Your software is choking up or crashing and your system is running slowly even when browsing the web. Rather than upgrading your RAM or CPU, try running msconfig to turn off unnecessary apps on startup and avoid running apps in full screen mode, as this uses up valuable graphics RAM. Separating office and technical work into different sessions can also help apps run better. Don't panic - make these configuration changes before considering an expensive hardware upgrade.

1. Software choking up
your system?
Tips to avoid upgrading RAM or CPU
(in other words: a new notebook)

2. Symptoms
• Your software freezes up or crashes
• Even web browsers slow to a crawl
• Checking your performance shows nothing wrong or hung up

3. Likelihood
• Windows starts many apps that hog memory
• You really run in two modes
• Office with MS Office, Outlook, browser etc.
• Technical with mapping / GIS software only
• Horses for courses
• Separate apps run better under separate conditions

4. Solution
1. Run msconfing from Windows Start Search
• turn off all non-Windows apps except license manager
• this needs a reboot (not if just need to turn, say, LM on)
2. Never run apps in full screen mode
• chews up graphics RAM that’s usually the most constrained
• screens are large enough and resolution high enough today

5. Don’t panic