took wife's PC apart to test the power supply. Dead! Late Wednesday I remembered that APC (the surge arrestor manufacturer) has an "Equipment Protection Policy". I went to their web site and and tried to look it up. Took a little while but found it. Called them, too late, after office hours. My little device (purchased for $30 in 2002) carries a $75,000 "Equipment Protection Policy".
Yesterday I called them again. After getting the run-around via an IAVRS (inter-active voice response system), I got to a live person (Janelle Blacklock). She had some problems hearing/understanding, but after about 10 minutes on the phone, we were all said and done. I had a case number, and about 30 minutes later, also had an e-mail with additional information. I was sort of happy.
But, my jaw dropped today, less than 24 hours after my call, FedEx delivered a new replacement device from APC. Talk about service!
OK, the problem was/is not the APC part (it is still working), but the way their warranty works is that I will have to send "my" (old) APC device to them. Their tech lab will investigate and see if it (surge arrestor) has been exposed to any "power surges" (you can see that in the actual silicon "arrestor"). If they find evidence of that, they will assume the responsibility and repair my wife's PC.
Likely a fat chance that will happen, but I am still VERY impressed with their customer service.
Even though a new PSU for her PC (assuming that is the only thing that is wrong) can be had from Dell for just around $40, I sort of decided to give their "process" a try. Now I do not regret it!
Friday, July 06, 2007
AmaZing SamZung
Not often that stuff seen on the internet truly impresses me, but this one is a price winner. Check out the Can-Can dancer a few minutes in.
And, once fully downloaded, do a fast replay (move the "handle" on the time bar manually).
Certainly beats the Soviet-era mass "routines" hands down. Amazing!
And, once fully downloaded, do a fast replay (move the "handle" on the time bar manually).
Certainly beats the Soviet-era mass "routines" hands down. Amazing!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Hooked on YouTube(Z)
For those of you who have not "used" YouTube to "go back" to better times, maybe now it's the time!
Sort of by pure accident, I did peak at YouTube this past weekend to see if there was any footage of "past heroes". Well, it turns out there's TONS of it. Looking back, I likely spent a large portion of Friday and Saturday night listening to tunes (and watching) by Chaka Khan, Shakatak, Steely Dan, Level 42, Rose Royce, Captain and Tennile, plus a lot of other stuff from the late 70ies and 80ies.
Much of this is likely posted/uploaded to youTube w/o any consent from the RIAA and MPAA - and others. But, before these organizations go out and sue everyone and their GrandMothers, you've gotta relaize that the mere fact that this stuff is out there - illicit stuff - is actually good for (your) business.
Why and how? Well, in my case, I was able to take a nostalgy trip back to "better" days and re-live some of past musical memories. This triggered my interest as to what these performers are up to today, and subsequently ordering of a few DVDs and CDs from Amazon.com.
I can also certainly say that I am not unique in this aspect. Many of us are curious for new and old music, but not curious enough to shell out anywhere from $15-$20 for an album - UNTIL we have gotten a feel for "what's there". Services like YouTube and other sites do provide that "stimulant" that trigger an unknown "need" - resluting in the purchase of stuff we would never ever have looked at (at least not after we entered our 40ies).
In my case just being able to see some of Shakatak's earlier work (long after MusicBox Televison died out) was like being brought back to the days of "staying up all night at the dorm and watching (music) TV". Few of my friends back then listened to that type of music (well composed and well performed) but the fact that these guys (Shakatak) are still alive and better than ever, must be proof of something.
And getting the chance to see performers in their pink dresses (and big hair) from the 80ies, now looking like normal individuals - AND doing a better job when they are close to retirement, was pretty rewarding.
Sort of by pure accident, I did peak at YouTube this past weekend to see if there was any footage of "past heroes". Well, it turns out there's TONS of it. Looking back, I likely spent a large portion of Friday and Saturday night listening to tunes (and watching) by Chaka Khan, Shakatak, Steely Dan, Level 42, Rose Royce, Captain and Tennile, plus a lot of other stuff from the late 70ies and 80ies.
