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Asphyxium

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Posts posted by Asphyxium

  1. I bought professional plus or whatever and cannot seem to find a way to download anything but ccleaner in professional mode. You guys need to make it like NCH Software and make it easy to download yuour other programs from inside one of any of them.

    How do I get defraggler pro and speccy pro? I own the key but can't seem to register it in defraggler.

    Thank you.

  2. Hello.  My understanding of the optimization in defraggler for SSD's is that it executes what the TRIM function does across the whole drive.

     

    What I need to know is does it affect areas of the disk already taken care of by a drive's built-in trim function?  I am concerned that it is affecting areas of the drive already optimized by TRIM and that I am depleting the lifespan of the hardware.

     

    Thank you.

  3. I use Pale Moon 64-bit, an optimized version of Firefox for Windows computers. Mozilla doesn't release optimized code for Windows platforms.

     

    I must warn you, however, that if your interested in using it, it is not updated as quickly as it could be with Firefox releases. It is a free project, after all. At the same time, if you are looking for a 64-bit, optimized verson of Firefox, perhaps you should give it a try.

     

    **I do not know what the speed is at which they release security updates as I do not keep up with official Firefox releases. I would *assume* they act quickly with such material.**

     

    I also use NoScript, which is a MUST for proper security. It is the wrong decision to use any browser that lacks NoScript functionality (automatically blocked scripts until user intevention).

     

    If you have scripts enabled and enter a foreign website you are susceptible to malware infection. Doing simple research into global warming brought me into contact with 2 malware sites (blocked by my anti-malware & firewall solution ESET Smart Security before even getting so far as blocked by NoScript).

     

    It is imperative that you use Firefox with NoScript or an adequate alternative (I believe there is an extension for Chrome with NoScript functionality).

  4. There is an undocumented feature in Windows Vista, 7, and 8 (now 8 is a bit different and I'm unsure this procedure will work as stated) that allows you to protect a system from DDOS attacks.

     

    According to speedguide.net:

     

    "SynAttackProtect

    This undocumented setting provides protection against SYN denial of service (DoS) attacks. When enabled, connections timeout sooner if SYN attack is detected. When set at 1, TCPMaxDataRetransmissions can be lowered further.

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters"

     

    Create the following new DWORD (32-bit if running a 64-bit machine) entry in the parameters key:

    "SynAttackProtect=1 (DWORD, recommended:" <decimal>"1, not present in registry by default)"

  5. This exists in my other post but I feel it should be pointed out clearly.

     

    There is an undocumented feature in Windows Vista, 7, and 8 (now 8 is a bit different and I'm unsure this procedure will work as stated) that allows you to protect a system from DDOS attacks.

     

    According to speedguide.net:

     

    "SynAttackProtect

    This undocumented setting provides protection against SYN denial of service (DoS) attacks. When enabled, connections timeout sooner if SYN attack is detected. When set at 1, TCPMaxDataRetransmissions can be lowered further.

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters"

     

    Create the following new DWORD (32-bit if running a 64-bit machine) entry in the parameters key:

    "SynAttackProtect=1 (DWORD, recommended:" <decimal>"1, not present in registry by default)"

     

    Hopefully no one will chew me out this time.

  6. "RAM is faster than paging. The larger the Paging File, the more your computer is susceptible to thrashing."

     

    From what I have read, disabling the pagefile is a bad idea. I have read claims that many Windows programs rely on the pagefile regardless as to how much memory you have. Disabling it to increase performance is a myth.

     

    From technicallyeasy.net:

     

    "For years people have been talking about how to manage the Windows pagefile, and now the discussion changed to talking about if you should disable the Windows pagefile.While your computer may have a lot of memory, and the pagefile may seem useless, but it is an important aspect in the operation of the Windows operating system. Disabling the pagefile may actually hurt you more than it helps you."

     

    From howtogeek.com:

     

    'For years, Windows tweaking people have tried to convince everybody that if you disable the pagefile, you’ll get a big performance boost. One of our readers did a ton of testing to prove that this is not true.

