Lag is the bane of competitive gaming. Addressing it requires a multifaceted approach. Simple fixes like checking your Wi-Fi connection for signal strength and interference are paramount. A weak signal translates directly to higher latency. Consider using a wired connection whenever possible; Ethernet offers significantly lower latency and jitter than even the strongest Wi-Fi. If wired isn’t feasible, investigate Wi-Fi extenders, mesh networks, or strategically placed access points to optimize signal strength. Powerline adapters can be surprisingly effective in extending network coverage, especially in older houses with poor Wi-Fi penetration. Similarly, MoCA adapters utilize coaxial cables for a robust and often overlooked alternative.
Beyond network infrastructure, application-level optimization is crucial. Close unnecessary background applications consuming bandwidth. Streaming services, downloads, and other bandwidth-intensive processes directly compete for resources, impacting game performance. Prioritize game traffic in your router’s QoS (Quality of Service) settings. This allows you to assign higher priority to your gaming traffic, ensuring it receives preferential bandwidth allocation even during periods of high network usage.
For more advanced troubleshooting, consider using ping and traceroute commands to identify bottlenecks in your connection path. High ping indicates latency issues; traceroute helps pinpoint the source. These diagnostics can point to problems with your ISP, routing infrastructure, or even server-side issues. Regularly updating your network drivers and router firmware also improves stability and performance. Finally, the game itself can be a source of lag. Lowering in-game graphics settings, particularly resolution and visual effects, can significantly improve responsiveness.
How to reduce lag in second life?
Experiencing Second Life lag? Let’s fix that! The single biggest thing you can do is optimize your rendering settings. Go to your Preferences, enable the Advanced tab – seriously, do it now. Then, find “Rendering Types”.
Here’s where the magic happens: We’re going to selectively disable certain graphical elements to boost performance. Think of it as a surgical strike against lag.
- Deselect: Trees, Water, Clouds, Grass, Ground, and Particles. These are computationally expensive. Start with these and see how it feels.
Important Note: This is a temporary fix. You’ll need to repeat this process every time you log in. Annoying, I know, but worth it for a smoother experience.
Pro-Tip 1: Experiment! Don’t just blindly deselect everything. Try turning off one element at a time to see its individual impact. You might find you can tolerate some visual reduction for a significant performance boost.
- Start with the least visually important elements to you first (like particles).
- Gradually turn off more elements until you find a balance between visual fidelity and acceptable performance.
Pro-Tip 2: Consider your hardware. An older machine will require more aggressive settings reduction than a newer one. If you’re still lagging after these steps, upgrading your hardware might be necessary.
Pro-Tip 3: Lower your view distance. This reduces the number of objects your computer needs to render simultaneously. Find this setting within the Advanced tab of your Preferences too.
What reduces lag in a computer?
Lag? Amateur. Let’s dissect this. It’s rarely one thing, it’s a symphony of bottlenecks. You’re looking at a multi-pronged attack.
Hardware:
- CPU Bottleneck: Is your CPU maxed out? Upgrade if necessary. Overclocking (carefully!) can squeeze more performance, but monitor temps religiously. High temps = dead CPU.
- RAM is your battlefield: More RAM means more troops (applications) can deploy simultaneously. Low RAM? Expect lag spikes. 16GB is a solid starting point these days; more is better, especially for demanding games.
- Storage: An NVMe SSD is the ultimate weapon. Forget slow HDDs; the load times are the difference between victory and defeat. If you’re stuck with an HDD, defragmentation (though less critical with modern OSes) can *slightly* improve things. Prioritize game installation on the fastest drive available.
- GPU: This is your primary damage dealer. A weak GPU is a death sentence. Upgrade if you are struggling with graphics-intensive games.
Software & Drivers:
- Driver Updates: Outdated drivers are like rusty swords. Update them all – graphics drivers especially. Use the manufacturer’s website, not Windows Update.
- Background Processes: Close unnecessary applications. Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to identify resource hogs. They’re stealing your precious CPU cycles and memory bandwidth.
- Junk Files: Disk Cleanup is your basic cleanup crew, but a full-fledged cleaning tool can find hidden junk files and bloatware, freeing up space and resources. Don’t overdo it, know what you’re removing.
- Windows Updates: Keep your OS patched. Some updates include performance optimizations.
