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Tests: Windows PC "crapware" adds 2 minutes boot time Apps on Win 7 PCs still slow vs Apple
Electronista ^ | October 29, 2009

Posted on 11/17/2009 10:10:27 PM PST by Swordmaker

A series of tests have revealed that even newer Windows 7 PCs are being bogged down by unnecessary software that makes them run much more slowly than Macs. Comparing factory versions of several notebooks versus clean models, PC Pro finds that Acer and Sony systems take about two whole minutes more to boot because of the "crapware," or third-party utilities and trial apps, preloaded out of the box. They also consume roughly 1GB more extra active RAM and also rob the system of as much as 2.4GB of space in Acer's case.

Other Windows PC makers are only slightly better, as HP's system takes 1 minute 35 seconds to boot, 1.06GB of RAM and 2.18GB of disk space. Dell's choices consume 54 seconds, 1.18GB of RAM and a large 3GB of disk space. ASUS, Lenovo, Samsung and Toshiba had relatively light use but in many cases still consumed several hundred megabytes of disk space and active memory.

By comparison, a 13-inch MacBook Pro included in the tests booted in 49 seconds. While second place in boot time versus one clean Dell system, it also had the lowest active memory footprint (289MB) of any system tested.

The examination underscores the problem of the added software, which is often installed to subsidize the cost of a given PC but is known to regularly undermine performance gains from faster processors or improved operating systems. Some vendors like Toshiba have promised that new systems will go without the software, but Microsoft has gone as far as to ship specially modified PCs that strip out software that the hardware manufacturers would normally include.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Computers/Internet
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To: Rocco DiPippo

I have tried half a dozen Linux distros and have had fewer problems installing them than installing Windows XP from scratch. Unfortunately some hardware companies do not write drivers for Linux, so I simply avoid those and read up beforehand what is supported. I had no luck with internal Winmodems, so I use an external Hayes-compatible modem instead; no driver necessary. For wireless, I use Edimax PCI cards, available from NewEgg for $19.99 and no drivers are necessary because support is already built into Linux. Literally plug and play. Linux runs fine on all the Dells and HPs I have tried so far, some with ATI graphics cards. I never have needed to use the dreaded command line.


41 posted on 11/18/2009 12:39:27 PM PST by TexasRepublic (Socialism is a parasite that kills the host)
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To: Swordmaker
1. Click "Start"; click "run."

2. Type "msconfig" and hit enter.

3. Uncheck all of the stupid BS under startup.

4. Save a grand or more by not having to buy an Apple.
42 posted on 11/18/2009 12:44:37 PM PST by mysterio
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To: SupplySider

True, I’ve done that as well. Takes a fair bit longer though 5-6 hours.


43 posted on 11/18/2009 1:28:38 PM PST by BenKenobi
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To: Labyrinthos

I just delete the crapware and then run a registry cleanup program. If it takes more than 2 minutes for your computer to boot, there’s something wrong besides the crapware. You can also disable certain stuff like Windoze Messenger (if you don’t use it), Windoze Indexing Service, etc. - and that will speed things up considerably.

But if you can do a clean install, by all means do it.


44 posted on 11/18/2009 2:59:38 PM PST by smokingfrog (Well, are you gonna draw those pistols or whistle Dixie? Spit!)
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To: Swordmaker

Crapware....that bout sums up Windows.


45 posted on 11/18/2009 4:19:51 PM PST by big'ol_freeper ("Anyone pushing Romney must love socialism...Piss on Romney and his enablers!!" ~ Jim Robinson)
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To: webheart
RE: “Apple still doesn’t run the games I want to play, pure and simple.”

I defy you to name one that doesn't? I'll save you some time...they all do. You can run Windows and MacOS X on a Mac at the same time and have both desktops running convergently...meaning it is essentially one desktop....Windows toolbar is just above the Mac Dock.

46 posted on 11/18/2009 4:24:53 PM PST by big'ol_freeper ("Anyone pushing Romney must love socialism...Piss on Romney and his enablers!!" ~ Jim Robinson)
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To: Swordmaker

What about shutdown time? My Macbook Pro shuts down in about 5 seconds since I upgraded to Snow Leopard. That’s sweet!!!!


47 posted on 11/18/2009 4:33:03 PM PST by hugorand
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To: chris37
This is why one builds one’s own computer at sites like pricewatch.com or newegg.com... Buying a sony or a dell or any name brand pc is a store is an absolute waste of money.

FALSE. I've built 3 frankenputers from scratch. The reality is you can't compete with the tremendous price break gets on their individual components. They or their suppliers buy motherboards, RAM, Processor, chips, power supplies etc by the train car load, and that massive purchasing power with a volume discount, overcomes any advantage you get from providing free labor.

