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Appendix 13:  EEGer Computer Performance Settings

EEG Spectrum Systems Technical Support recommends the following steps to optimize the performance of EEGer Neurofeedback Software.

PERFORM THESE STEPS ON COMPUTERS WITH PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS:

• Windows XP Video Settings:
• Click Start.  Right-click on My Computer in the menu and select Properties from the menu.  System Properties should be displayed. 
• Click the Advanced tab, then the first Settings button for Performance Settings. 
• On the Video Settings tab.  Select "Adjust for best PERFORMANCE" and click OK. 
• This will cause other changes, such as the Control Panel will be Classic view.  You can change it back when not running EEGer if you wish. 
• Video Resolution:
• Click Start and select Control Panel.  
• Double-click the Display Control Panel. 
• Click the Settings tab. 
• Screen area/resolution minimum requirement is 800x600 with 16-bit color.  The best setting depends on the computer equipment, but we generally stay at or below 1024x768 pixels, 32-bit color.  Note:  If your system is already set to 800x600, 16-bit color, you may need to upgrade your desktop video card or laptop system.   
• If you make a change, click OK.  Be sure to respond to any prompts to confirm the change or the system will automatically revert to the previous setting (It does that in case you couldn't see with the new setting.) 

PERFORM THESE STEPS ON ALL NEUROFEEDBACK COMPUTERS

• Power Management Settings:

Click Start and select Control Panel. 

Double-click the Power Control Panel.  (For Toshibas, use the Toshiba Power Management Control Panel.) 

Set all options to Never turn off or to a high enough setting that it will not occur during a session.  

  Note: This is particularly important for a Game computer since the keyboard and mouse are rarely used. 

    (For Toshibas, you'll need to select the Power Save Mode option, such as Full Power, and edit the details

    for that Power Save Mode). 

Click OK to save changes. 

• Screen Saver:

Click Start and select Control Panel. 

Click the Screensaver tab. 

Set the name to "None" or set the Wait time high enough to avoid the screensaver during a session.  

  Note: This is particularly important for a Game computer since the keyboard and mouse are rarely used.  

Click OK if you've made a change. 

• Windows Device Setting for USB Ports:

Click Start and select Control Panel. 

Double-click the System Control Panel. 

Click the Hardware tab, then the button labeled Device Manager. 

In the alphabetical list, locate "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" and double-click that text. 

    (You may need to use the scroll bar at the right to get down to that entry). 

For EVERY "USB Root Hub entry", follow these steps: 

Double-click USB Root Hub 

Click the Power Management tab at the right. 

Click the checkbox so it is UNchecked.

         Click OK. 

Close all windows. 

• Virus Protection and Firewalls:

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to disable virus protection and configure your firewall to avoid interference during a Neurofeedback session.  If you access the Internet with the system, disable virus protection only when actively running a session.

• Wireless Internet Devices

We recommend that you disable Wireless access to your computer when running a Neurofeedback session.  Some computers have a switch to do so.  For others, go to the Windows Device Manager under Network Adapters.  Right-click the Wireless adapter and select Disable.

• System Memory

If the system has the minimum requirement of system memory to run the operating system, you may wish to add additional memory.  If the system uses Integrated Video or an AGP video card, the video may share the system memory.  Increasing the system memory may be necessary for optimal performance.