Network:
- Connectivity: Wired is always better than wireless. If wireless is necessary, ensure a strong signal. Network congestion can be your biggest enemy in PvP – consider a better router or less network traffic.
- Ping (Latency): High ping means your actions are delayed. Check your ping to the game server. Distance from the server is a critical factor. Look for closer servers or optimize your network route.
What is lag caused by?
Lag? That’s a fundamental issue in competitive gaming, stemming from high latency – the delay between your input and its on-screen effect. It’s not just about a slow reaction; it directly impacts your ability to perform at your peak.
High ping is the most common culprit. Think of it as the distance your packets have to travel to the server and back. The further the distance, the higher the ping, and the more pronounced the lag. This is exacerbated by network congestion, poor internet infrastructure, or even issues with your own router.
Beyond ping, several factors contribute to lag:
- Server-side issues: Overloaded game servers, poor server optimization, or even server location can drastically increase lag. A server far from your physical location will always have higher latency than one closer.
- Packet loss: This happens when data packets don’t reach their destination. It’s like dropping frames, but for your commands. It results in jerky movement and inconsistent responses.
- Hardware limitations: While less common in modern systems, a CPU or GPU bottleneck can impact processing speeds, leading to noticeable lag, especially in demanding games.
- Software issues: Background processes hogging resources, outdated drivers, or even poorly optimized game settings can introduce lag.
Reducing lag requires a multifaceted approach. Consider:
- Optimize your network settings: Close unnecessary applications, prioritize game traffic using QoS (Quality of Service), and run a wired connection whenever possible. Wi-Fi is inherently more susceptible to interference and instability.
- Upgrade your hardware: If your CPU or GPU is struggling, upgrading can significantly improve performance and reduce lag. Especially important is sufficient RAM.
- Check your game settings: Lowering graphical settings can alleviate some strain on your system, directly reducing in-game lag.
- Choose servers wisely: Select servers geographically closer to you for optimal ping. Look for servers with consistently low player counts to avoid congestion.
Pro-tip: Regularly monitor your ping and packet loss using in-game tools or third-party network monitoring software. This proactive approach helps you quickly identify and address emerging issues before they significantly impact your performance.
How do I reduce input lag delay?
Input lag’s a tricky beast, folks. The simple “limit FPS just below refresh rate” advice? Outdated. It’s a starting point, sure, but often not the best solution. Vsync often introduces *more* lag than it solves.
The real secret? It depends. Some games benefit from slightly underclocking your CPU or GPU to achieve a rock-solid frame rate, minimizing stuttering which masks input lag. Others respond better to massive overdriving. Aiming for double or triple your refresh rate, pushing the hardware to its limits, can yield surprisingly smooth, responsive gameplay. Think of it this way: a higher frame rate gives your display more opportunities to update with your inputs, even if it’s showing slightly more frames than it *needs*.
But here’s the kicker: It’s not just about FPS. Your router, network settings (QoS!), even your controller’s latency all play a role. Check your network for congestion, test different controllers, and consider a wired connection if possible. Lastly, monitor response time matters. A slower monitor will always feel less responsive, regardless of frame rates. So, factor all this in, and experiment! Find the sweet spot for your specific setup.
How do I clear lag?
Lag is the bane of any competitive gamer’s existence. Addressing it requires a multi-pronged approach, going beyond simple troubleshooting.
1. Resource Hog Identification and Termination: Don’t just close unnecessary programs; analyze them. Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc on Windows) to identify processes consuming excessive CPU, RAM, or disk I/O. Prioritize ending those with high resource usage that aren’t critical for gameplay. Background processes like cloud syncing services or antivirus scans can significantly impact performance during crucial moments.
2. Network Optimization: This goes beyond simply checking your connection speed. High ping isn’t just about internet speed; it’s about network congestion and routing efficiency. Consider these points:
- QoS (Quality of Service): Configure your router to prioritize game traffic. This ensures your game packets receive preferential treatment over other network activities.
- Wired Connection: Wired connections are significantly more stable and less prone to packet loss than Wi-Fi. If possible, use an Ethernet cable for the most reliable connection.
- Network Interference: Identify potential sources of interference (microwaves, cordless phones) and try relocating your router or gaming setup.
- Driver Updates: Ensure your network adapter drivers are up-to-date. Outdated drivers can introduce instability and latency.