I still enjoy building computers but I don't believe it's cheaper.

48 posted on 11/18/2009 4:35:12 PM PST by Drango (A liberal's compassion is limited only by the size of someone else's wallet.)
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To: chris37
This is why one builds one’s own computer

Agree. I have made several computers and they are much faster and last so much longer than those off the shelf. My first computer I made has a P4, 2.4 and still runs like a champ 5 years later. If something goes wrong, big deal, pull and plug.

49 posted on 11/18/2009 4:42:06 PM PST by engrpat (A village in Kenya is missing their idiot...lets send him back)
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To: WVKayaker
Fanboi is a deliberate swipe and derogatory statement at those who use Macs, usually from guys that need Corvette's to prove they have a penis. It is an inaccurate description to say the least.

Oh, I see. Fanboi is bad, yet using the term MDS is not a swipe and derogatory statement? So are you the pot or the kettle?

As for Mac usefulness, I have built 497 homes as a General Contractor, and operated three other businesses, all the time using Macintosh computers. My Macs left me with the time to make money, not play around with it's innards. I do real work that pays well. I don't use my hands and mind to play games or build toys. I've been a computer user since the '60's in the Navy.

Yes, play games, build toys... You were in the Navy? You like the new ADCAP Mk 48s? Done on PCs. You like some of the latest technological marvels, new cars, new ICs? All done on PCs because "those serious computers" that you use simply do not have the software available.

You know, for those frivolous activities like finite element magnetics, deep-silicon IC design, FPGA design, and the like. No, that's just games, not like the serious work of banging a pair of 2x4s together with a few nails.

How dare I deign to state that Macs won't work for my silly little projects! After all, Fanbois know - if you can't do it on a Mac, you don't need to do it, right?

I am happy to flaunt my success. If I want a computer to "just work", I'll always use a Mac! My first one in 1984 took me a half hour to set up, and print my first document.

So, a fanboi and a braggart. Good for you!

My Mac cost is quite reasonable, since my time apparently has more value than yours. I don't need a status symbol. I have nobody to impress, except Spot. I got him some pigs ears at Costco today... and he's wagging his tail off! I drive old cars that do as they were built, like Macs.

Yes, well, I guess us guys who do the worthless tasks such as designing and laying out ultrasound front ends, designing advanced filtering FPGAs, or even modeling and designing high speed magnetic solenoids just have jobs worth peanuts. Why, if only we had a Mac, we could do everything right now, and never have to work again!

I know, it's not digging a ditch and pouring concrete in it, so it's a meaningless task, just for play and fun.

Show me an integrated schematic capture and PCB layout package for the Mac. Or how about a finite element magnetics modeler? Any 3D parametric CAD programs? Since they don't exist on the Mac, I guess they're worthless tasks, and our time is worth nothing compared to a guy who wielded a nail gun and drives around in old cars, bragging about the size of his bank account...

Have a nice day. I appreciate the response. It shows you're perfectly willing to give me free rent in your mind. Now, try to get me out!

So the troll admits his role... Have a nice day, fanboi! Say a extra prayer to Steve Jobs for my miserable, lost mind, will you?

50 posted on 11/18/2009 5:03:24 PM PST by PugetSoundSoldier (Pray for President Obama: Psalms 109:8)
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To: big'ol_freeper
I defy you to name one that doesn't? I'll save you some time...they all do. You can run Windows and MacOS X on a Mac at the same time and have both desktops running convergently...meaning it is essentially one desktop....Windows toolbar is just above the Mac Dock.

So why pay for OSX if you're going to spend all your time in Windows? Why pay the Apple Tax?

51 posted on 11/18/2009 5:06:09 PM PST by PugetSoundSoldier (Pray for President Obama: Psalms 109:8)
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To: hugorand
I know very, very little about computers, so maybe that's why we - just two weeks ago - boxed up our 9 year old PC and bought a new one, along with a laptop for wifey....both have Win 7. We wanted to avoid unpleasant challenges.

Old guy was taking over 15 minutes to fully boot up, and about 4 minutes for shutdown. These new fellas are still nekkid, so it's amazing to us - from power button "on" to online is two minutes, and shutdown is maybe 10 seconds.

52 posted on 11/18/2009 5:11:56 PM PST by ErnBatavia (Obama is a DIC....... Ditherer-in-Chief)
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To: Drango

“The reality is you can’t compete with the tremendous price break gets on their individual components.”

Sorry, I don’t understand what this means.

As far as free labor goes...both my barebones came completely assembled and ready to go.

If you think you can get a better deal on better gear in a retail store, then by all means, do it.


