Older Computer? Insufficient Memory? Try FreeRAM XP Pro

The phrase “snake oil”, gets bandied about most frequently in the tech world it seems to me, when it comes to two classes of applications – Registry Cleaners, and Memory Managers. In both cases, I’ll concede that it’s probably a fair description.

But, (there’s that “but” again), in some cases, the use of an aggressive Registry Cleaner such as RegSeeker may be called for, and, there are a number of  Memory Managers that can improve system response given the right parameters.

Yes, I’ve heard all the naysayers and their arguments that memory management and optimization applications, are not effective. I don’t necessarily agree. Sure, if you have 2/3/4, GB of Ram you don’t need to manage your memory in this way.

However, a fair number of users that I deal with on a personal level, run Windows XP on a 3 or 4 year old box, with 1 GB of RAM or less – they do not run Windows 7 with 2/3/4 GB of Ram. This is “real world” computing, not the “esoteric world” of computing that many techies live in, where the assumption seems to be, all users run a quad core with appropriate memory. It just ain’t so!

This review is based on years of experience with this application, and not a ten minute “let’s see what you can do” test, as is far too often the case with software reviews. On this site, nothing gets written up without a minimum two week, or longer, test period.

One of my test platforms is an older Dell running Windows XP Pro with 512 MB of RAM, which gets a heavy workout on a daily basis, and has for years. And, the free Memory Manager, FreeRAM XP Pro, has been an integral part of this system for most of that time, and has worked flawlessly in balancing and releasing memory as required.

FreeRAM XP Pro includes automatic memory monitoring and optimization, advanced tray support, fast, threaded freeing with a stop option, multiple system-metric monitors, a simple and attractive GUI, memory reporting and diagnostic logging, and real-time memory information.

The program’s AutoFree feature intelligently scales how much RAM is freed with your current system status, so that RAM is optimized without slowing down your computer.

FreeRAM XP Pro has been designed to be easy to use, yet highly customizable by computer novices and experts alike.

Fast facts:

Downloaded over 6 million times from CNET alone

Automatic, real-time memory monitoring and optimization

Fast, threaded memory freeing with stop option

AutoFree option intelligently optimizes RAM without sacrificing performance

System metric and performance monitors

Advanced tray support

Memory reporting and diagnostic logging

Simple, attractive interface

RAM-cuts (RAM-freeing Windows shortcuts)

Customizable Windows hotkey support

Access to Windows memory-related tweaks that could enhance system performance

Process memory usage reporting

Unique memory compression technology directly reduces applications’ “working set” memory requirements instantly and without swap file usage: completely unlike other memory programs

System requirements: Windows 2000, XP.

Download at: Download.com

Another view: After a previous review of this application, several years ago, the following comment was made by a reader. To illustrate the conflicting views surrounding Memory Managers, I’ve copied that comment here.

XP and Vista have excellent memory management and there is no need or benefit in external memory “managers”. What problems there might be can not be corrected by any external program.

DLL’s are not unloaded from RAM when no longer needed – by design. Program code will not be unloaded when the application terminates – by design. This is what caching is all about. Caching has had a long and distinguished history and it is highly developed in XP, even better in Vista. When then RAM used by caching is needed for other purposes it will be released.

At all times Windows will attempt to find some use for as much memory as possible, even if it is only of trivial importance. Unused memory is wasted memory. If memory is needed for more important uses it will be made available. Until that times comes it will be left in use, improving overall system performance.

Bottom Line: Let Windows memory management do it’s job. It knows what it is doing, even when we do not understand.

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Low Memory Problem? – Fix it With FreeRam XP Pro (Free)

Is your computer always “just poking along”? Do you know which of your running programs are RAM hogs? Do you still have DLL’s running in the background when they’re no longer needed, and they seem to take forever to unload?

Unfortunately, in many cases, Windows fails to correctly unload programs and DLL’s from memory (RAM) on program exit. So less memory is available for new programs; this can cause excessive system slowdown, or in some cases system crashes.

