Game optimisation

[BaldJim]

... All the others are also accessible by execution and thus are not needed in the background as they do nothing but drain your resources. ...
I remain surprised at the battle over what "running in the background" means. I wonder why folks don't just check it out on Google? The first two hits are: > Applications running in the background can often interfere with an installation and cause it to error out. Some of the most common applications running in ... ; > A list of programs running in background will appear. You want to remove all of these ... || Of course, all 32,100,000 English pages are not likely to be necessary. The manual for this game (ANNO 1701) says shut-down all other programs.

My humble opinion is that most folks do not wish to admit that they are not really in charge of their PC. If they were, they would know what the "stuff" running was really doing.

It's like owning ten automobiles while you can drive only one at a time. But you insist that all ten have to have their engines running as they sit on the parking lot just in case you want to jump in one and drive it -- hitting the starter is too much trouble.

Rant over, maybe a computer magazine will put out an issue about it.

Ho, ho - he, he.

Regards ---

[Phil Walker]

Now Jim, :biggrin:

Even you did not know about this until you ran into me, now did you?! Most, if not all the normal PC users don't know or care what makes the system run. They only want their games to work and work as they should. That's why I'm here as you know. I've dealt with this for a very long time and not just here but on other forums. With all my time with PCs and my knowledge of the operating systems and what they do, of all, I should know of what goes on, and thus, the user can come here and get the best advice to help them.

Only recently have you become aware of this, yet there are and will continue to be more. It's a never ending cycle until people run into me, and once I'm done, I hope they will have learned and remember. Some might even pass it on and start learning to help as well. So, your example noted (while a bit overboard) is right, but at the same time, many just don't know (yet).

I also get some who argue about why some things are needed that really aren't. The examples on these forums alone are numberous and people can also learn without asking if they take the time to read a few threads before posting. One thing you said was not right though. You are not to disable all the programs. It doesn't matter who tells you this, as they are wrong. Some things are always needed or the PC won't work and/or you leave yourself vulnerable to being hacked or attacked if you do. Those who suggest doing all do not know, won't accept the responsibility (if something happens), or don't know what they are talking about, and this includes game companies as they seem to be the most guilty at handng out said advice to only save time. :cheers:


Sincerely,
Phil

[linerjac]

No doubt Phil Walker,

You are and will be helpful to many others which seek for help. And looking for help has to start somwhere, (@BaldJim)not everybody starts searching the same way as everybody doesn't have the same knowledge, anyhow this knowledge usually starts but always finishes on Forums where you meet very skilled and talented people who want/like to transmit this knowledge which any other site cannot give.

I've learned a lot from you Phil Walker (background processes, CPU's frequencies...), you've spent a lot of your time saving mine and probobly other's time as now I might be of a great help on other Forumers here in France...

@BaldJim, and this is a lot more helpful than finding a link to a step by step tutorial which doesn't answer all your interrogations

[drkohler]

...The improvement you should have most notice by disabling all the background programs was the smoothness and speed ...

As to dual cores now, look at if from the most logical position. Dual core is basically 2 CPUs working together (in tandum). This provides an andvantage tht the CPUs won't overhear as easily and you can almost literally add the two cores together..
Sincerely,
Phil
No, please do not simplify CPU logic and operation to the point where you simply fall flat on your nose. First of all, whether "background programs" disturb your running program or not depends on many factors, some of which are more obvious than others (are they "dormant" or active, are parts of their code (still) in memory, etc, etc.) I have two dozend backround tasks "running" that do not disturb my Anno 1701 in any shape of form, because these tasks are inactive and swapped out. Whether you see an improvement in killing background tasks or not depends on each task's state and cannot be generalized (and apparently in teh example above, no improvement happens as well).
Now as to " Dual core is basically 2 CPUs working together (in tandum)", nice wish, but mostly not true with all existing games. If you are particularly out of luck, 2 CPUs may actually work _against each other_ (when cache coherency problems emerge). Users with dual core systems are not exactly reporting huge improvements with Anno 1701, so I guess (apart from the obvious candidates like sound and network code) that Anno isn't exactly tailored to dual core systems (and quadcore/dual dualcore systems will add zero power to the problem).

What does seem to help, though, is more memory. 2 instead of 1 G Memory have reportedly improved the performance of 1701.

[Phil Walker]

My Dear "Dr.", :biggrin:

You and I are aware of these facts. Yet the "common every day Joe" is not. Yet, I use plain English so they get the better understanding and I have no trouble with only 512MB of RAM that I'm currently using on any of my games or other applicaitons. Of course (due to my fiancial situation), I am currently using my pagefile to compensate for this until I can afford to add more.

Most if not all games have yet to be optimized with Dual Core is very true, but you still gain an advantage, providing both cores are also optimized to work togehter. Much like all the troubles AMD had with their dual cores and they had to make a tool to rememdy it.

So, while you and I are on the same "level" in PC knowledge and know these things, many, if not most do not, yet if they ask, I can put it in terms they will understand but you and I know of steps many would miss if not clearly explained. Simple is best when dealing with forumuers I have found as they learn and remember better when you use language they can relate to.