    Reader Eric did comprehensive testing using various test suites, boot and shutdown, and other testing to see whether disabling the page file break your system or give a performance boost.

    Conclusions:

    • You can run Windows without a pagefile if you have enough RAM.
    • There’s pretty much zero benefit to disabling the pagefile.

    You should definitely check out the full (very long) article for all the details.

    The Windows 7 Pagefile And Running Without One (http://www.tweakhound.com/2011/10/10/the-windows-7-pagefile-and-running-without-one/) [TweakHound]"

     

    As far as fragmenting the pagefile from within, I am simply acting on the word of Microsoft in this matter. They claim a contiguous pagefile (the block dedicated to paging being contiguous) is an unfragmented one.

     

    As for the recommended size of the pagefile, this is, right or wrong, the recommended size for a Windows 7 64-bit computer. I agree that a very large pagefile is pointless. I simply used the Microsoft recommendation to be safe from overly critical people.

     

    Also, *I believe* disabling the pagefile doesn't work because you must reboot to effect the change and upon reboot, Windows will automatically create a new pagefile for you. I could be mistaken but I recall that happening.

     

    Edit: Also, if you do not notice a difference between a fresh install of Windows 7 and Speedguide's modifications, you are not attentive to detail. I noticed web pages appear to load much more quickly.

     

    Some people think there is no appreciatable difference between 32 bit and 64 bit processing. 64 bit processes twice as many bits of data per clock cycle.

     

    I understand that most people don't notice these things but I do because I greatly appreciate and have taken note of the difference between a 32 bit web browser and a 64-bit one.

     

    Again, perhaps you are skeptical because you only know of the difference between an improperly set MTU and a modern OS's broadband-oriented MTU setting. You should, however, consider going through the TCP Global Settings options (Netsh commands <http://www.speedguide.net/articles/windows-7-vista-2008-tweaks-2574>) and see if it makes a difference. I guarantee that web pages will load more quickly.

  7. In response to MTA's post, having a dynamic pagefile means that it starts out at an initial size which is adequate for the operating system. This data is placed contiguously in one location on the disk. As you add programs, the need for more virtual memory increases and the system adds more pagefile to compensate. This new data is placed in a different location on the disk from the rest of it, which causes the HDD spindle, I believe its called, to have to search across the disk for data.

     

    Microsoft actually recommends placing a pre-defined pagefile on a new partition on a secondary physical disk which is rarely used for maximum performance.

     

    And thank you larry for backing me up on the legitimacy of this program. I know you shouldn't trust an executable from a website you don't know about, but if you feel inclined to trust anyone's word, this one's legit. Simply look over the website and you will see that it's a legitimate resource.

     

    I have found that when everything is working fine with a clean install, using this program or these registry tips increases the response of the loading of web pages. I also know that it helps my system to divert network processes to my network adapter rather than my processor.

  8. You are greatly mistaken about this website. Also, you act as though I am suggesting only an executable when in fact all of the options of the program are available for manual introduction into the system through the registry tweaks page, which I recommended for those not willing to try the program.

     

    This is not some stupid "Internet accelerator". This is a true optimization of all the network settings in Windows.

     

    I suggest you actually look into what I am saying before you jump to conclusions.

     

    For example, enter an administrator elevated command prompt and type "netsh int tcp show global". You will see a listing of features.

     

    Windows has a very conservative TCP Auto Tuning algorithm implemented by default. The RWIN is not increased very fast to, I believe, reduce TCP overhead. In order to adjust your autotuning, you must disable Windows Scaling Heuristics, which enforces the conservative policy.

     

    Type "netsh int tcp set heuristics disabled".

     

    Then type "netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=normal". Note that "normal" is NOT on by default and that the Windows Scaling Heuristics default settings ARE conservative.

     

     

    Next up you can improve throughput by enabling CTCP, a congestion control provider.

     

    "netsh int tcp set global congestionprovider=ctcp"

     

    This setting must be applied every time Windows starts, so create a text file with the 3 letter extension "cmd" and have it contain the previously mentioned text and place it in your startup directory (google it to find out how).

     

    You definitely want to enable TCP Chimney Offload, which is disabled by default. It offloads some network processes to your network card instead of going to your processor.

