Windows XP (Media Centre Edition) Cache program

[PCH]

Hi Guys,

I know there are several programs out there that you can buy to improve the caching on Windows XP. But I thought I might ask if there was anyone here that could recommend a particular one, and if there are any good free ones available to download.

Any suggestions much appreciated. :thumbsup:

[OICURMT]

Question: Do you have the System Cache enabled? (Disabled by default in XP).

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/895932

[PCH]

Hi OICURMT

thanks for the reply. I can see when I follow the provided link that this cache feature is provided for when you are using a PC as a server. That's not the case with mine.

Basically, my internet was very slow to the point where even youtube vids would pause and await a catch up. I can download a test file from the Bigpond home page, and see that my download speed was initially (before any tweaks) ranging from as low as 14kbps up to 40 or 50 kbps, - clearly not good !

But I have some subscriptions to a couple of investment houses which send me videos from time to time that literally play for a second or two and then pause for 10 seconds, then play for another couple of seconds then pause again etc etc. It makes them impossible to watch usefully.

So, I wanted to see how I could speed up my PC generally, and specifically whilst downloading stuff from the internet.

I did a few checks like chkdsk, defrag, and some other simple things that I found on the internet. I also found a freebie called TCPOptimizer, which
had a profound effect. The download speed of the same file has now ranged from 140kbps to as high as 450kbps - a staggering improvement. Although I still don't uderstand why there is such a huge variation in the speeds I can achieve. I suppose it must be affected by other users at busy times etc.

Anyway, I was wanting to know if there was a cache program that might help with performance generally. There is a program called CACHEMAN, which you can try for 30 days before you have to pay. But I thought for sure that someone here would be able to recommend a good freebie.

Anyway, now you know where I'm coming from. Any other thoughts anyone?

Cheers :thumbsup:

[OICURMT]

Caching will not help your video if your internet download rate is slower than the video play. Your only option would be to download the video and watch it later "offline". I use DownloadHelper (http://www.downloadhelper.net/) for FireFox for saving videos.

If you do actually download videos to your hard drive and then still have jerky video, I'd suggest you try to use a different player as Windows Media player is not very good (I use VLC (http://www.videolan.org/vlc/)).

OIC!

[OICURMT]

I just re-read your post... at 450kpbs you have enough speed to view a 360p video with no lag. As for the increase in speed due to TCPOptimizer, I suspect that you had a mis-match in your MTU settings between your computer and your modem and the program set your computer to match the modem.

OIC!