Hey guys I'm a computer idiot and not sure how to treat my studio computer, as of now I keep my studio computer off the internet and only go on to update, I have done the windows 8.1 optimization for DAW's and the only program I use is Sonar platinum. I wa wondering would it be ok to have other programs on my pc such as Intelli Studio which is for my camcorder and something like cyberlink pro for video editing and picture editing. I have an external hard drive that I save all my studio work on and I would be saving my other work on that also, i.e. pictures and videos. I am gonna purchase another hard drive just to back up my work, I'll have everything saved on 2 external hard drives, just in case one gives out. So my question is, is it ok to have the video an picture software on the same machine and will it affect how sonar operates?
Thanks Guys,
Andrew.

Totally fine AFAIK as long as they are reputable programs free of malware and whatnot. If they are not running at the same time as Sonar then there should not be a problem.
 
One thing I would watch out for is if those programs hunt for updates automatically. In which case go into the preferences of those programs and turn such auto update type features completely off. I think you can also disable that type of crap by going into Windows Control Panel and deselecting any startup program crap (which is a good idea on a DAW anyway).
 
However... be VERY careful when installing new programs that you are totally aware of what is being installed. I mentioned malware and whatever but if you are snagging freeware vid stuff from the internet or whatever even the cleanest free programs may come with anti virus trials or whatever else so just pay attention to the installer and only install the program components you need.
 
I tried to avoid installing ANYTHING I don't actually intend to use on any of my systems but if you do vid stuff then it make sense to have those programs alongside your audio programs.
 
I am not a tech, others can help you pin down specifics and offer better advice. Maybe list the programs you intend to install and where you got them so others who own those programs can offer insights on any weird crap.
 
If you got it from CNET or whatever... don't install. Go directly to the program manufacturer's website if possible because places like CNET (unfortunately) now cram stupid shiz into their installers (CNET used to be cool... ugh).
 
If it's pro video stuff you paid for these things are likely not an issue but still keep an eye out.
 
Also create a Windows Restore point and/or a system image before installing new stuff just in case something does creep in. Test programs out on a separate system if you can and scour the internet for reviews on the programs you intend to install (look for reports of malware and whatnot).
 
Meh... others can be more useful but that's how I roll... with caution, paranoia, etc but not at the expense of doing what I need to.
 
Cheers.

dupe

Windows should pretty much isolate programs from one another. If they are not running simultaneously there should be no issue, except that one program might make changes that affect one that runs later. The main Sonar issue seems to be that other programs that use your audio driver may fail to release it or change the default sample rate, but those issues are manageable. If you are running programs simultaneously, it should not be much more of a problem, unless the programs are using shared drivers etc. Many people run Sonar on a computer that they use for everything else as well.

Should not affect how SONAR runs unless of course like me recent install of Gobbler dinked up the system32 folder (lost three .dll files) and SONAR would not run. I was able to recover.
 
I strongly suggest you create a restore point before you do any installs. Most "good" software will do this these days, but just imagine that the next software you install does not create a restore point and DOES dink up something for SONAR. Woe is u.
 
 

Just check msconfig.exe regularly, especially after you use something that likes to load itself on boot. Adobe is the #1 offender of this. Setting priority of some processes to "manual" is also useful to keep them from autoloading (and can also knock the priorities below "normal").

Legitimate programs can be managed usually via the above and are non-issues for the most part.

I've had all sorts of stuff installed on a PC along with Sonar.

Photoshop, Adobe audio and video software, a game or two for when inspiration doesn't strike or I just need a break...

The only thing to watch is that if you run too much stuff at the same time it has a cumulative effect on available computer resources. Lot's of things install "helper" applications that run all the time, or try and phone home for updates at the wrong moment.

What others have said. Also, in Win 8.1 it's easy to see what is set to run on startup. Right click on the taskbar and open task manager. Look on the startup tab. You can disable programs from running at start up right on that screen and set their priority. Adobe, Apple and others love to stuff things in startup. I've disabled everything but what I need.
 
Cyberlink should be fine (I have it installed). Always use care when installing something downloaded from the net. For example, in the past I used CamStudio for screen recording, but the latest version I downloaded last week was infected with malware. Keeping the DAW off of the internet can only help.

I totally disagree about keeping a DAW off the internet. Updates (esp windows updates) is what keep your computer secure and in running order. Mine works perfectly fine and we keep hearing of issues from people who are disconnected. I can see why people did it in the past but it is a rather dated concept now. You have backups you have virus and malware scanners.

If you must keep your PC offline then NEVER install any software on it. Don't ever update Platinum either. Yup not very practicle.

I prefer to keep my audio software on one windows OS partition. I multiboot to various OS's. The more software you install the more dependencies you may introduce, and the larger the registry bloats. Also new software often introduces auto startup programs and services.

That's not to say you shouldn't install additional software, it's down to how much of a priority performance and stability is for you. Some people need a balance.

Thanks guys, the programmes I want to install are reputable and are from disk, I also do update my studio computer via the internet, I just have my WiFi disabled whe n using sonar. I should be ok then as long as I check auto start up programmes after installing.