     

    Type "netsh int tcp set global chimney=enabled".

     

     

     

    This is a sample of the things this program and that registry tweak article provide.

     

    Again, this is not some crappy "Internet accelerator". This is the real deal, people. I guarantee results. It's not as necessary as it was back in the Windows 9x days, when Microsoft set the MTU setting for dial-up modems and your transfer rates took a major toll, but it's worthwhile. You should at least enable the features disabled by default in the TCP global settings (there are more features to enable in direct registry editting).

     

    Also, Adavari is right about backups. The TCP Optimizer has backup functionality built-in, but you probably won't be using it until you become acquainted with speedguide.net like I have. I recommend a simple system restore.

     

    Edit: If you are involved with a server, there is an undocumented feature in Windows 7 to protect against distributed denial of service attacks. It is found in the registry tweaks section.

     

    And if you are a gamer, you can decrease latency at the cost of a few kilobytes a second by disabling Nagle's algorithm, which delays transmission of small packets of data and then sends them out as larger packets to increase transfer speed.

  9. Well, you should purchase ESET Smart Security. It contains Nod32 (their virus scanner which is #1 in the industry) and a firewall with anti-spyware and some other stuff.

     

    http://www.eset.com/us/home/whyeset/compare/

     

    You can create a WinPE for virus scanning through the interface. I *highly* recommend buying this product. Just yesterday these forums were hacked and redirected into a malware IP address and the software blocked it.

  10. I am going to help you optimize your Internet settings and pagefile today!

     

    First off is the pagefile. You want it to be contiguous (not fragmented). What you do is you run Defraggler, consolidate your freespace, and then go to control panel, system and security, system, advanced system settings, advanced tab, settings under performance, advanced, change under virtual memory.

     

    Click custom size and put in the Microsoft recommended number (which is 1.5x the amount of actual RAM you have) as the initial size and the maximum size.

     

    What this does is prevents the pagefile from expanding randomly and breaking it up.

     

    Next is your TCP/IP settings.

     

    Simply go to speedguide.net and download their TCP Optimizer (http://www.speedguide.net/downloads.php). Or, if you are unsure about the safety of using this program, you can manually enter the changes it does yourself under the broadband registry tweaks section.

     

    If you do use the optimizer (which I have. I have used this website for over 14 years), keep in mind that you must first select your precise connection speed (there is a speed analyzer at http://www.speedguide.net/speedtest/), then click "optimal settings" to load in the new values. THEN click apply.

     

    Enjoy!

     

    -Asphyxium

  11. Thank you very much for the response!

     

    The default WinPE is adequate for full DF functionality. Getting ESET Smart Security to work is another matter, however.

     

    Not a problem though, as ESET includes a built-in PE assister (an automated use of the Windows AIK) called SysRescue.

     

    I suggest that you build a defrag PE yourself. I assume your using a new-enough processor to support X64 and will tell you how to build a 64-bit PE.

     

    Whenever you input a command involving the "X86" directory, change it to "AMD64". For example: copype.cmd x86(change to AMD64) c:\PEBuild

    And yes, Intel EM64T (I believe it's called) is supported within this AMD64 directory. It should have been called X64. Beware the IA64 directory, as that is for Itaniums only.

     

    I am a bit confused as to your mention of Linux software and the use of Windows PE states. Could you clarify please?

  12. I was wondering if anyone can please tell me whether DF is excluding system files during a defrag.

     

    The reason for this is I have created a Preinstallation Environment disk with DF on it and want to know whether I'm wasting my time or not.

     

    A PE is a stripped down version of Windows that exists on a ramdisk (virtual hard disk stored in RAM). It is from where Windows installs and, when a custom PE is made, allows you to do advanced virus scans that can remove rootkits and potentially allow you to defrag files normally impossible to touch even in safe mode.

     

    Nothing from your hard disk is loaded in a PE state, therefore everything is on the table.

     

    I know that it is possible to manually force DF into attempting defrag of the MFT and pagefile and thus it is possible that this process takes place when doing whole-disk defrags.

     

    Any help will be greatly appreciated.

