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My system has 512 RAM but I did a test for a job and it only showed it at 435. I need to have all 512 so that it will run off of the system. Can I replace the 512 memory that’s in my system?  I tried to free up space on the disk thinking that would do or delete files but it didn’t happen. Can someone help me? Thanks.

To be honest with you, 512 MB of RAM is on the lower limit anymore since a number of computer applications are real memory hogs. Plus, the more surfing that you do on the Internet and the greater the number of photographs, videos, and other files that you want to view at any given time, the more RAM you should have available to use.

What is RAM?

RAM or Random Access Memory isn’t technically all available for your use during every minute that you are on the computer. Some of your RAM is used each time you access a program, a web page, or open documents. This depletes the amount of memory that can be used on new activities. Therefore, if you want to have 512 MB of RAM available to use, then you need to install additional RAM. One of the advantages of having more RAM accessible is that your computer will function more quickly.

How to Add RAM

Since you only have 512 MB of RAM, your computer should have additional memory sockets available for use. Check the documentation for your computer to ensure that you purchase the proper type of memory module. Typically, memory is rather cheap to purchase and you can often get it on sale or with a rebate attached to its purchase. Plus, you can either buy it online or in a local store.

If you are comfortable with computers, then you can probably install new memory on your own. If you aren’t quite so comfortable, then you can pay someone else to do it or take your time, read up on it some more, or even look up a few video tutorials before tackling the job. 

• You’ll need to unplug the computer from its power source and take the battery out.
• Depending on whether you have a desktop model or a laptop, you’ll either need to take off the side panel from the tower or the bottom panel from the laptop. This will give you access to the memory module ports on the machine.
• If you are simply adding more memory, locate an empty port and install the memory module carefully by slipping it into place. If you want to replace the memory module that you already have, which I doubt, you need to take that one out and then place the new one into its slot. Typically, you need to align the module with the slot and then press it in on an angle.
• Place the panel back on the computer or laptop. Replace any screws that you had to take off.

I am running a Compaq Presario 2100 using XP. It is running slow, even after a format and reinstall on my system. The information says I have 250MB of total physical RAM, but only 21.51MB available. I don’t have any extra programs installed.

These days, having 250MB of RAM with Windows XP just isn’t enough to keep it running at the desired speed. The very lower limit for XP is 512, which is what I would suggest you put into your computer. Luckily, it is pretty cheap, and easy to do at home in less than five minutes.

RAM

RAM or Random Access Memory, is where the processor puts the executable file from the hard drive when you are running programs. MS Word, Excel and other programs take up a lot of memory. If you are looking at an internet page with a lot of graphics, playing a game or opening several documents at one time, you can easily use up more than 100MB of RAM. Adding RAM to your machine can make it faster - with more RAM, the computer doesn’t have to “swap” programs in and out while it’s running.

Adding RAM

I’m recommending 512MB of RAM for your Compaq. You can add 1GB, but you probably won’t see a noticeably faster performance. Luckily, you can pick up 512 MB of RAM for about $30 either at a computer store or on the Internet. Your model has two bays of two sockets each for a total of four memory sockets, so you can support up to four individual RAM modules.

You can find video guides all over the web that will show you how to add RAM, but it’s so easy you probably won’t need it. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off, unplug and remove the battery from the laptop.
2. Locate the bottom panel that allows you to access the memory modules. Note that the screws don’t come completely off the panel. Unscrew them and pull the panel off.
3. Remove existing memory if you are going to replace it. If not, just put the new RAM in an empty bay.
4. Align the notch in the memory module with the notch in the slot. Insert it at a 45 degree angle and gently push it in until it clicks.
5. Replace the panels.
6. You can get into BIOS by pressing F2 when you power up to see the new memory. It will be less than 512MB because of shared memory.

Once you’ve cleaned your system, adding the right amount of RAM to your laptop should get it running at maximum speed.

 The faster the computer the better, especially since increased speed brings other benefits like enhanced performance, the ability to run multiple programs simultaneously and faster downloads. Windows Vista requires at least 512 MB of RAM. Since your computer came with just 256MB, you’re right to attempt an upgrade.

