Random access memory (RAM) is measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB). The more RAM a computer has, the greater the number of applications or documents which can be open at one time. A RAM upgrade is one of the simplest; do it yourself; cost effective improvements to perform.

RAM memory is often confused with hard disk space, but the two are not the same. The hard disk is where data and applications are stored, even when the computer is off. RAM is the place where the computer works; runs applications and computing happens. RAM is limited; opening too many applications causes the computer to run slow or show an out-of-memory error. Closing applications or restarting the computer clears out the memory, because RAM is re-initialized.

RAM chips come in several different kinds:

1. SIMMs are an older type of dynamic random access memory often found in older computers.

2. DIMMs have mostly replaced SIMMs in newer computers and are the most commonly purchased RAM upgrade today.

3. SRAM stands for static random access memory and is usually found in internal components such as CPU caches or hard disk buffers, and thus is not typically the type of RAM that is easily upgraded by the business computer owner who is not a computer technician.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the correct type and size of RAM chips

Often the computer manufacturer's website can tell you what type of memory chip you need in your computer. Memory chips often come in pairs and generally the amount of RAM memory in both chips should be the same. There is usually a maximum amount of memory for any given computer motherboard.

I recommend: Crucial.com and MemoryStock have interactive memory finder tools to help you find the correct type of computer RAM chip either by scanning your system or by inputting the make and model of your computer.

Purchase RAM for your computer

Buy RAM chips from the other vendors or directly from the computer's manufacturer. Sellers may provide discount prices on many types of RAM chips but may not offer details of installation process.

I recommend: Arch Memory and OEMPCWorld.com have discount prices on RAM chips.

Learn how to install RAM

RAM memory chips are relatively simple to install. Turn off and unplug the computer before installation. Use non-magnetic tools, and the person performing the installation must discharge any static electricity before touching the computer's internal components. It's important to firmly seat each of the RAM chips before closing the computer's case.

I recommend: Learn how to upgrade the RAM in your desktop PC by watching the video tutorial on CNET. This website also provides the specifics of upgrading laptop computer RAM in lesson 4 of the Upgrade Your Notebook Computer course. Follow step-by-step instructions for specific types of RAM chips by viewing the illustrated Install Guides at Crucial.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  In order to run Windows Vista Premium, a computer must have at least 1 Gb of RAM but 2 Gb is highly recommended. 1 GB is equal to 1,000 MB. It's a basic standard now, to have 1 GB of RAM on all laptop computers.
• •  Find the specific amount of memory for the computer's motherboard from the manufacturer's website.
• •  Each time the computer is turned on, applications or documents load into RAM. The computer works on them and then they're put away.