Computer Memory Upgrade
by Dave Clingman
Published in Guadalajara Reporter,
November 21, 2009
If your computer still runs slow after you have removed startups and cleaned the hard drive, it's time to consider an upgrade or a new computer. Next time we'll
talk about buying a new computer, but this week we'll discuss a fairly simple upgrade that can sometimes net you a noticeable improvement in speed: computer memory. Random Access Memory ("memory" or
"RAM" for short) is where your computer does all its work. Your computer hard drive stores your programs and data, but before the computer can use any of that, it has to be read into this short-term memory. If
your computer doesn't have enough memory, it will take some of the data out of RAM and write it back to the hard drive, which is a slow process. If you have Windows XP or a Macintosh, your computer works best with at
least 1 gigabyte (abbreviated 1 GB) of RAM. You might even consider upgrading to 2 GB if you use graphics-intensive games or large files such as photographs, videos or databases. Windows Vista should have at least 2 GB,
and up to 4 GB for large files. To find out how much memory your Windows computer has, hold down the Windows Logo key usually located between CTRL and ALT on your keyboard and tap the PAUSE key located near the top
right corner of your keyboard. On a Macintosh, click on the Apple icon at the top left corner of your screen, and select "About This Mac". Neither of these methods, though, show you how many memory
slots your computer has. Your purchase invoice might tell you, or you can look inside your computer. If your slots are full, you need to remove existing RAM modules to install larger capacity ones. Brand
does not usually matter, but be sure to buy the right type and speed of RAM for your computer. You can find this information on your purchase invoice or computer manual, or you can search online for your computer
specifications. Accessing the memory slots varies from computer to computer, but the following links should give you an idea of how the process is accomplished. Unplug all wires from the computer, marking both
the wire and the connection on the computer, so that you will know where to plug them back in. Be aware that a static shock to the inside of your computer can destroy it. So, before you touch anything inside the case,
touch for several seconds an unpainted surface of the computer chassis. This will equalize the electrostatic state between you and your computer. For desktop type computers: for notebook computers: For computers that are inside a monitor: Upgrading your computer memory is an inexpensive way to increase your computer's speed, and it is not difficult provided you keep in
mind the static shock danger.
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