If your computer is running slow, the cause can be one or more of the following:- Virus/Spyware/Malware infection
- Your applications needs have outpaced the amount of memory you have available.
- Your hard drive is too full.
Part 2, will focus on not having enough memory.
In general, more memory is better. Here are some general guidelines for the minimum amount of memory you need.
- For a Windows system (before Vista), anything less than 750MB of memory will make your computer sluggish.
- For Vista systems, consider at least 2GB of memory.
- For Mac OS X, consider at lease 2GB of memory. If you are going to use Photoshop or other memory intensive applications, double the amount of memory to 4gb. Also, if you have decided to dual boot your Apple computer (run both Mac OS X and Windows OS), you should also consider 4GB of memory.
- For a Windows system, go to the control panel and click on the System application. The first page should tell you have much memory you have.
- For Mac OS X, select About This Mac under the Apple symbol in the top left hand corner.
Many deals on computers cut corners on components. Leave out some memory and you can sell the computer for less. Use the guidelines specified in this blog to determine how good the deal is. If you have to add memory to the system, use the Kensington Memory website www.kensington.com to determine how much more money you will have to add to the base price of the system to arrive at a true total price for the system.
What type of memory do you need to buy?
One type of memory does not work for all computers. It seems different types of memory are coming out monthly. Go to the Kensington website www.kensington.com and use the memory selector to determine what type, the maximum amount and the approximate cost of a memory upgrade for your computer system.
How difficult is it to install memory?
- For a Windows system, it is pretty easy. On a laptop, there is a couple of screws that cover an access plate to the memory. On a desktop, the skin on the side needs to be removed to expose the memory. Refer to your user manual for details on your particular computer. Cannot find your manual? Go to the vendors website and view a copy of the manual online.
- For an Apple computer, it could be just a couple of screws or taking the whole case apart. Refer to your manual for details.
