Slow machines abound in the world and
it’s not due to any lack of processing power or an overabundance of
antiquated equipment. Someone didn’t suddenly steal the thunder from
these machines — a gremlin didn’t replace the good components with bad.
The problem is one of dirt — computer dirt. Few people bother to clean
their machines. I’m not talking about the case (although you should
clean it, too), but the hard drive and the odd accumulation of running
applications that no one needs. This dirt gobbles up system resources
up until there aren’t any left to perform the work you need to do.One
common solution for the problem of computer dirt is to throw the machine
out the window and start from scratch, but this option is becoming less
palatable for most people because newer machines only offer incremental
performance increases. (In addition, most people are concerned about
the machine ending up in a landfill — recycling is becoming an essential
part of owning a computer.) Most companies have placed spending limits
on new equipment, so you need a good reason to get a new machine. However,
you don’t have to be stuck with a machine that lets you take a coffee
break after every letter you type.This chapter introduces you to the
concepts of machine optimization, including a definition of precisely
what optimization means. Many people equate optimization with speed,
but this definitely isn’t the case. You’ll find that optimization means
so much more. For example, an optimized machine is also more reliable
— something that many people haven’t considered.