Here's a question. Ever launch Excel or Internet Explorer and have to wait a whole half a minute or even up to a minute for the program to open and become usable? Sometimes when you close your browser, does a window on your computers monitor appear saying that "Internet Explorer has encountered a problem," and asks you to "send error report?" Your computer may even run fine outside of this, however if your programs are taking a long time to open, then it may be because your system does not have adequate amounts of RAM.
RAM stands for Random Access Memory and is used as a temporary storage place for memory by your computer. This memory is in use when tasks are being executed by different programs. Therefore, you should have enough RAM memory to process all the tasks you would be requiring of the computer at hand. If you don't have enough RAM it will cause a major slowdown of your computer while it is booting up or even just regular processing tasks.
Anything less than 1GB of RAM is not enough nowadays for basic operations. Check and see how much RAM you have by clicking Start, then right-click over "My Computer" and selecting "Properties" from the drop-down menu. Sometimes it can take a moment for the page to populate and once it does, it will tell you how much RAM you have installed on that computer.
Increasing RAM is relatively inexpensive however, please note that RAM is not a universal in its compatibility, so before buying, you need to know what kind of RAM you computer uses. Installing the wrong RAM can lead to several different problems all together.
When considering an increase in RAM on your computer, keep in mind that you are adding a physical piece of hardware to the computer. Be sure you understand that there are some risks involved if you don't perform due diligence in understanding the RAM requirements of your motherboard.
Find out what the maximum amount of RAM that you can install in your computer. This can generally be easily found at your computer manufacturer's website. Look up the speed and type of RAM you need for your computer so that you know what memory chips are supported by your motherboard. SIMMs (Single Inline Memory Modules) or DIMMs (Dual In-Line Memory Modules). Also while on the PC manufacturer's website find out how many slots you have for additional RAM.
Getting to your RAM in a typical desktop computer is a moderately easy task. Unplug the power cord from the back of your computer. Open the case as shown in your computer manual. In most cases you don't even need the manual to show you how to do this. It is generally a simple matter of unscrewing one or two screws on the back or bottom of the computer and exposing the computer's motherboard.
Locate your RAM slots. If all of your memory banks are full, you may need to replace your RAM rather than just install more.
To remove old RAM press apart the securing clips on both ends of the RAM slot, and the module will pop up slightly. Lift the RAM module straight up and out of the memory slot.
To install the new RAM line up the notched edge of the RAM module with the tab on the bottom of the RAM slot. The RAM only fits if you line it up correctly so you don't have to worry putting it in backwards. Press straight down on the module, applying firm but gentle pressure on both ends until it clicks in place, and the securing clips will snap into place.
Replace your computers cover and reattach the power cords and cables. Power up the computer and the system should automatically recognize the new memory.
You should be good to go. Now if that sounded like too much to do then it probably is and you may want to consider purchasing a Super PC computer that can house all the RAM you would ever need the 1st time around. With a Super PC Multiple Monitor Computer you may also use dual monitors instead of a single, and they're upgradable to 16 monitors! They also have the industries leading turnkey multiple LCD Display adapters.
- Always take measures to ground yourself when working inside your computer to avoid damaging the chips and electronics.
- Use only the memory types supported by your computer. For a list of those, see the manufacturer specifications in your computer manual.
- Install paired memory in the order shown on the system board.
- Always install a single memory module in the DIMM connector 1 before installing memory modules in any other connectors.
- Do not mix old and new memory modules if possible.