There (as you and I know) are differences betwwen background programs and services. Yet, seldom do I go into that as the added programs (not dormant) usually "cure" the problem. I have disabled many of the services as well, but do not suggest this save for those who want more than the normal person does as I only have 25 total processes including the 7 background programs. So, take it easy "my man". No need to burst a blood vessel over such things as we just used different methods/words, but get these people's game working. :cheers:

To our new French user, just glad to be here for you and all others that take my advice and it helps. :go:


Sincerely,
Phil

[Alezan]

1GB of RAM is not enough for ANNO1701, you need 2GB for game performance.
There is a screenshot of Anno1701 running on a dual-screen configuration (WinXP PRo SP2 on PentiumD805). We can see that the memory usage is upper than 1GB
http://www.stable-boy.net/uploads/Anno1701a.jpg (http://www.stable-boy.net/uploads/Anno1701.JPG)

[Phil Walker]

You noted a key facotr in your statement that not all use or have and why the noted requirements is all that is needed. Dual monitors drain resources and memory being the most noted in this case. More will help indeed, but far from being a "must". This can also have to do with the graphic card capabilities.

Sincerely,
Phil

[Dobber]

Welcome to the forum, Alezan! :halloha:

Your statement may be true in your case, but it is not true for the majority of players. I have 1GB ram and have no problems with the game, I get the performance I desire. It all depends what you are trying to run in the background while playing the game and the settings you choose! :go:

[Phil Walker]

Indeed Dobber! The 1GB of RAM works quite well for most and as it has been noted before, background programs as well as added hardware are all factors in each situation. When it is known what the given user has and is using that too helps us in getting the game to run and perforum better. It is true at the same time though that more is better than less (in any hardware not just RAM), but the noted requirements are workable.

Sincerely,
Phil

[BaldJim]

... Even you did not know about this until you ran into me, now did you?! ...Only recently have you become aware of this, ... One thing you said was not right though. You are not to disable all the programs. ...

Sorry -- but I have been aware of stuff running in the background for quite a long time. I was able to deal with that stuff in only the most gross way -- by shutting down some of the most obivious programs not related to a game such as Microsoft Word or Works, Email programs, and security programs when all one has is dial-up and is NOT connected. Over the years, the number of background programs has expanded exponentially, especially those "hijacked" aboard by crafty promotions. The very excellent service you have provided is a quick and clear way to get a list of all the stuff actually running in the background plus your advice on which of the obscure names can be shut off. So I did not just fall off the last turnip wagon through town.

Actually I personally did not say "shut off ALL programs." I was quoting a Google hit. Your caution is correct, of course; but don't attribute that advice to me.

It seems to me that anyone who pays attention to instructions should have a glimmer about the problem. For example, the ANNO Manual giving instructions about "installation:" 2. Close all programs and applications which are running in the background (including virus scanners). And about "playing:" 1. Close down all open programs and background applications (including virus scanners).

Regards
--
No, please do not simplify CPU logic and operation to the point where you simply fall flat ... First of all, whether "background programs" disturb your running program or not depends on many factors, some of which are more obvious than others (are they "dormant" or active, are parts of their code (still) in memory, etc.) I have two dozen backround tasks "running" that do not disturb my Anno 1701 in any shape of form, because these tasks are inactive and swapped out. Whether you see an improvement in killing background tasks or not depends on each task's state and cannot be generalized ...


I appreciate the comment that enlarges on the factors which determine when a "background" application or program will impact the foreground program. The difficulty is for users who are not computer technologists. They often have legal, legitimate programs installed, but uncontolled, on their computer.

I also call your attention to the ANNO Manual instructions (as quoted in another post): ... the ANNO Manual giving instructions about "installation:" 2. Close all programs and applications which are running in the background (including virus scanners). And about "playing:" 1. Close down all open programs and background applications (including virus scanners).

While it is easy to understand that "generalities" won't do the job needed, there is a requirement for some sort of help for the common folk to control the bloated program list on their machines.

Regards :wink:

[Chmie]

This is sure good info but hard on my old eyeballs. :rofl:

[Phil Walker]

Jim, :biggrin:
Maybe I did overstate just a bit, but my help, helped you as well was the overall point. Yes, simplest terms makes it to where all can understand, I'm sure you'll agree and I just do my best to help those in need, who will ask and listen/heed the advice is all. :cheers:

Chmie,
I'm glad you find it informative as well. There is a reason for it as to why it might be hard on your eyes, so I'll explain. I use a black skin and use a color almost all can read. You can always highlight the text to see if that helps. As to why I'm using what I do, look at my profile and I hope it'll be clear and evident then. :cool:


Sincerely,
Phil

[Chmie]

Phil - read and understood. Post in any colour you wish as the info is what is important, not the colour. Thanks :cool:

[Phil Walker]

Noted and understanding appreciated. I'm here as needed and exlude none, so you too can always ask if help is needed. :angel:

Sincerely,
Phil