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