| In life, it is often said that “you can never have too | | | | bare minimum) to 4GB of memory. |
| much of a good thing.” Apparently, this is not so | | | | If you already have a computer and are considering a |
| when it comes to RAM (Random Access Memory | | | | memory upgrade, review the manuals that came with |
| – also referred to as simply “memory” or | | | | your computer or motherboard. Included in the |
| storage) for your laptop or computer! No need to | | | | documentation are the specifications for the memory |
| spend money on extra RAM that your system cannot | | | | supported. This is important because it will list exactly |
| utilize. (You can easily check the specifications of the | | | | the type, size and number of memory modules that |
| system you are considering by asking how much | | | | are supported. (Most retailers and/or manufacturers |
| memory is already installed, and what the maximum | | | | have this information, too.) |
| memory capacity is for the system.) But how can | | | | Buy as few modules as possible for the amount of |
| you be certain you have enough computer memory | | | | memory you want to install; this will aid in future |
| not only for your current needs, but for what your | | | | system upgrades. (For example, if you have 3 |
| future needs may be, too? Let’s start at the | | | | memory slots on your computer, one of which has a |
| beginning…how much computer memory do you | | | | 1GB module in it, it is smarter to buy another 1GB |
| need?” | | | | module to get to 2GB of total memory verses |
| When buying a computer or laptop, the available | | | | purchasing two 512MB modules.) |
| memory on that system should be a primary | | | | To give you some idea of RAM requirements, |
| consideration, because the more you do, the more | | | | according to a 2009 article, Windows Vista Basic |
| memory you need! The applications you use dictate | | | | requires a minimum of 512MB, though they advise that |
| how much memory you need for the best possible | | | | realistically, that number should be doubled. In fact, the |
| performance, the smoothest graphics and the | | | | article states that “Vista will function with 512MB |
| speediest downloads. RAM is used every time you | | | | system RAM, but the ride is a rough one!” While |
| open an application, download, play a game or video | | | | Microsoft recommends Vista computers ship with 1GB |
| – even turning on your computer requires RAM. | | | | memory, 2GB of RAM is generally considered the |
| Peripherals such as webcams, digital cameras, DVD | | | | best option for Windows Vista. |
| players and USB hard drives require more RAM. | | | | The easiest ways to boost performance for any PC |
| These requirements, coupled with complicated web | | | | is to add memory (RAM) to the system. Before |
| pages and PC-based video games may surprise you | | | | purchasing that memory upgrade, however, remember |
| in that you have significantly less RAM than you | | | | to verify what type of memory your computer uses, |
| thought. Therefore, buy the most RAM you can afford; | | | | the memory module sizes and what already exists in |
| more RAM makes for a speedier computer. Today, | | | | the system. If you are buying a new system, look for |
| available PC systems range from 512MB (which is the | | | | the maximum RAM available. |