Much of this is likely posted/uploaded to youTube w/o any consent from the RIAA and MPAA - and others. But, before these organizations go out and sue everyone and their GrandMothers, you've gotta relaize that the mere fact that this stuff is out there - illicit stuff - is actually good for (your) business.
Why and how? Well, in my case, I was able to take a nostalgy trip back to "better" days and re-live some of past musical memories. This triggered my interest as to what these performers are up to today, and subsequently ordering of a few DVDs and CDs from Amazon.com.
I can also certainly say that I am not unique in this aspect. Many of us are curious for new and old music, but not curious enough to shell out anywhere from $15-$20 for an album - UNTIL we have gotten a feel for "what's there". Services like YouTube and other sites do provide that "stimulant" that trigger an unknown "need" - resluting in the purchase of stuff we would never ever have looked at (at least not after we entered our 40ies).
In my case just being able to see some of Shakatak's earlier work (long after MusicBox Televison died out) was like being brought back to the days of "staying up all night at the dorm and watching (music) TV". Few of my friends back then listened to that type of music (well composed and well performed) but the fact that these guys (Shakatak) are still alive and better than ever, must be proof of something.
And getting the chance to see performers in their pink dresses (and big hair) from the 80ies, now looking like normal individuals - AND doing a better job when they are close to retirement, was pretty rewarding.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Zaturday
Day turned out much nicer than anticipated. Walked the dog to downtown for a cup of java and a chat. Nice to kill a few hours in the company of good friends and having a dog is always a good reason to actually walk - instead of taking the car. No major distance today, but probably 5-6 miles. On the way home, someone on the leash held me back. She must have been tired.
Sun came out. Lake was flat as a piece of glass. Boat should have been out, but man, it was cold. Have to wait until the "real" Christmas light cruise in a few weeks before thinking more about "being out there". Still have some work to do on the dash, and new wiring for the running lights. All in due time.
Back home, downed a late breakfast of oatmeal, student grub that never goes out of fashion. And, most important; it is pretty good for you as well.
And, when all this was said and done, it was now time to put up those (darn) lights. Went to the basement to pull out the two boxes that were nicely organized last year. Had four strings of "icicle lights" up last year on the highest roof line and it looked good. Guess we'll do the same procedure this year in that area.
Pull each string out of their respective bags, only to find out that several bulbs are out, gone, poof. Darn, why can't anyone making lights that last more than one season? But, on the other hand, they were probably only $2/piece, so one does not really have a legitimate reason to complain. Most would just have tossed them in the garbage, run down to the corner store and buy new sets. Not me, not time for the city dump yet! Replaced the burned bulbs with stuff salvaged from last year's "corpses", and once that was done, up on the roof. Sun's out, but it is freeeeeeezing cold.
Pull out, or rather try to, the strings that I so nicely rolled up and organized last season. Icicle lights look good once they are up, but are they a mess to "get out" and then also hang up nicely? Curse and promise myself that for next year, regular strings, w/o tentacles, will be the way to go. Just not worth it. Still cold up here. Better finish up and get down inside where it's warm and toasty.
Move the ladder to the front, pull an extension cord, and, voila, all lights are working and it does look good! Nothing compared to the effort of our across-the-street-neighbor/friend, but he cheated and had the entire family/army over to help hang his lights. Wonder how far he'd gotten by himself?
Anyway, will continue tomorrow. Still pull some strings around the deck, the trellises, and then also the boat (both because it looks nice, but also because it'll be parked in the street for a while and having lights on it will hopefully deter anyone that otherwise accidentally might run into it.
After coming back from a quick shopping spree over to "Freddie's" (nothing interesting, just staples) had to cross the street to let out/let in, count, and feed the zoo there. Out of town in Florida and it is fun to care for their monsters when they're gone. House looked like a train wreck, torn doggie toys all over, but no turds today. But, are those guys happy to see me! Finally found all four cats. Not sure how the last one got in, because I could have sworn that he was outside - staying there - when I walked in. He literally must have crossed my back. Good though that everyone's inside. They are all listening to "Delilah" tonight - as all the nights. Not my choice, but the master left that on when he left. Maybe it keeps them quiet.