FreeRAM XP Pro will free up and optimize memory, allowing your computer to perform to its optimum level.

Yes, I’ve heard all the naysayers and their arguments that memory management and optimization applications, are not effective. Balderdash! Sure, if you have 2/3/4, GB of Ram you don’t need to manage your memory in this way.

However, the majority of users that I deal with on a personal level, run Windows XP on a two year old box, with 256/512 MB of RAM – they do not run Windows Vista with 2/3/4 GB of Ram. This is “real world” computing, not the “esoteric world” of computing that many techies live in, where the assumption seems to be, all users run a quad core with appropriate memory. It just ain’t so!

This free utility includes automatic memory monitoring and optimization, advanced tray support, fast, threaded freeing with a stop option, multiple system-metric monitors, a simple and attractive GUI, memory reporting and diagnostic logging, and real-time memory information.

The program’s AutoFree feature intelligently scales how much RAM is freed with your current system status, so that RAM is optimized without slowing down your computer.

FreeRAM XP Pro has been designed to be easy to use, yet highly customizable by computer novices and experts alike.

One of my test platforms is an older Dell running Windows XP with 512 MB of RAM, which gets a heavy workout on a daily basis, and has for years. FreeRAM XP Pro has been an integral part of this system for most of that time, and has worked flawlessly in balancing and releasing memory as required.

Fast facts:

Downloaded almost 6 million times from CNET alone

Automatic, real-time memory monitoring and optimization

Fast, threaded memory freeing with stop option

AutoFree option intelligently optimizes RAM without sacrificing performance

System metric and performance monitors

Advanced tray support

Memory reporting and diagnostic logging

Simple, attractive interface

RAM-cuts (RAM-freeing Windows shortcuts)

Customizable Windows hotkey support

Access to Windows memory-related tweaks that could enhance system performance

Process memory usage reporting

Unique memory compression technology directly reduces applications’ “working set” memory requirements instantly and without swap file usage: completely unlike other memory programs

Requirements: Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/2003 Server

Download at: Download.com

Advanced WindowsCare Personal – Great Free System Optimizer

Advanced WindowsCare Personal, a free all-in-one utility, is a terrific collection of system tools and utilities to fix, speed up, maintain and protect your PC. Having tested this application, over the last year or so, I’m convinced that a typical user can really benefit by having this application on their system.

With this free program you can tweak, repair, optimize and improve your system’s performance; and its ease of operation makes it ideal for less experienced users.

You can quickly find the tool you’re looking for: spyware scanner, adware blocker, tracks eraser, registry cleaner, startup manager, junk file cleaner and more. New, or inexperienced users, will love the one click system optimizer which analyzes system configuration and suggests changes to optimize performance. Before making any system changes, Advanced WindowsCare Personal, creates a backup copy first, a very important feature.

Key facts:

Spyware removal – scans and removes spyware and adware.

Security defense – prevents spyware from being installed.

Registry cleaner – scans and cleans your registry to improve your system’s performance. System optimization – optimizes and repairs system configuration

Startup manager – manages programs which run automatically on startup

Privacy sweep – erases all traces, evidence, cookies, internet history and more.

Junk file cleanup – removes junk data from your disks and recovers disk space.

Memory cleaner – monitors and optimizes free memory in the background.

Disk manger – provides detailed information on files and folders

If you need a one click collection of system tools and utilities to help you keep your computer in tip top shape, Advanced WindowsCare Personal should meet your needs and more.

System Requirements: Windows 2000/ XP/ Vista

Download at: Download.com

Glary Utilities is another free all-in-one utility, to fix, speed up, maintain and protect your PC that offers additional feature. Check it out on this site at “Glary Utilities – Perfect Collection of Free System Tools”.

Pristy Utilities 2009 – Simple PC Tools

Very often new and casual computer users get left behind when it comes to PC utility software.

Developers of this type of applications are prone to designing tools that require more than just a passing knowledge of how computer operating systems really work.

For many users, a simple set of tools that does not require the user to be geek inclined are more appropriate than a suite of tools that does everything but clean the kitchen sink.

