Computer Memory
What kind of memory is in my computer?
How much memory does my computer have?
How much memory should my computer have?
Does
my computer have enough for this new software package?
Ever have these questions?
Most PC users do, so hopefully this guide will help answer some of them.
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There are several kinds of memory in your computer, each having its own fancy name and each with a special purpose. I'll not go into all of the different kinds of memory, nor the technical details of each. Instead, I'll introduce you to the tools you have available to learn about your computer's memory which may help you better understand some of these frequently asked questions. |
Your Computer uses memory for two main purposes:
Working memory, as in "Running Software"
aka RAM
and
Storage, as in Disk and CDROM
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Working Memory is the most frequently questioned, such as, do you have enough to run a new software package. To check how much working or RAM memory you have... |
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On your desktop, with the cursor positioned over "My Computer" click on the right mouse button and select Properties. |
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You should get a new window and be on the General tab... |
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In the bottom right hand corner of this Window should be some text similar to that displayed to the left here. The amount of memory in your computer is displayed on the last line. This example shows 127.0MB RAM. |
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This information tells you how much working memory is in your computer. Most new software will specify somewhere how much RAM you need. Always check here to be sure you have enough. |
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Working memory or RAM is very fast memory used by software much like you and I might use a chalk board for a really big math problem. I can't hold 12-digit numbers in my head, so I need a place to quickly write them down and view them while working out the math...
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is also frequently asked about, especially when selecting new software, to make sure you have enough disk memory to store your new program. To check how much storage memory you have...
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On your desktop, with the cursor positioned over " My Computer" Double-Click your left mouse button.
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You should now see a window like the one displayed to the right. Click on the icon for C: drive to highlight it and then click on File and select Properties. |
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Selecting Properties will display an information window. On the General tab you should find the details of how much "space" is free on this drive. This same procedure will work for any drive you see displayed in "My Computer". You may or may not have the Disk Cleanup button depending on your version of Windows. The Tools tab provides access to built-in tools to assist you in managing your disk, but I hope you seldom, if ever will need these.
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Storage Memory is much slower than RAM memory - about 100 times slower. Hard disks, CDROMs, and floppy disks are all considered storage memory. Your computer uses storage memory the way you and I would use a file cabinet, a very organized way to store and retrieve information.
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Have a suggestion for future TIPs and GUIDEs ? Please email me... mark@eakles.com Your ideas are always the best !!!
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