3. Hard Drive Optimization: While defragmentation is less crucial for SSDs, optimizing your storage remains essential. For HDDs, regular defragmentation helps improve read/write speeds. For SSDs, focus on maintaining sufficient free space (at least 10-20% free). Overfilled drives can negatively impact performance.
4. Malware and Driver Issues: Malware can consume resources and cause network instability. Regularly scan your system with reputable antivirus software. Additionally, outdated or corrupted drivers (especially graphics drivers) are frequent culprits for lag. Keep your drivers updated via the manufacturer’s website.
5. Hardware Limitations: Outdated hardware is a significant bottleneck. Consider upgrading components if your system consistently struggles to meet the game’s minimum or recommended specifications. Prioritize upgrading your CPU, RAM, and GPU in that order. A powerful CPU and ample RAM are critical for efficient multitasking, while a capable GPU is essential for rendering graphics smoothly.
- CPU Bottleneck: High CPU usage during gameplay indicates your processor is struggling to keep up. This might manifest as stuttering or dropped frames.
- RAM Bottleneck: Insufficient RAM can lead to excessive page file usage, drastically slowing down the system.
- GPU Bottleneck: Low frame rates and screen tearing often point to a GPU bottleneck. This occurs when your graphics card cannot render frames fast enough.
What reduces input lag?
Let’s dissect input lag, that insidious foe of responsive gaming. The core issue? It’s the delay between your action (button press, mouse movement) and seeing its effect on screen. Frame rate (FPS) is king here. Higher FPS means more frequent screen updates, directly translating to lower input lag. Think of it like this: 60 FPS means 16.7 milliseconds between frames; 144 FPS shrinks that to roughly 7 milliseconds – a significant difference in competitive scenarios.
Beyond FPS, your connection method is crucial. Wireless connections, while convenient, introduce noticeable latency, particularly at higher resolutions. The wireless signal has to travel, get processed, and then sent back to your display, adding milliseconds that can cost you the game. Wired connections (HDMI, DisplayPort) provide a vastly superior, low-latency pathway for your visual data. Consider the type of cable too – higher-bandwidth cables can marginally improve signal speed.
Beyond hardware: Game settings can subtly impact input lag. High graphical settings (shadows, anti-aliasing) can demand more processing power, leading to potential frame-rate drops and increased lag. Lowering these settings – especially if your hardware struggles to maintain a stable high FPS – can dramatically improve responsiveness. Furthermore, certain in-game features like motion blur can also introduce a small amount of perceived lag. Experiment to find the optimal balance between visuals and performance.
Display technology matters: Response time (measured in milliseconds, ms), refers to how quickly a pixel changes color. Faster response times mean less ghosting and blurring, contributing to a smoother, more responsive experience. Look for displays with response times of 1ms or lower for competitive gaming. Input lag isn’t solely determined by FPS; the display itself adds its own delay.
V-Sync and FreeSync/G-Sync: These technologies aim to synchronize your display refresh rate with your game’s frame rate, minimizing screen tearing and stuttering. However, poorly implemented V-Sync can introduce its own input lag. FreeSync and G-Sync generally offer smoother, lower-lag experiences by dynamically adjusting the refresh rate. Experimentation will reveal whether these features improve or hinder your experience.
How do I reduce lag and speed up play?
Lag’s a killer, isn’t it? Been there, dealt with that. Here’s the seasoned pro’s approach to crushing lag and boosting your gameplay:
- Close unnecessary apps and programs: Think of your computer’s resources as ammo. Every background program gobbling up bandwidth and processing power is a bullet wasted. Shut down anything you’re not actively using—browsers, music players, even those sneaky system tray apps.
- Temporarily halt updates: Windows, game launchers, even your antivirus – updates hog bandwidth. Pause them during gameplay. You can resume later.
- Ethernet over Wi-Fi, always: Wired connections are vastly more stable and faster. Ditch the Wi-Fi unless absolutely necessary. The difference is night and day, especially in competitive games.
- Network decongestion: Streaming Netflix while raiding? Not a good plan. Other devices on your network compete for bandwidth. Limit usage during intense gaming sessions.
- Server check: High ping often originates from the game’s servers. Check the server status. If the server itself is lagging, there’s little you can do besides wait or try a different server.