     

    Instructions on creating your own PE are at the following link: http://virtualfoundry.blogspot.com/2010/01/build-windows-7-pe-boot-cd-with-defrag.html

     

    Substitute in DF for the windows defrag utliity. There is no MUI file for DF.

     

    I caution you against using BartPE because the one time I tried it, it was infected with malware. It could have been a false positive, but I cannot tell you what the probability is. It is illegal to distribute PE's, therefore BartPE is suspect anyway.

     

    As a final note, I know that there are some Windows experts who balk at even a safe-mode defrag. I have only one thing to say to them: how long does it take for safe-mode to load? How many files are involved?

     

    Too long and too many. I know what fragmentation does to performance due to a magnification of the problem from using a crappy hard disk and I can tell you that unless your using an SSD, it makes a difference.

     

    Besides, I am an enthusiast user who makes a hobby out of optimizing his system. It is OK for me to spend time modifying things like my TCP/IP settings and figuring out how to make a 64-bit PE state (which is not described in the instructions I provided).

  13. I was wondering if anyone can please tell me whether DF is excluding system files during a defrag.

     

    The reason for this is I have created a Preinstallation Environment disk with DF on it and want to know whether I'm wasting my time or not.

     

    A PE is a stripped down version of Windows that exists on a ramdisk (virtual hard disk stored in RAM). It is from where Windows installs and, when a custom PE is made, allows you to do advanced virus scans that can remove rootkits and potentially allow you to defrag files normally impossible to touch even in safe mode.

     

    Nothing from your hard disk is loaded in a PE state, therefore everything is on the table.

     

    I know that it is possible to manually force DF into attempting defrag of the MFT and pagefile and thus it is possible that this process takes place when doing whole-disk defrags.

     

    Any help will be greatly appreciated.

     

    Instructions on creating your own PE are at the following link: http://virtualfoundry.blogspot.com/2010/01/build-windows-7-pe-boot-cd-with-defrag.html

     

    Substitute in DF for the windows defrag utliity. There is no MUI file for DF.

     

    I caution you against using BartPE because the one time I tried it, it was infected with malware. It could have been a false positive, but I cannot tell you what the probability is. It is illegal to distribute PE's, therefore BartPE is suspect anyway.

     

    As a final note, I know that there are some Windows experts who balk at even a safe-mode defrag. I have only one thing to say to them: how long does it take for safe-mode to load? How many files are involved?

     

    Too long and too many. I know what fragmentation does to performance due to a magnification of the problem from using a crappy hard disk and I can tell you that unless your using an SSD, it makes a difference.

     

    Besides, I am an enthusiast user who makes a hobby out of optimizing his system. It is OK for me to spend time modifying things like my TCP/IP settings and figuring out how to make a 64-bit PE state (which is not described in the instructions I provided).

  14. OK thanks. Turns out the defrag time estimate is totally off (it really needed under an hour).

     

    I thought about PNG, but thought JPEG would be good enough. It might have been, depending on settings, but I think MS Paint chooses compression over quality.

     

    It probably would have been crappy anyway, though... This file is pretty large for a JPEG, I think.

  15. Now, to DF noobs, please don't think DF is slow or anything. It's just this hard disk isn't quite SATA status.

     

    Check this out.

     

    Oh, and don't use Windows Paint for converting images into JPEG. :(

    post-64027-0-24913100-1347998560_thumb.jpg

  16. I don't know if this is already a feature in DF, but it would be nice if it could place files in a certain order on the disk, instead of just contiguously.

     

    System files come first, followed by files executed as Windows loads. Then comes commonly used applications such as web browsers and office apps, then games and movies.

     

    Rarely used non-system data should come last.

     

    Free space could be allotted to prevent loss of this system over time controlled by an active program (Perfectdisk uses such an approach with SmartPlacement, though I don't know what it does exactly).

     

    Of course, such programs probably aren't the best for peformance with system activity of any significance (those non-gaming office people probably don't notice any difference in performance), so perhaps it would be best to allow the degradation of this system for maximum write performance and have it be fixed by regular defrags.

     

    :)

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