Mr. Sweepy's Forums

 I find that later in the day my computer slows way down and browser (Firefox) also sluggish.  I guess I need a new computer with more ram, as mine must be almost 8 yrs old now.  I know I can add extra ram but my son can build me a new computer for not too much more.  Until I update, this has helped last couple nights.  It seems the flash, etc entries take up so much ram that it causes things to almost stop. I notice this the later in the evening when doing the IWs, and after entering so many others previously.  Things were getting really sluggish and I was then  trying switch over and  use IE,  but I like Firefox so much better.  I have found that just shutting down my browser for minute or so saves shutting down whole system.  It then is back to normal and raring to go again. Only had to do it once per day. Anyone else struggling with  this?  Hoping to upgrade soon.  These sweeps have gotten so much more sophisticated and use so much more to run than they used do when I first started entering.

No, not really. But Firefox has always been sluggish on mine, but so far I just have to use it for 2 24Hr. Sweeps.

YES!! Me too. Mine was bogging down everyday after getting about halfway through my Lucky List.   I finally figured out that it was the Sunny D one that was messing my computer up so I just started doing that one "by itself" instead of opening it up in tabs with all the rest of them.  That seems to work.  Thanks for the tip about shutting down just the browser instead of a re-start.

 Walt, it couldn't be caused by that brown bottle sitting next to your 'puter?? LOL!

I use IE and have had trouble for quite awhile with my computer slowing way down the further along I get into my sweeps each day.  The instant wins are the worst.  I have resorted to restarting my computer once each day, especially if I do my instants first before my dailies.

Mine used to be really bad.  I went in and cleaned out my temp file histories and compressed my files on my hard drive, freeing up a lot more capacity.  Also there is a way to "create" RAM from the hard drive by changing some parameters (got an error msg and the Google search told me how).  That was about 3 months ago.  No more probs. I use IE mostly.

Greetings,  We have upgraded our severs several times. We also added more memory in both the SQL server box and our web server box.  We also have a very nice pipeline going from our servers to the WWW. From what I see, we are running pretty fast but we can improve it still.

On my 3 personal computers, I run my internet through Cox at their fastest cable speed, 20megs. I am also running Microsoft Explorer 7.0 and 8.0. Again, I have not seen any slow down.

I will say that Mr. Softy and the team are working on upgrading the whole site in MS Silverlight 3.0.  This will make the site run even faster and we will be able to add more features.  This includes a really cool new version of MLL. Look for more surprises soon.

Mr. Sweepy

Greetings, Part II,

The biggest reason behind the slow down on the sweeps is the sponsors and or administrators. First they are using more and more Java, flash and high graphic images. Then there are the use of videos which are always slower.

Some sweeps offered through ePrize are using multiple severs in their sweep. They will have a connection between their servers, the sponsors, and sometimes a ad agency.

For many of you, not knowing all of the details, most of what I read, the problems sound like is either on your computer, your internet connect or download speed or all of that I mentioned.  My oldest computer which a Pentium 3 runs fast because I have high speed cable.  My bland new HP Visa Premium Intel I7 with 12 gigs is faster but not a great deal while on the net. The reason why it is not faster is because when you run high speed cable internet, there is not a big difference in process basic web pages. 

The big reason why I purchased the HP I7 is it will run my backend database programs, MS Office and other programs more effectively.  I also purchased the 64 bit system instead of 32 bit. In the next couple of years, you will see all new software in 64 bit which does run faster. When Windows 7.0 OS come out, I will upgrade to this.

So here is my conclusion...  If you are avid sweeper, going to high speed internet is a good investment. Going to a newer computer does help. However I would wait until Windows 7.0 comes out soon. Also get the 64 bit version.

Mr. Sweepy

cmalchiodi1:

YES!! Me too. Mine was bogging down everyday after getting about halfway through my Lucky List.   I finally figured out that it was the Sunny D one that was messing my computer up so I just started doing that one "by itself" instead of opening it up in tabs with all the rest of them.  That seems to work.  Thanks for the tip about shutting down just the browser instead of a re-start.

