| This is
the second in a series of articles covering ways to
get your computer to run faster. Even the
newest and fastest computers can get slow, as more
programs are installed and new programs are
introduced that use more and more system resources. If
your computer takes a long time to boot-up, if programs such
as your web browser or word processor seem to be sluggish,
or if you just want to get your work done faster, then this
information may be helpful to you. This week,
we will discuss your computer's memory, also known
as RAM. Memory is the "work area" that all
programs, such as your web browser or e-mail reader,
use to get their job done. The more memory you
have, the more space is available for your programs
to do their work. When memory runs low,
Windows makes use of the hard disk drive in your
computer. Hard disk space which is used as
memory is known as "virtual memory". The
problem is that it takes your computer much longer
to use the hard disk than it takes to use your
onboard memory. So, if Windows needs to use
virtual memory too much, your computer runs slowly.
For instance, you may notice a significant pause as
you start up a new program, or switch from one
program to another. The fix, of course, is to
add more memory.
Before adding more memory, there
are some very important things you need to check.
First, see how much memory you currently have and
determine how much you need. You can see how
much you have by right-clicking on "My Computer"
from the desktop and choosing "Properties". In
our office, we've found that 512 megabytes (MB) of
memory provides the best balance between price and
performance. If you are a light computer user,
who runs only one program at a time and does simple
Web browsing, word processing, and email
correspondence, then 256MB may be sufficient for
you. If you are a heavy user, and perform
tasks such as digital video editing or playing video
games, you may need up to 1 gigabyte (GB). (A
gigabyte is equal to 1024MB.) |
... |
Next,
make sure you have an available slot for adding more
memory. If you still have a record of your
original computer purchase, you may be able to see
how many of your memory slots are in use, and how
many are still available.
Otherwise, you will need to
consult your owner's manual for instructions on how
to open the case and check the available slots.
Make sure that opening your computer's case does not
void any warranty that you may have in effect.
If this is the case, or if you don't feel
comfortable opening your computer, you may want to
take it to a professional.
If you do not have a slot
available, you will need to replace an existing
memory card with a new one of higher capacity, which
will be costlier.
The next step in the process is to
determine what type of memory you need. There
are many different types of memory cards, and you
will need to make sure you purchase a type that is
compatible with your computer. Your owner's
manual will likely have the information you need.
You can also check the web sites of memory card
manufacturers, such as
www.kingston.com
and
www.simpletech.com. Here, you will find
step-by-step guides for choosing the right type of
memory.
Once you've purchased your memory,
follow the instructions in your owner's manual for
opening the case and installing memory cards.
Again, make sure that opening the case does not void
your warranty. You also have the option of
having a professional perform the installation for
you.
Once installed, your system should
detect and make use of the memory the next time you
turn on your computer. You can verify that the
memory is being used by using the System control
panel (right-click on "My Computer" and choose
"Properties"). |
If
you're an Internet Explorer user, you've probably noticed
the link bar that appears in the top bar of your web browser
window. (If you don't see it, right click on any menu
or tool bar and choose "links".) Clicking on one of
the buttons in this bar will take you to the web site it
represents. The link bar is a useful place for the web
sites you most often visit. It's especially useful if
you have a very long and cluttered Favorites list.
