Other programs interfering with DirectRT

We have often recommended to minimize the number of other programs and processes that are running during a DirectRT session. Understandably, many users ask how to do that. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as checking the startup folder in the Windows Start menu. If you have a bunch of little icons in the bottom right of your Windows task bar, then you have stuff running that could be problematic and competing for resources. Other programs give you no notice at all that they are running. Further, many of these programs and processes may run because they have startup commands that can only be found in the Windows registry. What's a researcher to do!

There are a number of solutions to deal with this stuff and you should, of course, ask your IT people if they have a preferred method. However, if they are open to it, here is a link to a handy freeware (donation optional) utility that you can use to prevent any or all activity during startup. It's called [I]Startup Control Panel[/I]--I have tried it and it seems well implemented. The stand alone exe version is refreshingly convenient:

[I]Startup Control Panel:[/I]
[URL]http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml[/URL]

The author, Mike Lin, has another utility called Startup Monitor which attempts to inform you when any process or program is added to your system's startup collection. This could be very useful as a preventative measure. See [URL]http://www.mlin.net/StartupMonitor.shtml[/URL]

And hey, if you have a dual processor machine, why not try fully dedicating one of the processors to DirectRT and see if it can help reduce any unwanted disruptions in your log file timing reports:
[URL]http://www.mlin.net/SMPSeesaw.shtml[/URL]

If you try any of these out, let us know if you find them helpful.

Best,
Blair