53 posted on 11/18/2009 5:23:28 PM PST by chris37
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To: Drango
FALSE. I've built 3 frankenputers from scratch. The reality is you can't compete with the tremendous price break gets on their individual components. They or their suppliers buy motherboards, RAM, Processor, chips, power supplies etc by the train car load, and that massive purchasing power with a volume discount, overcomes any advantage you get from providing free labor.

Ummm.... TRUE. Go to Apple.com and configure a Mac Mini with a 2.53 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 4 GB or RAM, 500 GB drive, the cheapest mouse, the cheapest keyboard. Live with the 8X DVD drive (only option). Price will be $1,147. Entry level, decent performance Mac Mini.

Now, go to Dell and select and Inspiron 537s. Get the bottom line processor (2.8 GHz Core 2 Duo - faster than the Mac Mini). Take it to 4 GB of RAM. 500 GB drive (default). Add the 802.11N standard input. Accept the base 16X DVD drive (twice as fast as the Mac Mini). Get the upgraded ATI 4350 512 MB graphics card (faster than the stock Mac Mini). Accept the free speakers as well, and the media card reader. Price will be $649 - about half the Mac Mini.

If you frankenputer it, you can get that Dell-like system down to around $500. Good luck finding a Mac Mini even close to that...

There is a VERY serious price premium for that pretty case and the glowing, silver Apple logo!

54 posted on 11/18/2009 5:24:33 PM PST by PugetSoundSoldier (Pray for President Obama: Psalms 109:8)
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To: tacticalogic
Yep. It’s Microsoft’s fault the maufacturer loaded all that crep on the computer, and Windows won’t run without it.

It's Microsoft's fault that loading that crap on their OS causes it to slow down. Having software on a computer should not cause it to slow down at all. Look toward the Registry and its faults for an explanation of why this is the case.

55 posted on 11/18/2009 6:16:01 PM PST by Swordmaker (Remember, the proper pronunciation of IE is "AAAAIIIIIEEEEEEE!)
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To: Swordmaker
It's Microsoft's fault that loading that crap on their OS causes it to slow down. Having software on a computer should not cause it to slow down at all.

I've never seen a Windows system slow down because software was installed if it isn't running, and I've never seen one that doesn't slow down as more programs are being run on it.

Are you telling me that a Mac will run all the software you want concurrently with no performance degredation?

56 posted on 11/18/2009 6:23:06 PM PST by tacticalogic ("Oh bother!" said Pooh, as he chambered his last round.)
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To: PugetSoundSoldier
Living large in your mind, rent free, Windoze Fanboi...

If it runs on a PC, FRiend, it can run on my Mac without stealing or cheating...

MDS can be cured. Get a Mac and you'll never go back!


57 posted on 11/18/2009 7:57:34 PM PST by WVKayaker (www.wherezobama.org / Obama's Excellent Adventure ...)
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To: PugetSoundSoldier
All done on PCs because "those serious computers" that you use simply do not have the software available.

You know, for those frivolous activities like finite element magnetics, deep-silicon IC design, FPGA design, and the like.

Strange you should mention it...

FPGA Design Software supports high-speed DDR interfaces.

November 18, 2009 - Allowing design of DDR interfaces for LatticeECP3(TM) FPGAs, ispLEVER® FPGA design tool Suite v8.0 features automatic interface code generation and timing analysis functions. Program includes GNU compiler v4.3.0, which allows flexible code deployment options; Tri-speed MAC IP that can be interconnected into high-throughput configurations; and SPI Flash Controller that allows read and write access. It supports Red Hat Enterprise Linux v5.3, Unix, and Windows.

Of course, you are aware that Mac OS X is a fully certified UNIX™, one of the four so qualified, and fully capable of running all of the UNIX IC design software out there... and there are a lot of Macs in use at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for even more complex usages.

58 posted on 11/18/2009 8:09:11 PM PST by Swordmaker (Remember, the proper pronunciation of IE is "AAAAIIIIIEEEEEEE!)
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To: tacticalogic
Are you telling me that a Mac will run all the software you want concurrently with no performance degredation?

If you've got sufficient RAM, pretty much true. You can slow one down if a lot of them are concurrently processing but just because an app is loaded, ready and are resident in memory does not cause slowdowns. OS X Macs multitask better than Windows machines do. The Mac I am posting this on has ten major apps running right now, with several processing, with no appreciable or noticeable slowdown. When I am in a major production mode, it is not unusual for me to have more than 20 going at once on several different virtual screens.

59 posted on 11/18/2009 8:17:23 PM PST by Swordmaker (Remember, the proper pronunciation of IE is "AAAAIIIIIEEEEEEE!)
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To: Swordmaker

Somehow I doubt the difference is as stark as you represent it to be, or benchmark tests would be coming out vastly different than they do.


60 posted on 11/18/2009 8:39:08 PM PST by tacticalogic ("Oh bother!" said Pooh, as he chambered his last round.)
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