FSAutoStart not really worth it... or is it?

[Kpt. Kozloff]

Ahoy there,

Lately i posted some info about the RAM optimizing software called WinCleaner. I've been told about the FSAutoStart and it's amazing specs. I have checked it out today and i have to say that besides dissapointment i haven't found anything else in it.
At the start i looked promissing but in the end it hasn't enhanced anything. I still have those micro-stutters, and harbours or close proximity of land is affecting the game playability in the same way as before. It's funny though, because the programme reported freeing ca. 230MB of RAM. Strange going's on.
I believe i've done everything right with the install so can anyone tell me why isn't it working like it's reported to be? I mean c'mon, it can't be worthless, there are too many folks out there praising it. So to all users, send your thoughts please.

Kpt. Kozloff

[joea]

It works very well for me...when I don't use it SH3 is almost unplayable for me. Il-2 works much better too. Granted my machine is marginal but what about your specs??

[Kpt. Kozloff]

I've got a Acer Travelmate 2413LCi with Intel Celeron M processor 370 (1.5 GHz, 400 MHz FSB, 1Mb L2 cache) 40 GB HDD, 512 MB DDR2 (dual channel).
It's a basic machine for my work and stuff, but hopefully i'm switching to something new soon and it'll be a laptop as well because stationary workstation is pretty inconvenient at the moment for me.

[von Zelda]

The best thing you could do for your computer is add memory. Your computer may still slow down in harbor, near land, near big convoys, etc.

I've just added WinCleaner to my computer, while I don't see any real improvement, it hasn't hurt anything. I for one had a problem after using FSautoStart and I may end up having to reformat my harddrive to correct the problem. I can not play GWX because of numerous intermittent crashes to blue screen upon exit. I did a restore but that didn't help. I've since reloaded the Grey Wolves edition to see if it crashes to blue screen as well. So far it hasn't but the verdict is still out.

A couple of free downloads I'd recommend:
Spyboot Search and Destroy (free from download.com)
Adaware (free from download.com)
CrapCleaner (free download, run a Google search) This program really gets rid of useless files and issues. It's a must have.
AVG virus scan (free download, run a Google search) This virus scan is NOT a memory hog like some that I will not mention by name. It's great and has free updats.

A couple of NOT free dowloads:
RegistryFix ($39.95 one time fee)
FreeRegistryFix ($24.95)
They really clean up useless junk in the registry and work well in conjuction with each other because neither gets rid of all the registry problems alone. Both of these programs have the ability to turn off startup items and they are easy to restore.

I run all of these programs often. Hope this is helpful.

[stabiz]

Thanks, von zelda, will try out the crap cleaner. I have the other free ones, except AVG, I use Avast.

[gabeeg]

More memory will help a bit, the real culprit to your stuttering and slowness is more than likely the Intel GMA 900 Video card that your computer has. This card uses "Dynamic" video memory which means it is using your main system RAM. when your CPU and GPU are both trying to access your system RAM you are going to see slow downs. Also when your GPU has to access system RAM it is always going to be much slower than if it had its own onboard RAM in general. FSautoStart will free up some RAM and some CPU cycles but if your main bottle neck is the Video card you will not see any benefits from this program.

[Kpt. Kozloff]

Thanks.

[Abd_von_Mumit]

Kpt. Kozloff, did you use the program properly? Did you order it to shut as many processes, as it stated would be ok? Did you follow these steps:
- launch FSAutoStart,
- FSAutoStart automatically launches your game (SH3 or SH3Commander)?
And did you choose the option to defragmentate RAM on start?

[Tuddley3]

Before FS AutoStart, SH3 Stock was hard to play. Now I can play WAC and GWX with not much slideshow effect in harbors and Convoys. Big Explosions and heavy storms still get me down to 4FPS, but on the open sea and single merchants don't stutter very much. I have 894Ram.

All in all, I would say FS AutoStart is very helpfull, even works with Multi Installs

[Corsair]

Been using FS Autostart for a long time on different PCs for all kind of simulation programs and never had a problem so far. I use the stop and restart function for programs and services as well as memory defrag. Just to add to bug safety, I always reboot computer before playing SH3 if I played something else before and shut down my wifi internet connection.

[Kaleu_Mihoo]

yes, FS Autostart is a very good program, I was able to run it even under windows 2000 and it gave me 70 MB "extra" memory (310 before, 380 after) out of my 512 MB with great performance results in sh3.

[Slick Rick]

How do you know which processes to shut down?

[Abd_von_Mumit]

How do you know which processes to shut down?
The programme was originally designed for gaming and its tips, that are displayed in the righ-top corner of the window, are very useful. Just read them and you'll know what each process does and if it's safe to close it, or not. I don't think it could be more simple. :)

I leave only like 5-6 processes running when I play my game.