TIPS FOR
BETTER GAMING PERFORMANCE:
1) Re-start your computer before playing any high-end
games. This will "clean out" the RAM and make the whole
PC run faster.
2) Have a look in Task Manager for any unnecessary
processes. This includes anti-virus, anti-spyware
programs etc. It's a good idea to leave firewalls on
though. "explorer.exe" is a big hit on system resources.
After launching your game, open the Task Manager and end
"explorer.exe". To get it back after playing your game,
just select New Task in the Task Manager and type in
"explorer". Always remember to re-start security
programs after playing. Experiment with turning off
different processes - generally anything with a username
instead of SYSTEM beside it should shut down fine. To
get your PC working normally again after playing, simply
restart it.
3) Regularly perform maintenance on your PC, e.g virus
scans, spyware scans, registry cleans, disk
defragmentations and disk cleanups. All of these will
help to improve computer performance. I do this to my PC
every Sunday.
4) Open up your PC once in a while and give it a while
and give it a thorough cleanout. Clogged dust around
components and in particular around the CPU can slow
down your computer, make it noisier (the fan runs faster
due to a hotter CPU due to dust) and in some rare cases
cause a fire. If your graphics card has a fan on it, its
a good idea to clean that too.
5) Keep up-to-date with the latest graphics drivers,
DirectX updates, etc. Create system restore points
before each of the updates in case the changes are not
to your liking.
RECOMMENDED SOFTWARE FOR GAMERS:
1) FRAPS OR OTHER SCREENSHOT UTILITY: Share your
favourite in-game moments by taking a screenshot. At the
press of a button, screenshot utilities such as
FRAPS
(payware)
or
FSScreen (freeware) will instantly take a snapshot of
your game and save it in a folder of your choice. FRAPS
also has a video utility, ideal for making short movies
of your adventures.
2) XFIRE: Sort of like an in-game MSN program, this
software will let you communicate with any friends who
have Xfire. It's handy if you get bored during a long
stakeout, or if you want to work out a strategy with
someone playing the same game as you. Signatures showing
when you are online and what games you have been playing
recently are also available. It's free -
www.xfire.com
.
3)
TEAMSPEAK: This enables the user to join a server
simply to talk with other gamers - it can help when
attempting to organise 'Close Vicinity Flying' or to
even organise ATC, aircraft or squad tactics!
- www.goteamspeak.com
.
(Thanks
T. Black)
|