Oh, one last thing. Our hated ISP (because of their high price), Comcast, have finally opened up the pipe and you can now have streaming music - both good selection and good quality (likely 192 kps or better) - flowing out in the house. Needless to say, my favorite channel is the Smooth Jazz channel. Never can go wrong with that. You just get used to it and get happy/good mood when you hear it. Pretty different from the Clash and Sex Pistols that ruled my days back in 1979...
Dinner at home, cleaned up the kitchen. Looked at tired animals at home (+tired wife). Looked through the window. Lights still on, no bulbs out - good. Time to hit the sack!
Sun came out. Lake was flat as a piece of glass. Boat should have been out, but man, it was cold. Have to wait until the "real" Christmas light cruise in a few weeks before thinking more about "being out there". Still have some work to do on the dash, and new wiring for the running lights. All in due time.
Back home, downed a late breakfast of oatmeal, student grub that never goes out of fashion. And, most important; it is pretty good for you as well.
And, when all this was said and done, it was now time to put up those (darn) lights. Went to the basement to pull out the two boxes that were nicely organized last year. Had four strings of "icicle lights" up last year on the highest roof line and it looked good. Guess we'll do the same procedure this year in that area.
Pull each string out of their respective bags, only to find out that several bulbs are out, gone, poof. Darn, why can't anyone making lights that last more than one season? But, on the other hand, they were probably only $2/piece, so one does not really have a legitimate reason to complain. Most would just have tossed them in the garbage, run down to the corner store and buy new sets. Not me, not time for the city dump yet! Replaced the burned bulbs with stuff salvaged from last year's "corpses", and once that was done, up on the roof. Sun's out, but it is freeeeeeezing cold.
Pull out, or rather try to, the strings that I so nicely rolled up and organized last season. Icicle lights look good once they are up, but are they a mess to "get out" and then also hang up nicely? Curse and promise myself that for next year, regular strings, w/o tentacles, will be the way to go. Just not worth it. Still cold up here. Better finish up and get down inside where it's warm and toasty.
Move the ladder to the front, pull an extension cord, and, voila, all lights are working and it does look good! Nothing compared to the effort of our across-the-street-neighbor/friend, but he cheated and had the entire family/army over to help hang his lights. Wonder how far he'd gotten by himself?
Anyway, will continue tomorrow. Still pull some strings around the deck, the trellises, and then also the boat (both because it looks nice, but also because it'll be parked in the street for a while and having lights on it will hopefully deter anyone that otherwise accidentally might run into it.
After coming back from a quick shopping spree over to "Freddie's" (nothing interesting, just staples) had to cross the street to let out/let in, count, and feed the zoo there. Out of town in Florida and it is fun to care for their monsters when they're gone. House looked like a train wreck, torn doggie toys all over, but no turds today. But, are those guys happy to see me! Finally found all four cats. Not sure how the last one got in, because I could have sworn that he was outside - staying there - when I walked in. He literally must have crossed my back. Good though that everyone's inside. They are all listening to "Delilah" tonight - as all the nights. Not my choice, but the master left that on when he left. Maybe it keeps them quiet.
Oh, one last thing. Our hated ISP (because of their high price), Comcast, have finally opened up the pipe and you can now have streaming music - both good selection and good quality (likely 192 kps or better) - flowing out in the house. Needless to say, my favorite channel is the Smooth Jazz channel. Never can go wrong with that. You just get used to it and get happy/good mood when you hear it. Pretty different from the Clash and Sex Pistols that ruled my days back in 1979...
Dinner at home, cleaned up the kitchen. Looked at tired animals at home (+tired wife). Looked through the window. Lights still on, no bulbs out - good. Time to hit the sack!
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
First posting
Well, so it has finally happened. I have not only decided to, but also actually gotten a spot in Cyber Universe to post some thoughts and pictures. This will not be a very active place holder, but hopefully someone, sometimes will find these "thinkings" interesting.
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