RAM, or random access memory, is vital. This memory storage system contains networked circuits that are accessible in any order, regardless of hierarchy or physical structure. Your computer draws upon this stored data, as needed. This ‘randomness’ increases the speed requirements for executing programs as well as limits the amount of actual hard drive space that is required at one time.

A cool RAM feature is that it is cleared and reset each time your computer restarts, so that it is free to load a different set and structure of data each time, in relation to your desired use. In addition to the decision to increase your system’s RAM, you will also need to determine how much RAM can be added to your particular system, what type you need, and how you can install it.

In this case, you are trying to install 1024 MB of RAM onto a system that was originally equipped with only 256. A few factors might explain why you are having problems, beginning with proper installation. Most of the time, the RAM you buy will come with good and clear instructions for installation, which we will briefly review here.

• Turn off the computer and any attached hardware devices. It is important to properly power down all your electronic gear to avoid electrocution. Also, prior to opening your computer, touch something metal so that you ground yourself and can’t pass any electricity to the components of the computer.
• Open the case using the appropriate tools.
• If the instructions ask that you remove the existing chip, do so by pressing the clips on the edges and pulling gently.
• Among the open memory slots, if there is more than one, find the one with the lowest number or else place the new chip in the slot beside the existing chip.
• Insert the new chip and ensure that it is firmly installed with the clips or clasps, if there are any, securely closed.
• Restart your computer. Your newly installed RAM should be displayed on your startup screen. Otherwise, in order to check the RAM click on My Computer, then Properties, then General and be sure that the RAM is recognized.

If all goes well, your new RAM should be installed and your computer should be working well. If not, you can try several common troubleshooting tips. It’s possible that you have purchased the wrong memory, installed it incorrectly, or bought a damaged chip. Like most computer problems, removing and reinstalling the chips might be all it takes. If you have double checked the installation, it’s time to start troubleshooting.

At this point, if your RAM still isn’t being recognized, you will likely need to reference your computer’s manual and the details of the RAM you recently purchased. Some systems require specific types of memory chips and won’t recognize modules made by other manufacturers. Others will accept different brands, but not different sizes. Since your computer was originally equipped with a 256 MB chip, it is possible the largest chip it can handle is the 512 MB.  You may be able to run 1026 MB on your system, just not all in one piece. Refer to your manuals and verify this possibility.

RAM, or random access memory, is a unique part of your computer’ memory. Unlike physical storage devices like CDs or DVDs, RAM does not rely on the movement of information from one site to another. Instead, as a network of integrated circuits, RAM memory is accessible by different programs, at different times, determined by need rather than by sequence. The ‘randomness’ of RAM means that the data stored within can be randomly drawn upon, as it is needed, no matter where it is actually stored on your computer, and without relation to the information accessed before or after it.

To check how much Ram your computer has on a PC, click on your My Computer icon, then select Properties and you will see a number followed by MB, for megabytes, this is how much RAM is built in to your computer. If you have a Mac, click on the apple in your top left hand corner and click on About this Mac, and you will see a similar number followed by MB.

The amount of RAM you need will depend, to some degree, on the programs that you are running. For example, you generally need at least 128 MB of RAM to run recent versions of Windows operating systems. If you use Photoshop a lot, then the amount of RAM necessary for ideal use could really increase. And, of course, if you are using multiple programs at the same time and playing intense graphic games, then there really is no limit to the amount of RAM you can utilize.

Another neat feature of RAM is that it is temporary, when you turn off your computer, all the data that has been accessed by your computer and stored in RAM memory is wiped clean. For this reason, if you have been using your computer and several programs for a length of time and are noticing its functions are slowing down, powering down and then back up again might help restore the speed to usual. However, if this doesn’t reset your computing speed it might be time to increase your RAM. RAM modules are hardware devices that come in 128, 256, and 512 MB sizes (and above) and are available for purchase and installation at your local computer store.

