| Many people buy a computer with only the minimum | | | | the sort of things you use your computer for?" |
| amount of memory (RAM) installed. The reasons for | | | | Generally speaking I recommend you install 512mb if |
| this vary, but usually computers with the minimum | | | | you are running Windows XP on your computer. |
| amount of RAM are cheaper than the others, so | | | | Microsoft say that the minimum is far less, but it |
| appear to be a bargain. | | | | really is the minimum in my opinion. 512Mb of installed |
| Other folks have older computers that might have | | | | memory will give you enough room for Windows XP |
| had a reasonable amount of memory installed at the | | | | to load, and a little spare for a couple of web |
| time of purchase, but struggle to keep up with the | | | | browser windows, an email client, antivirus application, |
| memory requirements of modern applications. | | | | and a spreadsheet or word processor. |
| Installing additional memory is a relatively inexpensive | | | | If you run OSX or a flavour of Linux, I still |
| way to boost performance in old and new | | | | recommend 512mb as a minimum. |
| computers alike. | | | | If you only have the generally accepted minimum of |
| If your computer is 2-3 years old and it is running | | | | 256mb, this is barely enough to load Windows XP. As |
| somewhat slow, then it's worth considering | | | | you start up other applications, your pc will begin to |
| purchasing a memory upgrade before lashing out on | | | | allocate "virtual" memory. This means that a section |
| a new computer. The majority of people that I talk | | | | of your computers hard drive is used for moving |
| to about computer memory upgrades (especially | | | | around data in the same way that physical memory |
| those with a computer over 2 years old) are | | | | is used, only it goes a lot slower. |
| surprised at the increase in overall performance after | | | | If you do photo editing in addition to the basics, think |
| installing a memory upgrade. Typically it can extend | | | | about going up to 1GB of installed memory. If you |
| the useable life of the average computer by another | | | | are a home video buff or play a lot of computer |
| 2-3 years, at a mere fraction of the cost of buying a | | | | games, then 2GB is really going to keep you |
| new one. | | | | productive. (Is gaming productive?). |
| Installing a memory upgrade is usually a simple | | | | Memory upgrades are available from many different |
| process, requiring at most a phillips screwdriver to | | | | sources, and made by a lot of different |
| either undo the memory hatch on your notebook, or | | | | manufacturers. Kingston are probably the best known |
| to remove the case if you have a desktop pc. Once | | | | manufacturer, and they make modules for most of |
| you have access to the memory slots, it's just a | | | | the top OEM's, who rebrand Kingston memory as |
| simple matter of pushing the memory module into | | | | their own. |
| the spare slot firmly, closing the hatch or putting the | | | | Before purchasing an RAM upgrade, be sure to ask if |
| case back on, putting the screw back in, and | | | | the memory is guaranteed to be compatible with |
| rebooting the computer. | | | | your PC or laptop, and is backed by a no-quibble |
| It can be a more complicated exercise if your | | | | return policy. Always make sure a lifetime warranty |
| memory slots are fully populated, but a competent | | | | applies as well. |
| memory supplier should be able to provide you with | | | | So if you or your kids are complaining about their |
| advice on the upgrade options available and whether | | | | latest computer game running too slow, consider that |
| or not you will need to remove one or more of the | | | | you might not need to buy a new computer even if |
| existing modules to make room for larger ones. | | | | it is a couple of years old, but simply upgrade the |
| The question a lot of people ask me when | | | | one you have with some more memory. It can make |
| considering buying a memory upgrade is "What size | | | | a world of difference, and make your computing |
| memory upgrade should I buy?" | | | | investment last a lot longer. |
| I usually answer this with a question: "Tell me about | | | | |