Does Your Computer Need a Memory Upgrade?
Have you been wondering whether you need a computer memory upgrade? Consider upgrading your memory when you come across the following scenarios:
- When upgrading or installing a newer operating system (i.e. Windows XP to Vista)
- When installing new software programs that require larger amounts of memory to run such as QuickBooks or other accounting programs
- When downloading large files such as movies or songs
- If you are doing a lot of high definition video or picture editing.
Once you've installed a memory upgrade, you will notice your computer will have greater performance.
Computer memory differs in several ways. It is important, when adding new memory, to make sure it is compatible with your computer and that it's good quality memory.
RAM or random access memory loads the programs that are used on the computer. Most new computers come with a minimum requirement of memory to run the included programs efficiently, but not fast.
If you have a new computer, the manual will tell you what kind of memory upgrade is needed or. For most brands, you can go to the manufacturer's web site to get the information.
How To Find Memory Size On Your Computer
To find out how much memory you have, click the "Start" button in the lower left corner, right click on "My Computer" and left click on "Properties". The RAM memory will be listed on the bottom portion of the window that pops up.
If you have "My Computer" showing on your "Desktop" you can start there instead of the "Start" button.
To perform a memory upgrade on a desktop computers you must remove a side panel. On some PCs the whole case cover must be removed and others the case will open like a clam shell.
The memory will go into a slot on the large system board. You find it easily by looking for the existing memory, which will look similar to the one you just purchased.
In most cases the computer will automatically detect the new memory. In some instances you will need to press the "delete" or "F2" key when first starting your computer to go into the "BIOS" program to get it to recognize the new memory.
What Is Memory?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is where any programs and files that your
computer is currently working on will be loaded into, including the
operating system (i.e. Windows XP or Vista).
This is a temporary memory
and everything will be cleared out of it when or if your computer is
shut off.
Typical Desktop Memory:
Typical Notebook PC Memory:
The memory chips use special connections in your computer. These chips
provide fast storage for the computer to use when the computer loads
programs or files.
When you make changes to programs or files they are
changed in the RAM and saved on the hard drive. If you didn't
periodically save your work and your computer gets shut down for some
reason, you will lose that work in some cases.
Most of the Microsoft
operating systems are set to periodically auto save what you are working
on so that you can recover from a power loss.
How Much Memory Do You Add?
It all depends on the type of system you have, what kind of work you do and what software programs you use. The following are some guidelines for a computer memory upgrade:
Here are Microsoft's minimum recommendations for their operating systems:
1. Windows 98Se = 16Mb
2. Windows 2000 = 64Mb
3. Windows XP = 128Mb
4. Windows Vista Home = 512Mb
5. Windows Vista Premium/Business/Ultimate = 1 Gig
Here are my minimum recommendations if you want a smooth running PC:
1. Windows 98Se = 512Mb1
2. Windows 2000 = 768Mb1 (512mb plus 256mb)
3. Windows XP with SP (service pack 3) = 2 Gig
4. Windows Vista = 2 to 3 Gig
5. Windows Vista Premium/Business/Ultimate = 3 Gig and higher.
Why Quality Memory?
Good quality memory is important. Many of the established brand name manufacturers provide high-quality memory. If looking online for memory, I recommend either Crucial.com or TigerDirect.
With low quality memory, you might have computer freezing problems, memory errors or sometimes the data is corrupt.
If you are running a business, working with financials or need the data to be correct when saved, then you're better off getting high quality memory.
If you're unsure of purchasing and installing memory, then Aztec North can help. Have one of our trained technicians assess your computer and provide the memory upgrade for faster performance.
1. These operating systems are not recommended as Microsoft support is no longer available and most newer software programs require Windows XP or higher.
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