RAM Read Access Memory, This may not sound all that important at first however RAM is temporary space your computer uses to hold data for quick retrieval. If you didn't have RAM the computer would have to search the entire hard drive to find data to run the program your using right now. RAM comes in several different types, sizes, and brands. Just like any other purchase of consumer electronics you should do a little research before buying. In the last couple of years the price of RAM has fallen significantly. While some more popular brands can still run $100 dollars or more you can often find a slightly cheaper brand or RAM with less memory to accommodate your budget. RAM comes from the manufacturer in three sizes 256mb, 512mb, and 1gb sticks.
Discovering what type and size of RAM you currently have installed can be a pain. I suggest you go to your computer manufacturers website or look at your printed computer documentation if you have a name brand model. If you have a put together pc you can remove the case screws and the side panel or rear of the case. Locate the long thin RAM sticks on the motherboard. On IBM style computers the ram is connected to the motherboard by two clips, one on each end of the RAM. Push the clip away from the RAM up or down, a clicking noise will be heard. Grab the edge of the RAM and apply steady pressure up to remove the RAM. On the side of the stick of RAM should be a sticker on some models the information may be printed on one of the chips. The information will tell you the maker, the model, the size, and the type for example it will say “Samsung 1GB DDR RAM PC3200 184-Pin DIMM.” In this case Samsung is the maker, 1GB is the size, and PC3200 is the socket type. Always unplug the power cord before doing any kind of service on your computer.
Great now we know what size and type of RAM you have, and lets say we ran out and purchased a new stick. To install our new RAM we will locate the two or four, depending on your motherboard, long thin RAM slots. Make sure your grounded so you don't discharge static inside your computer case. Unwrap the new stick of RAM and compare it to the old stick. Make sure the cut in the contact portion of the old stick matches the new stick. Now we are ready to install our new RAM. Line the stick up with the slot in the motherboard and apply gentle steady pressure down, the clips should automatically close on the notches in the stick. Make sure the RAM is seated and snapped into place, reattach the side panel or the case, and put the case screws back in.
The final steps, turn your computer right side up, reconnect the power cable, and turn it on. Your computer should boot then beep and give a warning message. The message will say “Warning system memory has changed press F1 to continue or F2 for setup.” We want to continue on most computers running Windows 2000 or newer. The operating system will take longer than usual to boot up for the first time after the memory has been changed.
Congratulations are surely in order. We have successfully installed or upgraded system memory. Its not really a hard job, the hard part is understanding the types and sizes available to the consumer. I hope this article has helped.