- Server selection: Choose a game server geographically close to you. The shorter the distance your data travels, the lower your ping.
- Frame rate optimization: Don’t chase the highest frame rate possible if it sacrifices stability. Find a balance between visual fidelity and smooth gameplay. Lowering graphical settings often helps tremendously.
- Router upgrade (consider it): An older or overloaded router is a common culprit. A newer router with better bandwidth handling capabilities can make a huge difference. Think of it as upgrading your ammo supply.
- Advanced Tip: QoS (Quality of Service): Many routers allow you to prioritize network traffic. Configure your router to give gaming traffic priority over other applications. This ensures your game gets the bandwidth it needs.
How to reduce system latency?
Yo gamers, struggling with lag? Let’s obliterate that latency! Here’s the pro gamer’s guide to a smoother experience:
- Network Ninja Moves: Ditch that potato Wi-Fi! Wired connection is king. Check for packet loss – those dropped packets are lag’s best friend. Consider a QoS (Quality of Service) setting on your router to prioritize game traffic. Think of it as giving your game VIP access to the internet highway.
- Caching: It’s Like a Cheat Code: Caching stores frequently accessed data locally, cutting down on trips to the server. It’s like having a personal stash of power-ups readily available, no loading screens needed!
- Database Deep Dive: A slow database is a lag-fest. Optimize queries – think of it as streamlining your character builds for maximum efficiency. Indexing is key – it’s like having a super-fast search function for your game’s data.
- Asynchronous Awesomeness: Don’t let one task hold up the entire game. Asynchronous processing allows multiple things to happen concurrently. It’s like having multiple characters working together, each with their own objectives.
- Code Optimization: Level Up Your Scripting: Clean, efficient code is crucial. Profile your code to find bottlenecks – these are the parts of your game slowing things down. Removing unnecessary calculations is like removing heavy armor from your character – increasing speed and agility.
- In-Memory Data: Instant Access: In-memory databases are lightning fast. Think of it as having all your items instantly accessible, no inventory menus needed.
- Load Balancing: Distribute the Pain (Evenly): Don’t overload one server. Load balancing distributes traffic across multiple servers. It’s like having multiple raid bosses to tackle – preventing server crashes and lag spikes.
- Data Serialization: Streamline Data Transfers: Efficient data serialization is essential for fast communication between client and server. Choose the right format for your needs – it’s like picking the right weapon for the job.
- Server-Side Optimization: This isn’t always under your control, but if you’re a developer or have server access, ensure sufficient CPU, RAM and SSD space. A powerful rig is essential for a smooth game.
- Client-Side Optimization: Upgrade your PC specs! More RAM, a better CPU, and a faster SSD can drastically reduce latency on your end. Think of it as upgrading your gaming chair and mouse for a better competitive advantage.
Pro-tip: Regularly monitor your system’s performance. Use tools to track your latency, and you’ll quickly identify the source of any problems. Happy gaming!
How do you explain lag?
Lag? You mean that soul-crushing, rage-inducing delay that makes your perfectly timed headshot miss by a mile? It’s the digital equivalent of quicksand, sucking the fun right out of your victory lap.
Basically, lag is the delay between your input and the game’s response. It manifests in several ways:
- Input Lag: Your clicks, keystrokes, or controller inputs don’t register instantly. Think that split-second delay between pushing the button and your character actually moving. Brutal in high-stakes situations.
- Network Lag (Ping): This is the bane of online gaming. It’s the time it takes for data to travel between your machine and the game server. High ping means rubberbanding (jerky movement), delayed actions, and teleporting opponents – a recipe for frustration.
- Server Lag: The server itself is struggling to keep up. This affects everyone. Think of it as a game-wide slowdown. Everyone’s sluggish; everyone’s mad.
Causes of Lag:
- Your Hardware: An underpowered rig can’t keep up with demanding games.
- Your Internet Connection: Poor bandwidth or high latency is a major culprit.
- The Game Server: Overcrowded servers or server-side issues are out of your control but hugely impactful.
- Game Engine Issues: Poorly optimized games can lag even on high-end systems.
Dealing with Lag: Lowering graphics settings, closing unnecessary applications, upgrading your hardware, and choosing less populated servers are your best bets. Sometimes, though, you just gotta grit your teeth and power through it. It’s part of the hardcore gamer’s baptism by fire.