Pristy Utilities 2009 is a somewhat low end, but simple set of tools for new and casual computer users that includes the following fairly basic modules:

System Power Down scheduler – A fully customizable scheduler that allows the user to schedule Power down, Reboot, Sleep, Log off, Locking the desktop, etc. Includes timer presets with custom options.

PC Detector – Displays essentially the same information as Windows Device Manager but in a manner that is more new user friendly.

Web Assistant – I found this module particularly appealing since it allows a quick one click approach to multi-tab web browsing with integrated search engines including Web Search, News, and Services. Additional functions include transmitting emails and files over the Internet.

Additional modules include:

System Memory Cleaner – There are better, and more functional, free stand alone memory utilities but in a pinch this can do the job.

File Wipeout – An elementary file eraser; nothing special here.

Desktop Clock – A floating clock applet that additionally provides, date and CPU speed stats.

Vista Booster – Allows the optimization of Vista settings, CPU L2 setup, boot defrag, fonts repair and install.

Toolbar and Tray Agent – Gives instant access to all application modules.

System Requirements: Windows XP, 2000, 98, Me, NT

Download at: Download.com

For a more robust set of system utilities checkout “Glary Utilities – Perfect Collection of Free System Tools” on this site.

Manage System Memory Effectively – Get FreeRAM XP Pro (Free)

Is your machine always “just poking along”? Do you know which of your running programs are RAM hogs? Do you still have DLL’s running in the background when they’re no longer needed, and they seem to take forever to unload??

Unfortunately, in many cases, Windows fails to correctly unload programs and DLL’s from memory (RAM) on program exit. So less memory is available for new programs; this can cause excessive system slowdown, or in some cases system crashes. FreeRAM XP Pro will free up and optimize memory, allowing your computer to perform to its optimum level.

This free utility includes automatic memory monitoring and optimization, advanced tray support, fast, threaded freeing with a stop option, multiple system-metric monitors, a simple and attractive GUI, memory reporting and diagnostic logging, and real-time memory information.

The program’s AutoFree feature intelligently scales how much RAM is freed with your current system status, so that RAM is optimized without slowing down your computer.

FreeRAM XP Pro has been designed to be easy to use, yet highly customizable by computer novices and experts alike. Despite the fact that I have 1 GB of Ram, I have used this neat little utility for a number of years, and I have always been impressed with its performance.

Fast facts:

Automatic, real-time memory monitoring and optimization

Fast, threaded memory freeing with stop option

AutoFree option intelligently optimizes RAM without sacrificing performance

System metric and performance monitors

Advanced tray support

Memory reporting and diagnostic logging

Simple, attractive interface

RAM-cuts (RAM-freeing Windows shortcuts)

Customizable Windows hotkey support

Access to Windows memory-related tweaks that could enhance system performance

Process memory usage reporting

Unique memory compression technology directly reduces applications’ “working set” memory requirements instantly and without swap file usage: completely unlike other memory programs

Requirements: Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/2003 Server

Download at: Download.com

Speedup Your Slow Computer – Free Solutions to System Slowdown

In computing, I find that there is nothing that aggravates me quite as much as a slow boot time, or a machine that continuously responds in a sluggish manner.

Unfortunately, it seems with a Windows machine it is inevitable that it will slow down over time. There are a ton of reasons for this, but the following causes are the most common.

In most cases, since a slow computer is generally suffering from more than one problem, you will probably find that you will have to resolve the issue using more than a single solution.

A Messy Registry

The longer you use Windows, the more disordered your registry can become, especially if you regularly install and uninstall software. Many applications, on being uninstalled, leave behind “orphan” registry entries. They don’t remove all traces of themselves; causing problems such as sluggish performance, system lockups, or a bloated registry that takes longer to load on startup.

The easiest way to clean your registry is to use a free registry cleaner, such as RegSeeker. With the click of a button, RegSeeker will scan your registry for these fragmented files, and safely remove them. As with all Registry cleaners, use caution and be sure to backup using the backup feature of the application.

