How to add memory to your computer?

If you have ever thought of adding more memory to your computer, now would be the best time to do it. Memory prices are actually at their all time low. More memory could be the difference between running fast and lagging. If your computer has less than 256 MB of memory, adding more memory is probably the best way to increase speed.

The first step in adding more memory is to access what you already have. If you don’t know how much memory you have, hold down the ALT key while double clicking My Computer and you will see the System Properties screen which will tell you exactly how much memory you currently have. Before you add more memory to an old system, you much first access whether you want to invest any money into the system or just go ahead and purchase a new computer.

As you might think, purchasing new memory is the hardest part. Not because of the cost, but because of the many different types and configurations of memory that is currently available. For your computer to perform efficiently, you will need to match new memory with the memory that is already installed in your computer. Once you start looking at memory modules, you will find things like SDRAM, DDR, and EDO DRAM thrown around frequently.

The easiest way to find the type of memory you will need is to look at the documentation that came with your computer. The receipt will tell you the amount of memory that is already installed. The documentation should also state the type of memory that is used and the number of memory slots that the computer has available for additional memory.

When it comes to memory, don’t be cheap. Erratic computer behavior that is caused by poor or mismatched memory modules can be the most difficult problems to fix. Take care of any potential problems by purchasing memory from your computer manufacturer or another reputable source.

When you are investigating the memory to purchase, be sure to note any additional requirements. Some of the older SIMMs must be installed in pairs. There are also some memory slots that will only accept a certain capacity of memory module.

To install additional memory to your computer, follow these steps:

• Open your computer case. You can leave all of the plugs in place and the components attached if you wish.
• Before touching the new memory or anything inside of the computer, you will need to get grounded. The easiest way to be sure that you are grounded is to touch the inside of the chassis while the PC is still plugged in. Once you are grounded, go ahead and unplug the computer from the wall.
• Locate the place to insert the module. Look for other memory like the memory you have just purchased. You should see empty slots next to the memory that is already in place.
• Being careful, pick up the memory module by the side edges. Do not touch the flat surfaces or the contacts along the bottom. Make sure the memory matches the memory that is already installed. Insert the module in the first empty slot next to the currently installed memory. Different types of memory will install differently. DIMM and most new types of memory are simply inserted into the slot with gentle downward pressure. The clips on both sides of the module have to be snapped into place for the module to be seated properly.
• Put the cover back on, plug your computer in, and then turn it on. With some computers you will see the amount of RAM (Random Access Memory) scroll by, confirming that the computer has recognized the new addition. If the memory hasn’t been installed properly, there could be error messages, or the computer could even freeze. If anything seems to be abnormal, you should remove and reinstall the new memory.

If your computer is constantly reminding you that resources are low and performance itself is very slow, you might be poor on memory. Adding more memory is the easiest way to improve your overall performance.