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