| Your computer's RAM (Random Access Memory or | | | | computer has enough RAM. Right click on your |
| simply short term memory) is where your computer | | | | desktop's lower tool bar and you will get a pop-up box. |
| stores certain data that it uses frequently so it can be | | | | Then click on "Task Manager" and the Windows Task |
| accessed easily and quickly. The capacity of the RAM | | | | Manager opens showing the Applications, Processes, |
| will effect the computer's speed and performance. | | | | etc. that are running. Look at the bottom of the box by |
| Random Access Memory is different from hard drive | | | | "Processes", "CPU Usage", and "Physical Memory". |
| memory. Hard Drive Memory stores most of your | | | | Compare CPU Usage and Physical Memory. CPU |
| pictures, music, programs, and other data. | | | | Usage is how much of your computer's processor (or |
| Here are some reasons you may need to add RAM: | | | | engine) capacity is being used by percentage (i.e. 0% is |
| (1) The two main operating systems today are | | | | idol and 100% is max'ed out). The Physical Memory is |
| Windows XP and Windows Vista. XP requires much | | | | your RAM. This shows what is going on inside your |
| more RAM than Vista maybe as much as twice the | | | | computer. Simply put: The closer your Physical |
| memory. Check your operating system. If it use up | | | | Memory is to 100% the harder your CPU will have to |
| around 75% of your RAM capacity your computer will | | | | work. And the slower your computer will be. |
| be slow. | | | | Now, let your computer completely catch up and go to |
| (2) Gaming needs much more RAM than just surfing | | | | idol. Your CPU Usage should fall to 0% or at least to |
| the internet, word processing, etc. Also, Gaming also | | | | 10%. (If it will not fall this low then your have a program |
| requires very fast processor speed. So, if your | | | | running - it maybe your virus protection program that is |
| computer is slow while play games, check your game | | | | running, if not you could have a virus - and that is |
| specs against your processor speed. | | | | another matter.) Once it has fallen close to an idol, |
| (3) Many slow computers simply not have enough | | | | check your Physical Memory percentage. If your |
| RAM. And yet RAM is not expensive. When ordering | | | | Physical Memory or RAM still shows to be in the 75% |
| or buying a new computer, get extra RAM added. It is | | | | or plus area you do not have enough RAM to operate |
| money well spent. | | | | your computer at optimum speeds. |
| There is a SIMPLE TEST that can determine if your | | | | |