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Adding
Memory
INTRODUCTION
Adding
memory (called RAM) to an older computer can dramatically increase
the speed of your computer. Today’s modern software packages require
much more memory to run, and this includes Windows. If you have
too little memory, Windows will be forced to use what is called
a swap file on your hard drive to store and move data. To your
computer, a swap file acts just like memory, but it is much, much
slower. The more your computer is forced to use this swap file,
the slower your computer will run.
BUYING
MEMORY Buying
memory is not always as easy as just going to the local superstore
and buying it off the shelf. There are different types of memory,
and different qualities. Like in every business, there are manufacturers
out there selling inferior memory, and cheap memory can affect
the performance of your system, and is more likely to fail. ComputerHelp-USA
recommends memory with a minimum 1 year warranty and preferably
a lifetime guarantee.
Memory
type has changed radically over the years, and there are many
different things you must know before buying memory. If you are
planning on buying your own memory, know the following:
- Does
your computer require SIMMS or DIMMS?
- Do
you need EDO memory, SDRAM, ECC memory?
- Can
you install one memory module at a time or do you have to
install memory in pairs?
- How
many pins do your memory modules have?
- What
bus speed does your motherboard operate at? 66MHz? 100MHz?
Higher?
- How
many memory slots does your computer have? Are you sure they
are not all full? If they are, you may have to remove the
older, small memory modules to add newer, bigger modules.
Keep that in mind! If you have 64MB consisting of 4 16MB SIMMS
taking up all your slots and you have to install your memory
in pairs, you will have to remove 32MB to add more memory.
Buying two more 16MB modules won’t add a thing!
INSTALLING
MEMORY
Installing
memory is as easy as opening up your computer and snapping the
memory into place. Today’s memory is keyed. That means you cannot
install it backwards unless you really force it. It can only easily
go in one way. With most computers, that is all you have to do.
Windows will recognize the new memory once you restart. If you
encounter problems, feel free to call ComputerHelp-USA for help.
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