How do I get rid of boost lag?
Alright rookie, so you’re facing boost lag, huh? That’s a common problem, especially in games with realistic engine simulation. Think of boost lag as the time it takes for your turbo to spin up and deliver the power. The quicker it spins, the less lag you experience.
Now, the “magic bullet” solution you’re looking for is akin to using nitrous oxide in real life. In game terms, think of it as a temporary, powerful boost that drastically increases cylinder pressure. This surge of pressure forces the turbo to spool up almost instantly, eliminating that dreaded lag. It’s like a cheat code, but it comes with a price – it’s not sustainable.
However, relying solely on nitrous (or its in-game equivalent) is a crutch. It’s a short-term fix, not a solution to the underlying problem. Think of it as a power-up, not a skill upgrade.
To truly minimize boost lag, focus on improving your driving technique. Smooth and consistent throttle inputs are crucial. Avoid jerky acceleration, as this makes the turbo struggle to keep up. Think of it like a boxer – quick, controlled bursts of power are much more effective than frantic flailing.
Proper gear selection is another key factor. Staying in a lower gear for longer allows the engine to maintain higher RPMs, keeping the turbo spinning and reducing the time it takes to build boost. It’s all about maximizing the engine’s efficiency and your responsiveness to the road.
Consider upgrading your turbocharger. A larger or more efficient turbo will spool up faster and generate more boost, reducing lag. But this usually comes with more complexity, and it might not be possible in all games.
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of engine tuning. Properly calibrated engine parameters can significantly impact turbo response. This is usually a deeper setting in your game’s options and requires a lot of practice and understanding to do properly.
Is there a way to reduce input lag on a TV?
Input lag’s a gamer’s worst nightmare, right? That sluggish response time can cost you the win. Let’s get rid of it. First, Game Mode is your best friend. It bypasses most of the image processing that causes lag – think of it as a shortcut straight to your screen. Every TV has it; find it in your settings, usually under “Picture” or “Game.” It’s the single most effective change.
Next, those fancy image processing features? Turn them *off*. Things like “motion smoothing,” “motion interpolation,” “clear motion,” or any variation—they all add processing time. Your TV will look slightly less “perfect,” but your reactions will be lightning-fast. Think of it as trading visual fidelity for responsiveness – a worthwhile trade in competitive gaming.
Beyond settings, consider your connection. An HDMI cable with a high bandwidth (like HDMI 2.1 for the newest consoles and TVs) will minimize signal delays. If you’re using an older HDMI cable, upgrade. Also, be sure to use the correct HDMI port on your TV – some TVs have dedicated ports optimized for gaming.
Finally, if you’re *really* serious about minimizing input lag, explore the settings for your console or PC. Some games and platforms also have their own options for reducing processing overhead or choosing a lower resolution for increased framerate.
What is lag in internet?
Lag? Dude, that’s gamer-speak for high ping or latency. Basically, your connection’s crapping out, not delivering data fast enough. Think of it like this: you’re sending commands to the game server, but they’re stuck in traffic. Your actions are delayed, you’re rubber-banding (that jerky teleporting back and forth?), your shots miss by a mile even though your aim was perfect. It’s brutal.
High ping is the time it takes for a data packet to travel from your computer to the server and back. Lower is better, anything above 100ms is noticeable, and over 200ms is unplayable for most competitive games. High latency is a broader term referring to overall delays in your network, encompassing things beyond just ping. It can be caused by packet loss (data getting dropped), server-side issues, or even your own network congestion.
Troubleshooting? Check your internet speed – are you getting what you’re paying for? Close background apps sucking up bandwidth. Wired connection is almost always better than Wi-Fi. Router placement matters; don’t hide it in a closet. Consider a QoS setting on your router to prioritize gaming traffic. And sometimes, it’s just the server; happens to the best of us.
Beyond the basics: Jitter (variations in ping) also contributes significantly to lag. A consistent high ping is less disruptive than a wildly fluctuating one. Understanding these nuances can help you pinpoint the problem and optimize your setup for peak performance. It’s all about minimizing that lag and getting that sweet, sweet victory.
What is lag and example?
