Why add RAM?

First off, let's define RAM. RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is filled with capacitors that can do two things: temporarily carry or not carry a charge. These capacitors are arranged in banks of 8 hence the binary code (ex. 00001010). Each combination of these "bits" or charges represent a certain data. A collection of these data defines a set of instructions that a computer understands and processes. A RAM therefore, stores instructions (in binary format) for a computer to follow. Why then should we add more RAM to our computer?

We use computers because we use the programs/software that assist us in our work (may it be creating an assignment, doing a presentation for our boss, or playing computer games). These programs give out instructions to the computer and the RAM temporarily stores these instructions for processing. Like any kind of storage (ex. bucket), a RAM also gets full. A good explanation about RAM can be found at http://pubs.logicalexpressions.com/pub0009/LPMArticle.asp?ID=71.

"If someone asks you how much memory your computer has, they're not talking about hard drive space. They're asking you how much RAM your computer has. Break out those visualization skills again and this time we'll associate the Random Access Memory (RAM) in your computer with your dining room table. You sit down at your dining room table, break out paper and pen because you're going to write a letter or work on some project. You spread out your papers. Depending on how difficult the project is, you may need a lot of space on that table to organize all the tools you need to get the job done.

Just as with your computer, when you want to write a letter or work on some project, you need to open programs and spread them out within your computer's memory—it's RAM. If you have a simple note to write, you might use a little program like Notepad. If it's a more involved project, maybe you'll open Word or some special stationary program. The bigger the program, the more RAM will be needed and subsequently used.

If you have a large dining room table, just like a lot of RAM, you'll find you don't have much difficulty getting the job done because you have lots of room on that table to work. Just as your computer has lots of RAM to allow programs to work quickly."

Adding computer RAM therefore, gives you better chances of running your programs effectively.

Depending on what kind of computer you are using, you can add iMac Memory or add a DDR PC2700 Memory to a PC. Good thing is that there are many computer stores that are selling RAM and most of them are very affordable.