Monday, January 30, 2012

Can RAM Speed Up My Computer?

Many people are looking for ways to speed up their PC. And adding RAM seems to be a viable option. To answer the question: yes, RAM can speed up your computer. RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory. Everything you do using your computer uses up RAM.

The amount of RAM used depends on what kind of program is running. Here is how it works. All operating systems such as Microsoft Windows use a component called virtual memory manager of VMM. Running a program, such as an internet browser or a instant messenger, will trigger your computer's microprocessor to load an executable file to your RAM. For larger programs, this will typically take up 5 megabytes of RAM. Also the microprocessor uses shared DLLs or dynamic link libraries which can range from 20 to 30 megabytes of RAM.

Most users open programs simultaneously. For example, when doing research, you might have a word processor running while having multiple internet browsers for research. Sometimes the music player is also running. This adds up the RAM used. If you use more RAM than what is currently installed in your unit, then you surely will experience a slower PC speed.

In this case all you have to do is increase your RAM. To find out exactly how much RAM you need to add to your hardware, you have to first find out how much RAM you already have. If you don't know your RAM status, right-click My Computer and choose Properties. Choose the General tab and various information, including RAM, will be displayed. Then press and hold control alt delete to go to Task Manager. In the Processes tab, you will see how much RAM you use for a particular program. Add this up and you will have the number of RAM you use. Calculate the deficit from your installed RAM. This will, more or less, give you an idea of how much RAM you need.

Adding RAM is a cheap alternative to speed up your computer as opposed to buying a brand new faster unit. And while you're at it, perhaps you might consider buying an external hard drive. This is useful for saving and transferring important files that you don't often use. Keeping only regularly used files on your hard disk will leave more space which results to faster PC experience.

Aside from adding RAM, other ways of speeding up your computer is to continually free up some space in your hard disk. Uninstall and remove unused programs as they eat up space you can use for something else. Clear your internet cache of temporary files and offline content every so often.

If you don't have the budget for upgrading your hardware such as RAM, you can employ certain techniques to maximize your current RAM capabilities. Make sure you only open programs that you need. Avoid opening unnecessary programs or software. This will lead to less usage of RAM, giving you a faster PC speed and less headaches and frustration that slow PC can bring.

Kris Mainieri is an accomplished Computer Tech focusing on innovative and unique ways to help people take their computing performance to a whole new level free.



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