Thursday, October 5, 2006
How to automate 'soft resets' to recover memory and avoid crashing
The new management system NVFS memory, which is included in all models of Palm in recent years has brought as many problems as benefits. It is an important issue that we have already spoken here, describing the problem and giving a few solutions: for resets in general (a tip) and the TX-specific, ensuring that the memory is not fragmented, making backups without problems, download the Battery to retrieve a Palm that does not start, and one more likely to forget.
The main problem on my Tungsten E2 with NVFS was that as we open and close programs (especially the ones that are programmed to believe in collaborating with the NVFS), it happens that the memory DbCache (an internal memory of the Palm is in that the programs that are loaded to run) is being occupied by files that are no longer necessary, but not freed memory correctly when you leave. The result is that when we open a program that needs more memory which is free (and Contiguous) in the DbCache, the Palm crashes.
Although there are several ways to improve this situation, which I found it more effective is to schedule a soft reset for the morning, so that while we sleep, the Palm reset and keeps all memory DbCache free to support the work of next day. Combining this with a little careful in choosing what applications to use (programmed with NVFS, avoid monsters that require a lot of RAM), and DbCacheTool to be filled when the DbCache, I can say that for months that I suffer not a soft reset on my Tungsten E2.
Able to schedule, therefore, a soft reset night is a good option. This topic has been touched before, but I thought I should list all the methods to make them easier to find. Let's look at it that way we do:
- The first option is to install a program like SoftReset, which allows a soft reset by pressing a key or simply to run it (this program is also very useful for when the button shutdown of the Palm spoiled), and combine it with another that allows us to programs regularly, as LookAtMe (download option). The setup program is that we see in the capture, when we choose, for example 4 am, and mark the box "silent" so that no no notice. From now while we sleep will be a soft reset the Palm, which we hear, and we will have ready for everyday use.
With this program we can do a soft reset at will
And with LookAtMe, we programmed for all dawns
- However, there is another possibility, and it is simply install NVBackup, the backup program designed for devices with NVFS (also free), schedule a backup (eg to 4 am) from the internal memory Palm to our memory card, and choose the option of running a soft reset at the end. With this method does not need the older programs, but only applies to those who use a memory card into your Palm.
With either method, notice as the Palm crashes with much less daily use, to count each morning with his memory DbCache as free as possible and perform a defrag.
By: Mark Gonzalez Troyes in Palm Tricks
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Look what it had thought ... these days, my Treo 650 was going quite slowly and restarted every two to three. It has not been another to do a hard reset because of a reboot or already loaded the OS
These tips come from pearls to start treating my DBCache.
The link to lookatme, is the same as that of SoftReset, or did not see where this is low or bad, but I think I can download it from here
http://www.palmblvd.com/software/pc/LookAtMe-1999-02-24-palm-pc.html
The resets in the LifeDrive is scary because you never know which will be the final, there will be no other way without causing resets.
@ AlucardX: surely be tested many programs, but anyway, they recommend making a couple of times a year a hard reset and install everything step by step, to delete files and defragment basurilla.
@ Jdark: thousand thanks, I'm a disaster with the links. Is already fixed.
@ Joseph: I am afraid I do not know of another method. I know that the LifeDrive is very theirs, but the little I know because I've never tried. If anyone knows a trick to stabilize the LifeDrive not hesitate to share it.
I suggest ... (I'm user LifeDrive)
At the moment I do not understand very much the concern of Joseph, but since I read your tips for maintaining healthy dbCache I have applied, not without sacrificing programs that I liked, P. ej. ... For the ZLauncher mention: use DBCacheTool and DA, the NVBackup for my daily backups and resets scheduled, I am using in UNCache by Dmitry, who has helped me to accelerate resets and more dbCache free and contiguous, I avoid using the Blazer, I prefer the NetFront, as I said, I left the ZL, and occasionally clean the dbCache manually with the DA that I mentioned earlier. I've been looking for alternatives that give me similar benefits to the ZL, for example the use SkinUI, not to be so monotonous my palm, in addition to the Zlink (for working with device applications internally), Myskina (in themselves and even used it I refuse to leave) ... that is roughly what I do with my LifeDrive to keep it stable ... Ah, forget something important: although the LifeDrive have 60 MB for applications and databases, I have only program in memory of those bases data and programs that work do not support themselves or their databases on the cards, it has helped me to also run faster.
Excellent collection, thanks Lithium
The problem for me is that fascinates me is that if the ZLauncher ZLauncher and LifeDrive are not very consistent for us to say, but do see very nice and on my palm uncache the truth is that I do not like to use anything from Dimitry by a bad experience I use meminfo to release the cache but I want something more because I have tried everything to me and this works well greetings.
Believe me that if you want to see performance and stability, you have to leave the ZL, I say in my own experience, and what I mentioned above, I really am very sorry not to have ceased.
With regard to the programs of Dmitry I mentioned, my part is found to have been harmless, and even beneficial ... From this LifeDrive-user there is no suggestion that you could help speed up performance.
Maybe if you risk changing the Microdrive with a 4GB compact flash, and there are those who already done so, but it is not very widespread.
Greetings!
I live in Santiago del Estero (Argentina) in the Northwest region, I have a Life Drive, which as I understand it can function as GPS with Tom Tom Navigator, I made inquiries in Buenos Aires and this support does not sell it, I can see if any proporsionarme this program somehow, I do not know if he can send by e-mail, or is there another way to do it.
My mailing address is: Avda Roca (n) 205 (4200), Santiago del Estero, Argentina.
My Phone: 54-385-422-8108