Specifications

2. Open the System Monitor by clicking the Start button and then
selecting Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Monitor.
The program should look similar to Figure 2.9.
3. Select Edit > Add Item. In the resulting dialog box, click on Kernel in
the Category list. Then click on Processor Usage in the Item list, and
click the OK button.
4. Depending on the current settings, you may see a line chart, bar
chart, or numerical chart. You can select the different displays via the
View menu.
Now, as you use your computer, the System Monitor will continuously
show the changes in your CPU power usage.
System Memory (RAM)
You probably already know this point, but the more memory you have
installed in your computer, the better. This is especially true for large
applications such as SONAR. Even though Cakewalk lists 64 MB in the
system requirements, you would be better off with 128 MB of RAM. Not
only does increased memory allow your system to run more smoothly, it
makes the system run faster, too. With more RAM available, Windows is
less likely to have to access virtual memory.
Virtual Memory
To fool your computer into thinking it has more RAM than it really does,
Windows uses part of your hard disk space as virtual memory. Every time
you start your system, Windows creates a “swap file” on your hard drive.
This “swap file” grows and shrinks as you perform different tasks with
your computer. Whenever you try to use more RAM than is installed in
your system, Windows stores the excess data in the “swap file.” For
example, if you have 32 MB of RAM in your system, and you run four
Figure 2.9
The Windows System
Monitor accessory
monitors your CPU
usage.
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Getting Started with SONAR — Chapter 2