Download at: Hoverdesk

Full Hard Drive

A full hard drive will not function efficiently. You require at least 2 – 3MB of free space for programs to run smoothly. If you lack this much free space, you should uninstall unused programs on your primary drive. A superior program to uninstall programs from your computer is Revo Uninstaller. This free program with its advanced and fast algorithm scans before, and after you uninstall an application.

After the program’s regular uninstaller runs, you can remove additional unnecessary files, folders and registry keys that are usually left over (those “orphaned” registry entries we talked about earlier), on your computer. This feature is a definite plus.

Download at: Revo Group

Not Enough Memory

It’s important to have enough memory on your computer to keep programs running smoothly. Current recommendations are that you have at least 512MB on your PC, although at this point, 1GB/2GB seems to be a safer bet. If you need to upgrade your RAM, check your local retail ads for sales. You can usually get a RAM upgrade at a great price.

Alternatively, you can run a free memory manager such as FreeRam XP Pro to free and optimize your computer’s RAM (Random Access Memory). The result should be an increase in system performance and productivity. The application automatically configures itself for ease of use, and also features advanced options and customizability. FreeRAM XP Pro has been designed to be easy to use yet highly customizable by computer novices and experts alike. I have been using this application for several years, and I am delighted with its performance.

Download at:  MajorGeeks

Too Many Start-Up Programs

When you boot your computer, there may be a large number of programs that start automatically. These programs impact your computer’s available processing capacity and memory usage, and can slow it down dramatically. In all probability, you don’t need all of these programs to automatically start when you boot your computer.

Autoruns is a free utility, which has the most comprehensive knowledge of auto-starting locations of any startup monitor, in my view, and shows you what programs are configured to run during system boot up or login, and the order Windows processes them.

These programs will include ones in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. You can configure Autoruns to show additional locations, including Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications, auto-start services, and more. Autoruns goes considerably beyond the MSConfig utility bundled with Windows.

Download at: Softonic

Turn off unnecessary services

If you are a typical computer user, then the fewer services your system runs the better. This issue is too comprehensive to discuss in this article but you can read my article on this Blog which will assist you in determining which services you can turn off in Windows XP Pro/Home, to improve performance and boot time.

Spyware and Malicious Programs

A common spyware complaint is; it slows down the operating system. As spyware accumulates on a computer, performance can grind to a dismal halt. Combating spyware starts with learning to recognize its presence and understanding its impact on system resources.

Recognizing when spyware is installed on a computer system and removing it promptly is the best method of protecting computers from catastrophic problems caused by spyware. There are many free applications available to help you recognize, control and remove spyware, adware, Trojans, and other malicious malware/programs that can infect and slowdown your system.

Here are some free applications that are reliable and I feel confident in recommending.

SpyBot Search and Destroy

AdAware

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

ThreatFire 3

Comodo Firewall Pro

Slow Computer? – Free Software Solutions!

There may be multiple reasons why your computer behaves badly and is no longer the speed demon it once was. The most common problems that have impact on a computer’s speed and behavior are listed here, with the appropriate free software solution.

In most cases, since a slow computer is generally suffering from more than one problem, you will probably find that you will have to resolve the issue using more than a single solution.

A Cluttered Registry

The longer you use Windows, the more cluttered your registry can become, especially if you regularly install and uninstall software. Many applications, on being uninstalled, leave behind “orphan” registry entries. They don’t remove all traces of themselves; causing problems such as sluggish performance, system lockups, or a bloated registry that takes longer to load on startup. The easiest way to clean your registry is to use a free registry cleaner, such as Regseeker. With the click of a button, Regseeker will scan your registry for these fragmented files, and safely remove them.

Download: Regseeker

Full Hard Drive

A full hard drive will not function efficiently. You require at least 2 – 3MB of free space for programs to run smoothly. If you lack this much free space, you should uninstall unused programs on your primary drive. A superior program to uninstall programs from your computer is Revo Uninstaller. This free program with its advanced and fast algorithm scans before, and after you uninstall an application.