Lag? You mean that soul-crushing, frame-rate-murdering, rubber-banding nightmare that turns a perfectly timed headshot into a pathetic whiff? It’s when your game client can’t keep up with the server, causing everything from jittery movement to ghost bullets. Think of it as your game being stuck in slow motion while everyone else is playing at normal speed.
In simpler terms, it’s the delay between your actions and the game’s response. That delayed response manifests in various ways: your character moving sluggishly, actions appearing out of sync, or even seeing enemies teleport around. It’s not just annoying; it’s a death sentence in competitive games.
Example: You’re in a tense Counter-Strike duel. You perfectly line up the shot, pull the trigger… but your character reacts half a second later. By then, the other guy has already emptied his magazine into you. That, my friend, is lag. The server’s telling your game “yeah, you shot, but *after* you died.” It’s brutally unfair, and it’s why you need a rock-solid connection and a rig that can handle the game’s demands. And yeah, maybe those runners were lagging behind because their ping was too high.
Causes range from poor internet connection (high ping, packet loss) to insufficient system resources (CPU, RAM, GPU bottlenecks). Fixing it involves optimizing your network setup, upgrading your hardware, and closing unnecessary applications.
What is the simple meaning of lag?
Lag, in gaming, isn’t about a deer’s leg. Instead, it refers to delay. Think of it as the time it takes for your actions in a game to register on the server or your screen. High lag means a noticeable delay between pressing a button and seeing the result – your character moves slowly, your attacks are delayed, and your overall experience is clunky.
This delay is often caused by network issues, like a slow internet connection or server overload. High ping is often a major contributor to lag. Ping measures the time it takes for data to travel from your computer to the game server and back. The higher the ping, the higher the lag.
Other factors affecting lag include your computer’s processing power, the game’s optimization, and even the number of players in the game. Understanding lag is crucial for a smooth gaming experience. Minimizing lag often involves optimizing your network connection, updating your graphics drivers, and ensuring your computer meets the game’s minimum system requirements.
How to remove lag on laptop?
Lagging laptop? Amateur hour. Let’s fix this. Forget the basic “restart” nonsense – that’s for casuals.
- RAM Upgrade: Crucial. 8GB is peasant-tier. 16GB minimum, 32GB for serious gaming/streaming. Don’t just *check* your RAM; *upgrade* it. Dual-channel configurations are key – look into it.
- SSD is King: HDDs are relics. An NVMe SSD is a mandatory upgrade. The speed difference is night and day. Consider a 1TB or 2TB drive for optimal performance.
- Startup Swarm Extermination: Disable every unnecessary startup program. Task Manager is your battlefield. Ruthlessly eliminate anything not vital. We’re talking surgical precision here.
- OS Optimization: Windows 10/11 are bloated. Clean installs are your friend. Consider a lightweight Linux distro if you’re hardcore.
- Malware Mayhem Mitigation: Full system scan with a reputable antivirus – multiple scans using different engines are even better. Rootkits hide, find them.
- Browser Battleground: Chrome is a resource hog. Firefox or Brave are better alternatives; disable extensions you don’t need. Consider Opera GX for gamer-focused browser optimization.
- Power Plan Precision: High-performance mode is your default. Battery life? Get a better battery.
- Background Processes Purge: Constantly monitor your resource usage. Identify and terminate memory-leaking apps aggressively. This is an ongoing battle.
- Driver Downloads: Outdated or corrupt drivers are lag culprits. Update all drivers, especially your graphics card driver. Use the manufacturer’s website, don’t rely on Windows Update.
- Overclocking: For the experienced, overclocking your CPU and GPU can yield significant performance boosts. Proceed with caution; research extensively before attempting.
- Cooling Considerations: Clean your laptop’s vents regularly. Dust is the enemy of performance. Consider a cooling pad for added thermal headroom.
- System File Checker: Run SFC /scannow in Command Prompt (admin). This fixes corrupted system files that can cause instability and lag.
- Disk Defragmentation (HDD only): If you’re still rocking an HDD, defragmentation can improve performance, but it’s irrelevant for SSDs. SSD users should focus on TRIM optimization instead.
- Virtual Memory Tweaks: Adjust your virtual memory settings for optimal performance. Too little, and you’ll throttle; too much, and it’s inefficient.
- Reinstall Windows (Nuclear Option): If all else fails, a clean Windows installation is the ultimate reset. Back up your important data first, this wipes everything.