Cmalchiodi, From what I can see, it looks like the Sunny D sweep problems is the problem of the sponsor and administrator.  I don't know all of the details of your computer and internet hosting but this problem is with Sunny D.

I will say that if you clear out your temporary internet files, this might help.  I do this on all of my computers at least once every day or two at the most. In sweeping, these files can get very big, very fast. You can also defrag you computer which should help.  This should be done regardless once every 3 to 6 months depending on the size of your hard drive.

Mr. Sweepy

Mr. Sweepy

 We really appreciate all you do Mr. Sweepy to keep things going so well.  In no way was I thinking it was a problem here at  S/T.   I know it is my computer.  I am waiting for some hot deals on components and then will start getting things together to build a newer, faster one.  (so much cheaper that way and can get what I want)  Thanks for all the tips.  I'm not sure I know how to accomplish them all. LOL  I do have DSL and think that is the best I can get out here in the boonies. In the  meantime I  just restart my browser once midway thru all those IW's and I do quite well.  It is easier than shutting down computer and restarting.

 Meant to ask you  Mr. Sweepy.  How do I defrag my computer?  I have a feeling it is something my son has done for me now and then,  and I don't have a clue how to do it myself.

hosta,  I just click on start, all programs, accessories, system tools, disk defragmenter.  Maybe there is an easier way but this is how I get to it.

FYI: 

1) Doing a Disk Clean up & Defraging your PC a least once per week will help increase speed--because IE saves many un-neccessary web pages & info. If you are using W XP or Vista operating system, you can set it up automatically. Additionally you can also clear out info. saved by Java-Flash etc.    

2) Adding additional RAM is cheap, ($16.00--$50.00 for an average 512k card,) you can quickly do-it-yourself and it usually does speed up your system.  Sometime in mid-October of '09, Microsoft is coming out with their new Operating System--Windows 7. It will require much more RAM to operate effectively & many of the new software programs will be written requiring increased RAM. This is why new computers (after Oct. 15th+ will be loaded with at least 2000-4000GB of DDR 2 RAM.              

3) These days most PC's are outdated within 3 years. Most times they don't build them with components that last much longer without some needed replacement parts etc. Many systems will operate for additional years--but need some regular upgrades. My PC is 6 yrs old--I paid $1200.00+ to have it built with better quality components at that time. (I believe that is why it lasted longer & is still chugging away.) I am shopping for a new one because they have improved & sped up so much. New 64 bit systems with 3.+Mgh Dual-Core processors, 320+Gig HD and 2GB+ RAM with a 9500+ Video/Sound card are the latest & fastest. A low end system with these basics will cost around $500+, a higher end system with a better quality motherboard and brand name video card etc. will run from $750--to--$1200.00...but will usually last much longer. (The prices mentioned are just for the CPU.)

NOTE:  Windows 7 will most likely require a faster PC with much more RAM. (If you are thinking of upgrading, check around at Best Buy, Comp USA & Micro Center stores etc. after mid-October '09 to view the new systems.) 

If you are a regular sweeper, you want a faster processor and a high speed ISP. It can save a lot of time. However a high speed ISP connection is what really matters when using the web.

POST SCRIPT: You need to learn how to Defrag your PC. It is a simple process & your PC's W Explorer has a tutorial that will explain it. A really good web site I scan regularly for new software is:  www.downloads.com  ...They provide great information, accurate reviews, ratings and links for safe, complete downloads of software programs. NOTE: There are many good FREEWARE programs which work equally well (for home users) as programs you pay for. One good free software program that will help you Defrag, clean & speed up your PC is called "Advanced System Care." You can find and download it free at this web site.

Wishing GLTA!

I definitely think my problem has to do with Java/Flash/Adobe type programs that the sweeps run.  How do you clear out java/flash info?  I run secunia to keep my programs up to date.  I clean out my temp files daily and my cookies once a week.  I run malwarebytes and AVG almost daily.  I will start defraging more often.  Thanks for the tip.  Probably time to get a new computer, though, as mine is several years old.  The only saving grace is that I have a cable modem.  I could never get through my LL without it!