Microsoft KB Archive/160551

= Microsoft Knowledge Base =

How to Optimize Performance of The Microsoft Network
Last reviewed: October 7, 1997

Article ID: Q160551

The information in this article applies to:


 * The Microsoft Network version 1.2, 1.3, 2.0, 2.5

SUMMARY
This article describes how to optimize the performance of MSN, The Microsoft Network.

MORE INFORMATION
To fulfill the minimum MSN system requirements, you need the following:


 * Windows 95
 * A personal computer with a 486/66 or higher processor
 * 14,400 bps (or faster) modem
 * 8 MB of memory required, 16 MB recommended
 * 50 MB available hard disk space
 * CD-ROM drive (2x or higher)
 * VGA or higher resolution graphics card
 * Sound card recommended
 * Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

In addition to the minimum requirements, you need the following to optimize the performance of MSN:


 * 28,800 bps modem
 * 16 MB or more of memory
 * 16-bit sound card

Modem Optimization
Use the following steps to optimize the performance of your modem:

  Set the COM port speed up to 38,400 bps (the default is 9600 bps). To change the COM port speed, follow these steps: 1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2. Double-click System. 3. Click the Device Manager tab. 4. Double-click Ports, and then click the COM Port to which the modem is attached. 5. Click Properties. 6. Click the Port Settings tab. 7. In the Bits Per Second box, click 38400, and then click OK. 8. Click OK until you return to Windows.   Set the maximum modem speed to 28,800 or higher, depending on the modem's throughput capability. To do so, follow these steps: 1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2. Double-click Modems. 3. Click the modem you are using, and then click Properties. 4. On the General tab, in the Maximum Speed box, click 28800 or      higher. 5. Click OK, and then click Close.  Use the most recently available modem driver for your modem.  Adjust the settings for the 16550 UART FIFO buffer using the information in the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: ARTICLE-ID: Q131016 TITLE : Settings for the 16550 UART FIFO Buffer 

Internet Explorer Optimization
If you have a 486-based computer, set the display to 256 colors (High Color may slow video performance). If you have a Pentium-based computer and a PCI-based video card, High Color should not be significantly slower and will yield a better appearance. To change the display colors, follow these steps:


 * 1) Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
 * 2) Double-click Display.
 * 3) Click the Settings tab.
 * 4) In the Color Palette box, click 256 Color, and then click OK.
 * 5) When you are prompted to restart your computer, click Yes.

For additional information about how to improve the performance of Microsoft Internet Explorer, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

ARTICLE-ID: Q153790 TITLE    : How to Improve Browsing Performance in Internet Explorer

System Optimization
Use the following steps to optimize the performance of your computer:

Delete the temporary files in the Windows\Temp folder (usually C:\Windows\Temp).

Run ScanDisk and Disk Defragmenter regularly to keep your hard disk free of errors.

Use the information from the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base to improve the use of virtual memory:

ARTICLE-ID: Q128327 TITLE : How Windows 95 Manages Virtual Memory