 Virtual memory is the management system used by a computer to maximize the use of Random Access Memory (RAM). Virtual memory assigns locations of RAM to multiple applications in a dynamic system to allow RAM to be used efficiently. Problems with virtual memory will cause programs to shut down, and errors to occur in processes.

There are a number of ways virtual memory can become vulnerable to problems. The first and most common are the habits of a user. Opening too many programs or constantly double-clicking on an application to open it will overtax the system. If you are wondering if you have too many applications running, click CTRL-ALT-DELETE to see the requests for virtual memory.

Another common gobbler of virtual memory are loops, or processes running over and over again. Loops are commonly found in spyware, viruses, and other malware applications covertly installed on a computer system. These programs and processes running in the background can steal processing power for the original owner of the malware, or collect and transmit personal data to a third-party source. The best protection against these types of applications is a robust anti-virus or malware application like Paretologic Anti-Spyware, or Paretologic XoftSpySE.

Finally, users may not realize legitimate programs and applications are still running even though the user is not using them. Media players, email clients, and instant messaging programs are notorious for continuing to run after the user “Xs out.” A right-click on these small icons in the Task Bar can force a complete quit. Or, these programs can be stopped from the CTRL-ALT-DELETE window under the Processes tab. Caution, the Processes tab includes many processes necessary for the operations of Windows, so users should only stop processes they are familiar with and know are not vital to the operating system.

In Part One, we discussed the basics of processors. A microprocessor on its own is great for small electronics, but to be a computer it needs long term storage capacity and access to the information stored there.

Hard Drives

Hard drives are the long term storage devices for information. Every command a computer’s processor can use takes up space, called bytes. A byte is 8 bits. What is a bit you ask? Why a bit is a 1 or a 0. This is called the binary system, because there are only two options.

Software has a lot of ones and zeros. Every group of eight in these ones and zeros stands for one character. “Hi” is 01101000 01101001, but the computer does not understand “Hi” as anything more than that. It takes a bunch of these characters, in a programming language for the computer to work.

A small file could be 7 KB. This is 7,000 bytes, each byte with 8 bits, or 56,000 bits of data total. Hundreds of files add up, many much larger than 7 KB, and so the computer stores all of this information onto a hard drive.

Hard drives are measured in bytes. Today’s hard drives are frequently described in gigabytes (GB) and newer hard drives even have space for a terabyte (TB), or one million million bytes. The physical aspect of a hard drive is a disk or platter with magnetic properties, and a reader. A diagram looks similar to a record player, but the information is in a digital format.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Hard drives hold the commands, processors interpret and follow commands, but something is missing from the equation…. an expediter! RAM is a helper between hard drives and processors. RAM is measured in the same terms as a hard drive, bytes, but it works very differently.

As hard drives continue to store larger and larger amounts of data, the time it takes a processor to retrieve that data is longer. RAM is short term storage of commands for the processor to keep computing speed up. RAM doesn’t use a set physical location for data. Instead data comes and goes in a fluid and random manner.

You may not realize you have seen RAM in action. After a restart, most users watch impatiently as the operating system, web browser, or other application starts up. The lag between the click on an icon, and the actual loading of a program is the time it takes the information to leave the hard drive and make it to the processor. Imagine if you had to wait this long every time you wanted the program to do something, like browse another website, or type letters into a form!

Once the program is open, RAM takes over and keeps the data close to the processor for quicker operations. RAM is the computer component that results in instant computer response from user actions, once a program is open. When the program closes, the memory of the files and data in RAM is dumped. All of this is done with the “master copy” of the data remaining on the hard drive.

Understanding how the basic components of a computer’s hardware work won’t make you qualified to open the case up and begin maintenance on the computer. Demystifying how the parts work together will make it easier for you to work with technical support, learn how to solve basic computing problems, and make informed purchases of computer equipment. Computers are only big calculators. Hardware makes up the buttons and software is the sequence the buttons are pushed in. Add it all up, and computers are just another tool to make our lives easier, not more frustrating!