Sometimes even simple tasks like using Word Processors or sending documents for printing run very slowly when RECORDER is also open, but regain speed if the program is closed. It seems to be frequently encountered in Windows 2000 and Windows XP. This is a memory allocation problem, which Windows allows you to easily modify.

Identify the desktop icon you click to start RECORDER. Right click the icon to select Properties and go to the Misc. tab. Here you can control whether RECORDER activity is suspended when the programme is run in the background. Normally it is helpful to clear this box so that RECORDER continues to process data in background mode. But select this box if you wish to suspend processor activity completely when you bring another application to the foreground.

A more subtle way to alter how the program uses system resources is to use the Idle Sensitivity slider. This control is also found in the Misc tab of the shortcut properties window. This slider allows you to specify how long the RECORDER program will remain idle (ie no keyboard input) before the amount of CPU resources allocated to it is reduced and made available to other applications. A LOW setting lets RECORDER keep more of your computer's resources for its own use, even if not required. A HIGH setting releases resources more quickly, allowing other applications to run much more effectively. You may need to experiment to find the best settings to balance your needs of keeping RECORDER running and using other applications without undue delay. Remember that you may also need to make a corresponding adjustment to the Idle Sensity slider in the other application, too.

Hint: Create more than one Shortcut icon on your desktop, or place one in your Start menu. You can set different properties to each shortcut so allow you to start RECORDER in two completely different ways - one that suspends activity or releases resources, and another which gives RECORDER full priority for heavy data processing.

Nick Moyes

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