1. What is RAM? RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and takes the form of small rectangular green circuit boards with memory chips and integrated circuits on them, each with a different value or capacity. These boards are commonly referred to as ‘sticks.’ RAM does not actually contain your data, so removing or replacing them one at a time or all at once will not make you lose your files. Think of them more as the workhorses that access and retrieve your data. The more ‘horses’ you have, the faster you’ll be able to move data around, and the faster your programs and computer in general will run
2. First up, find out how much RAM you currently have. To do this, go to START >> Control Panel >> System. This will bring up a window headed ‘View Basic Information About Your Computer.’ At the bottom it will show your computer’s vital specs, such as OS type, processor speed etc. Look where it says “Memory (RAM):” This will tell you how much RAM your computer
currently has
3. Next, see how much extra memory you can potentially add.
Unplug your computer and open up the casing so you can look inside.
Most computers only open up on one side. Look at the back first and look
for the screws which hold the side casing on. The screws on one side
may be bigger than on the other and can be unscrewed using just your
fingers. If not, use a screwdriver. Once all the screws are off, test
each side to see which comes off by laying your computer down on one
side, and pressing inwards with the heel of your hand on the back of the
panel on the other side, and pulling inwards and backwards hard. The
side panel should slide off.
4. Look inside and locate your RAM. You may need a
flashlight for this. The RAM boards are a series of green boards
inserted into sockets parallel to each other. Look for empty slots. Most
computers have a limit to the amount of RAM you can install. Modern PCs
in 2010 can take up to 16 GB, but models from even a year or two ago
usually hold less than 4GB max.
5. Find out what kind of RAM your computer requires.
There is no such thing as ‘Off the peg’ RAM – each make and model of
computer requires a different kind. To find out what kind you need,
locate your computer’s model number (usually stamped on the front under
the brand name, or printed on the back.) Write your brand and model
number down and take it with you to the computer shop. Ask the assistant
and they’ll look it up for you. You can also Google it online (Google:
BRAND + MODEL NUMBER + RAM).
6. Purchase the correct type of RAM. Once you’re back
home with your new RAM, unplug your computer and open it again. Make
extra sure it’s completely unplugged, never open up your computer while
it is plugged in as you’ll risk serious electric shock. Once its’
unplugged, lie it down on its side with the open side facing upwards.
You are now ready to install your extra memory.
7. Do not touch the gold-plated parts of your RAM. Acid
and other nasties on our skin can corrode the delicate gold plating and
actually disable that ‘pin’. If you have a 1GB card and you run your
fingers down half of the pins, you may lose 512MB in computing power.
8.Beware of static! You will have to get rid of any
static electricity which all humans conduct, so in order to do so simply
grab hold of a metal object which is touching the ground to discharge
any static electricity you may have conducted.
How to know if you’ve given your computer a static shock? As soon as
you touch part of your computer without a grounding bracelet, you may
feel that little ‘crack’ of electricity you get when doing laundry or
walking on nylon carpet. Congratulations
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