Checking RAM
RAM (or Random Access Memory) is the memory your computer uses to run your programs and perform functions. It is only available when your computer is turned on. Items in RAM are gone when your computer is turned off (unless you have saved them.) It is usually measured in Mb (or megabytes), and can range from 32MB to more than 256MB. A low amount of RAM will result in your computer running slower, being unable to perform tasks quickly, and occasionally crashing. Conversely, a high amount of RAM will result in your computer running faster, being able to perform tasks more quickly, and being less likely to crash. To see how much RAM your computer has, do the following: Older versions of Windows: If your computer is running an older version of Windows, you will have a "My Computer" icon on the desktop in the upper left corner of the screen. Simply RIGHT-CLICK the "My Computer" icon. Newer versions of Windows: If your computer is running a newer version of Windows, you won't see a "My Computer" icon on the desktop. Instead, click "Start" and move your mouse over the "My Computer" icon. Then RIGHT-CLICK the "My Computer" icon.
How much RAM is enough?
128MB - 256MB is optimal for most users. If you find that you have 32MB or 64MB, you need to seriously consider either increasing your RAM or getting a newer computer (which may be a more cost-effective option than increasing your RAM.)
Checking Hard Drive Size
Your hard drive is where your computer stores programs and files. Items stored on your hard drive aren't gone when the computer is turned off (as are items in RAM). Hard drives are generally measured in GB (or gigabytes), and can range from less than 1GB to more than 80GB. A rule of thumb is to leave at least 1/4 of your hard drive empty. To see how large and how full your hard drive is, do the following: Older versions of Windows: If your computer is running an older version of Windows, you will have a "My Computer" icon on the desktop in the upper left corner of the screen. DOUBLE-CLICK the "My Computer" icon. Then RIGHT-CLICK the C: drive icon and select "Properties". Newer versions of Windows: If your computer is running a newer version of Windows, you won't see a "My Computer" icon on the desktop. Instead, click "Start" and move your mouse over and click (LEFT-CLICK) the "My Computer" icon. Then RIGHT-CLICK the C: drive icon and select "Properties".
RAM (or Random Access Memory) is the memory your computer uses to run your programs and perform functions. It is only available when your computer is turned on. Items in RAM are gone when your computer is turned off (unless you have saved them.) It is usually measured in Mb (or megabytes), and can range from 32MB to more than 256MB. A low amount of RAM will result in your computer running slower, being unable to perform tasks quickly, and occasionally crashing. Conversely, a high amount of RAM will result in your computer running faster, being able to perform tasks more quickly, and being less likely to crash. To see how much RAM your computer has, do the following: Older versions of Windows: If your computer is running an older version of Windows, you will have a "My Computer" icon on the desktop in the upper left corner of the screen. Simply RIGHT-CLICK the "My Computer" icon. Newer versions of Windows: If your computer is running a newer version of Windows, you won't see a "My Computer" icon on the desktop. Instead, click "Start" and move your mouse over the "My Computer" icon. Then RIGHT-CLICK the "My Computer" icon.
How much RAM is enough?
128MB - 256MB is optimal for most users. If you find that you have 32MB or 64MB, you need to seriously consider either increasing your RAM or getting a newer computer (which may be a more cost-effective option than increasing your RAM.)
Checking Hard Drive Size
Your hard drive is where your computer stores programs and files. Items stored on your hard drive aren't gone when the computer is turned off (as are items in RAM). Hard drives are generally measured in GB (or gigabytes), and can range from less than 1GB to more than 80GB. A rule of thumb is to leave at least 1/4 of your hard drive empty. To see how large and how full your hard drive is, do the following: Older versions of Windows: If your computer is running an older version of Windows, you will have a "My Computer" icon on the desktop in the upper left corner of the screen. DOUBLE-CLICK the "My Computer" icon. Then RIGHT-CLICK the C: drive icon and select "Properties". Newer versions of Windows: If your computer is running a newer version of Windows, you won't see a "My Computer" icon on the desktop. Instead, click "Start" and move your mouse over and click (LEFT-CLICK) the "My Computer" icon. Then RIGHT-CLICK the C: drive icon and select "Properties".