DOCUMENT:Q160551  26-JUN-1998  [msnetwork]
TITLE   :How to Optimize Performance of The Microsoft Network
PRODUCT :The Microsoft Network
PROD/VER:1.20 1.30 2.00 2.50
OPER/SYS:WINDOWS
KEYWORDS:msnsetup kbmsn

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The information in this article applies to:

 - The Microsoft Network version 1.3, 2.0, 2.5
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SUMMARY
=======

This article describes how to optimize the performance of MSN, The
Microsoft Network.

MORE INFORMATION
================

To fulfill the minimum MSN system requirements, you need the following:

 - Windows 95/98
 - A personal computer with a 486/66 or higher processor
 - 14,400 bps (or faster) modem
 - 8 MB of memory required, 16 MB recommended
 - 50 MB available hard disk space
 - CD-ROM drive (2x or higher)
 - VGA or higher resolution graphics card
 - Sound card recommended
 - Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

In addition to the minimum requirements, you need the following to
optimize the performance of MSN:

 - 28,800 bps modem
 - 16 MB or more of memory
 - 16-bit sound card

Modem Optimization
------------------

Use the following steps to optimize the performance of your modem:

 - Set the COM port speed up to 38,400 bps (the default is 9600 bps).
   To change the COM port speed, follow these steps:

   1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

   2. Double-click System.

   3. Click the Device Manager tab.

   4. Double-click Ports, and then click the COM Port to which the modem
      is attached.

   5. Click Properties.

   6. Click the Port Settings tab.

   7. In the Bits Per Second box, click 38400, and then click OK.

   8. Click OK until you return to Windows.

 - Set the maximum modem speed to 28,800 or higher, depending on the
   modem's throughput capability. To do so, follow these steps:

   1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

   2. Double-click Modems.

   3. Click the modem you are using, and then click Properties.

   4. On the General tab, in the Maximum Speed box, click 28800 or
      higher.

   5. Click OK, and then click Close.

 - Use the most recently available modem driver for your modem.

 - Adjust the settings for the 16550 UART FIFO buffer using the
   information in the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

      ARTICLE-ID: Q131016
      TITLE     : Settings for the 16550 UART FIFO Buffer

Internet Explorer Optimization
------------------------------

If you have a 486-based computer, set the display to 256 colors (High
Color may slow video performance). If you have a Pentium-based computer
and a PCI-based video card, High Color should not be significantly slower
and will yield a better appearance. To change the display colors, follow
these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

2. Double-click Display.

3. Click the Settings tab.

4. In the Color Palette box (Colors box in Windows 98), click 256 Color,
   and then click OK.

5. When you are prompted to restart your computer, click Yes.

For additional information about how to improve the performance of
Microsoft Internet Explorer, please see the following article in the
Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q153790
   TITLE     : How to Improve Browsing Performance in Internet Explorer

System Optimization
-------------------

Use the following steps to optimize the performance of your computer:

 - Delete the temporary files in the Windows\Temp folder (usually
   C:\Windows\Temp).

 - Run ScanDisk and Disk Defragmenter regularly to keep your hard disk
   free of errors.

 - Use the information from the following article in the Microsoft
   Knowledge Base to improve the use of virtual memory:

      ARTICLE-ID: Q128327
      TITLE     : How Windows 95/98 Manages Virtual Memory

Additional query words: 1.30 2.00 2.50 msn
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Keywords          : msnsetup kbmsn 
Version           : 1.20 1.30 2.00 2.50
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbinfo

=============================================================================

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Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1998.