RAM is the temporary memory that the computer uses to give us the feeling of programs opening and running with some pep. It's like giving your computer a larger desk to work from so it can spread out and find things more efficiently. RAM also allows us to open multiple computer programs at the same time with less impact on the speed of the computer.
256 megabytes used to be a lot of RAM. Today, I'm recommending users have at least 512 megabytes for Windows XP machines and consider a full gigabyte. If buying a new PC with Vista 2 gigabytes (2048 megabytes) is absolutely the minimum and 3 GB or more is even better.
Instead of spending a $500 and up for a new computer, adding extra RAM can breath new life into any computer. The upgrade is easy and economical. Even on newer computers, adding RAM can give the system a nice boost in performance.
To find out how much RAM you currently have, RIGHT click on the My Computer icon and click Properties. If you are curious about upgrading, I like to use the Memory Advisor Tool found at Crucial.com [1]. Click the "Scan My System" icon to get a report telling you exactly what kind of RAM you have, and what type of RAM you need to get. There are many different types of RAM, and it is imperative you get the right type. You don't have to buy the RAM from them, but they do have good prices and good service.
Watch my video below that takes you through the whole process of finding out what kind and how much RAM you need and how to install it yourself!
Links:
[1] http://www.crucial.com/
[2] https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=rick@yourpcpartner.com&item_name=Buy
[3] http://www.helpmerick.com/netbooks_are_not_made_windows_xp_or_vista.htm
[4] http://www.helpmerick.com/email_newsletter_11_12_08.htm