How can I optimise a T42 for programming

[comptechexpert]

Hi I was wondering if you guys had any ideas on any ways I could optimise a second hand T4s for C/C#/C++ programming with visual studio?
Thanks a lot.

Admin note: Deleted 8 hour bump post

[Neil]

Nope... I don't do any programming, so... But, according to MS, a T42 well exceeds the minimum requirements for running Visual Studio. What exactly to you want to optimize?

[comptechexpert]

Well that's good that it exceeds the minimum requirements. But I mean like just generally optimizing.

[rkawakami]

For ANY program/utility to be "optimized", it comes down to the usual things that you need to do so make sure that the computer has:

- enough memory to run; I'd basically double whatever MS says is the minimum requirement and use THAT as the minimum. If you can get the system to it's maximum, then so much better
- insure that the system has the fastest CPU possible and the largest cache
- I'm assuming that you want the fastest possible compile times, and for any other program/utility to run as fast as possible, that typically means the fastest hard drive you can install
- if you keep the system totally disconnected from the internet and other computers, then DON'T run any anti-virus/malware scanner
- make sure that there's no unnecessary programs running in the background (to give your compiler access to the most memory and CPU cycles as possible)

However, all of that said, unless you are compiling a million line program (say something that takes overnight to finish), then you probably won't see that much improvement with any of these changes. Given you are just starting out with programming, I'd say "don't worry about it".

[comptechexpert]

Well ThankYou for that great information and what do you mean by "Starting out with programming"?

Admin response: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 99#p549899

[pianowizard]

Given you are just starting out with programming, I'd say "don't worry about it".

Regarding computing power, I totally agree -- I said basically the same thing in one of the OP's other threads. However, let me repeat one suggestion that I gave the OP in that thread: get a laptop with a fairly high vertical resolution, to make the programming experience more pleasant. Three display resolutions were offered for the T42: 1024x768 (XGA), 1400x1050 (SXGA+), and 1600x1200 (UXGA). Avoid the first one, which is too low. You do have to pay a little more for the two higher res, but it's worth it. And laptop screens are difficult and pricey to upgrade, so make sure you get a T42 that already has SXGA+ or UXGA.

[comptechexpert]

OK thanks!!!!