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RAM "memory" is a "plug-in" type of electronic chip that is used by your computer for short term storage of information.

Different from your hard drive that stores information indefinatly (programs, data, etc.), RAM holds information for only as long as your computer is turned on.

The purpose of RAM is that of a temporary "workspace". For example, when you activate your word processing program, the program is copied from your hard drive (storage device) into your RAM (workspace) and while you are writing your letter, the letter exists only in RAM.

Since the RAM memory will be cleared out as soon as you stop using a program (or turn off your computer), it's necessary to SAVE the letter that you're writing to your hard drive.

So, RAM is really just electronic chips that store information temporarily while you're working with that information.

P.S. - See "Weekly In Depth" below for more info on RAM

Q. "I understand that if you have more RAM (memory) your computer will run faster. But how do you buy and install more RAM?"

A. Let's start by saying that there is a complete definition of RAM further down this page in the "Weekly-In-Depth" section. Read that stuff if you want to know more about why RAM is important.

Regarding the purchase and installation of RAM, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to do either.

BUYING - Go to the CRUCIAL or KINGSTON website. Both sites allow you to choose your make and model of machine. They then guarantee that you'll get the right type of RAM for your system. And it's not expensive. In fact, it's "dirt cheap".

INSTALLING - The first thing you have to do is open your machine and find out how many RAM "slots" you have. You'll have either 2 or 3 or 4 slots.

You might have to throw out your existing RAM because if you have only two slots and have a 16mb RAM module in each, then you have no place to put the new RAM. In that situation, I would dump the two 16s and replace them with two 64s. Now you'll have 128mb RAM which is enough for just about anybody.

And don't get all excited about throwing out the two 16s cause they are only worth about 3 bucks each.

When the RAM arrives, just follow the instructions supplied with the RAM. Remove your old RAM (check your user's manual... the chips are usually held in place by a "snap" connector at each end). After removing the old RAM you can "snap" in the new RAM.

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"The switch comes as Yahoo is seeking to bolster its revenues in the midst of an online advertising contraction."

Spiderman Game Delayed for NYC-Scene Edit
"The game had been set for release on Tuesday, but will now be changed to alter backgrounds that might look like the destroyed buildings."

Without getting all wrapped up in technical definitions (Random Access Memory), let's talk about the importance of RAM.

RAM is not your hard drive. Your hard drive stores your programs and data "permanently" (or at least until you decide to delete them). RAM is very "short term".

Look at it this way. In your office (or bedroom) your DESK is your temporary work area while your BOOKSHELVES are your permanent storage areas. When you want to use a specific book you temporarily place it on your desk. When you are finished with it, you put it back on the bookshelf. Also, when you write a report, you temporarily use your desk to do the writing. When you finish writing the report, you place it into a folder on your bookshelf.

The "desk" is your temporary RAM. The "bookshelf" is your permanent hard drive storage.

Why is this important? Cause the smaller your temporary "desk", the less you can put on your desk at one time. This means that you have to make many trips to the bookshelf if you're using alot of books. That's a waste of time.

So, get some more RAM (a bigger temporary desk area) and you won't have to make so many trips to your hard drive (the bookshelves). Less trips means everything happens faster cause when something is needed it's already sitting on your desk (in your RAM).

Bottom line... the more RAM you have, the faster your computer will operate. Of course, that's just a "general" rule because there are also other components in your computer that contribute to speed. But it's a safe bet that things will speed up if you add more RAM.

P.S. - See the "Reader Feedback" section above for more info on RAM and how to buy it.

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