After the program’s regular uninstaller runs, you can remove additional unnecessary files, folders and registry keys that are usually left over (those “orphaned” registry entries we talked about earlier), on your computer. This feature is a definite plus.

Download: Revouninstaller

Not Enough Memory

It’s important to have enough memory on your computer to keep programs running smoothly. Current recommendations are that you have at least 512MB on your PC, although at this point, 1GB seems to be a safer bet (2 GB if you are running Vista). If you need to upgrade your RAM, check your local retail ads for sales. You can usually get a RAM upgrade at a great price.

Alternatively, you can run a free memory manager such as FreeRam XP Pro to free and optimize your computer’s RAM (Random Access Memory). The result is an increase in system performance and productivity. The application automatically configures itself for ease of use and also features advanced options and customizability. FreeRAM XP Pro has been designed to be easy to use yet highly customizable by computer novices and experts alike. I have been using this application for several years, and I am delighted with its performance.

Download: FreeRAM XP Pro

Too Many Start-Up Programs

When you boot your computer, there may be a number of programs that start automatically. These programs impact your computer’s available processing capacity and memory usage, and can slow it down dramatically. In all probability, you don’t need all of these programs to automatically start when you boot your computer.

AutoRuns is a free utility, which has the most comprehensive knowledge of auto-starting locations of any startup monitor and shows you what programs are configured to run during system boot up or login, and shows you the entries in the order Windows processes them.

These programs include ones in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. You can configure AutoRuns to show other locations, including Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Win logon notifications, auto-start services, and much more. AutoRuns goes considerably beyond the MSConfig utility bundled with Windows Me and XP.

Download: AutoRuns

Spyware and Malicious Programs

The most common complaint about spyware is it slows down the operating system. As spyware accumulates on a computer, performance can grind to a dismal halt. Combating spyware starts with learning to recognize its presence and understanding its impact on system resources.

Recognizing when spyware is installed on a computer system and removing it promptly is the best method of protecting computers from catastrophic problems caused by spyware. There are many free applications available to help you recognize, control and remove spyware, adware, Trojans, and other malicious malware/programs that can infect and slowdown your system.

Here are some free applications that are reliable and I feel confident in recommending.

SpyBot Search and Destroy

AdAware

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

ThreatFire 3

Comodo Firewall Pro

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Need a Free Collection of System Tools and Utilities? – Get Glary Utilities

Glary Utilities the number one free all-in-one utility on the market, is a must have collection of system tools and utilities to fix, speed up, maintain and protect your PC. Personal experience with this application for the last 6 months has convinced me that a typical user can really benefit by having this application on their system.

With this free program you can tweak, repair, optimize and improve your system’s performance, and its ease of operation makes it ideal for less experienced users.

You can quickly find the tool you’re looking for: disk cleaner, uninstall manager, secure file deletion, memory optimizer, registry cleaner, duplicate file finder, tracks eraser, empty folder finder; a very convenient feature for those of us who like to test drive new software. Prior to making important changes to your system, Glary Utilities creates a backup copy first, a very important feature.

As well, you can also manage and delete browser add-ons, analyze disk space usage and find, fix, or remove broken Windows shortcuts, and manage startup programs.

Key Facts:

· Disk Cleaner Removes junk data from your disks and recovers disk space

· Registry Cleaner scans and cleans your registry to improve your system’s performance

· Shortcuts Fixer eliminates the errors in your start menu & desktop shortcuts

· Startup Manager manages programs which run automatically on startup

· Memory Optimizer monitors and optimizes free memory in the background

· Tracks Eraser erases all traces, evidence, cookies, internet history and more

· File Shredder erases files permanently

· Internet Explorer Assistant manages Internet Explorer Add-ons

· Disk Analysis provides detailed information files and folders

· Duplicate Files Finder searches for space-wasting duplicate files

· Empty Folders Finder removes empty folders (I love this feature)

· Uninstall Manager completely uninstall programs

Designed for Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, 2003 and Vista. The 64-bit versions of Windows XP/Vista are not supported.

Download here: Download.com