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This page contains answers to common questions handled by our support staff, along with some tips and tricks that we have found useful and presented here as questions.
The general rule is that Windows runs better with more RAM. And the other gem is that there never seems to be enough RAM. However, the days of 32MB of memory were well enough in systems running Windows 3.1, but that is long behind us. No workstation should operate with anything less than 64MB. Inexpensive memory prices allow system upgrades to easily move up to 128MB.
If you are running a wordprocessor, and a spreadsheet and getting in an occasional visit to the internet, then 32 to 64 MB is a good range for RAM. If, however you are using graphics software, i.e. CAD or have Video intensive programs then you should have a minimum of 128 MB .
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Windows 95 and 98 require constant maintenance. How constant? It depends on how much you use your computer and what kind of programs you run on it. Generally, the hard drive should be checked at least once a month. Two valuable utilities come with Windows 95/98.
Scan Disk checks for hard drive errors such as lost file clusters and corrupt files. It repairs these when it can. The larger the hard drive the longer it will take. The second utility is the Defragmenter. As each program saves its files on your hard disk, there comes a moment when the disk has none or very few empty blocks. When this happens the saved file gets split up and saved in a scattered arrangement. To retrieve a saved file, the hard drive must spin more to locate all the loose ends of the file. This causes excessive wear on the drive. Defragging the drive rearranges the files in continuous blocks. The result is a quicker access of files and a more efficient use of the hard drive.Disable your screen saver for this session
Click open My Computer,
right click on the C Drive,
select Properties,
choose Tools
first run "CHECK NOW"
select the Standard and Automatically Fix Errors buttons
Click the "START" option
After it is done...
Run "DEFRAGMENT NOW" from the previous Tools screen.
There are some excellent hard drive cleaning tools in the market. Symantec's Clean Sweep is typical.The amount of available space on your hard drive is another item to consider. If it is close to 90% full then it is time to clean up, backup and remove old files and programs. Check for duplicate files. One of our clients had the habit of inserting every FREE diskette or CD offer that he got from AOL. When we looked at it, the drive had 5 separate directories of various AOL versions and was only using one. There are a number of Utility programs in the market that help scan your drive, make suggestions and clean up.
Still another option is to add a second drive to your system; and then redistribute your file load between the two drives. This is a bit more complicated and it should be done by someone who is familiar with the Windows ways.
Changing the type of RAM on your motherboard can also make a difference. If your RAM is of the SIMMs type and the motherboard has the 168-pin DIMM sockets then replace/upgrade the RAM to the lightning fast 100MHz SDRAM type.
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The Pentium ® chip is made by Intel ®. The K6/K7 Series chips are made by AMD. Both refer to the central processing unit chip that drives the computer. Intel has been around longer and has an established name in the industry. AMD also manufactures a quality product and recently has begun to give Intel a run for their money. Comparing apples with apples, so to speak, AMD products tend to be less expensive than Intel's. When buying a system look for the frequency rating in MHz. This gives you a better idea of system speed and performance.
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What are your on site maintenance prices ?
Our on site rates are $85 an hour, with a one hour minimum. If we are unable to resolve
your problem you owe nothing. Commonly, a pre-visit phone consultation will give you an
idea of how long the problem will take to resolve. Once we are at your site you may ask us to fix other problems (it is your hour). However, if we fixed any of these other problems and not the one you originally called us for, you will be billed accordingly.
Our prices will vary based on the projected scope of your problem. Projects involving 4 hours or more will be quoted on a per project basis and will generally be less than the per hour rate quoted above.
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What does your service contract include and cost?
Our service agreements are annual contracts. It provides a monthly maintenance call to check each computer's performance, an optional Backup to the customer's tape system, Scandisk, Clean Disk, and Defrag. It also includes any emergency calls up to 3 hours per month. It includes the labor for replacement parts or hardware upgrades.
The cost is determined by the number of computers involved, approximate age of each and the operating system installed. Typically an older system running Windows 3.1 will cost more than a year old PC running Windows 98. Our minimum contract is $500. The more system units included in the contract translates to a better price per PC.
Call us for a quote.
Can I order parts from RACEN Technology online ?
No, not at this time. You can however, place a call to our office, speak with our engineer, and order your part. If the item is in stock, we will ship it UPS ground that afternoon.
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Yes. RACEN Technology has been building custom PC's since 1991. We do not mass produce. Our orders generally involve special requests for network servers, CAD workstations and specialty use PC's. The components we use are always top of the line and come with the manufacturer's warranty, plus we add our own warranty on top. Our prices are competitive.
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