A PC's RAM, or short-term-memory, is the where data is kept in storage that is being used often and over and over again. This is the data resources that will be needed the most often by the programs being operated at the moment. It is saved in the RAM so it might be accessed rapidly and easily and keep the computer operating fast and smooth. RAM is an acronym in place of "Random Access Memory".
So how is the Random access memory distinctive from the pc's hard drive storage memory? Your bigger hard drive memory storage saves your documents, photo's, mp3's, applications, and other data in a very large "warehouse". Where as the info in the RAM would be like the documents on your desk... ready to be read.
This short term memory dramatically effects a computer's performance. You can run this TEST to determine if your PC has enough RAM:
Right click on the bottom toolbar of you desktop and check the screen box that pops up. You will see "Task Manager" listed with about 8 other selections - click it; and when the Task Manager opens it will display tabs for: "Programs", "Processes", etc. These should tell you what is working on the computer.
On the bottom of the "Windows Task Manager" screen you can find: "Processes: __", "CPU Usage: __", and "Physical Memory: __". The Physical Memory is the Computer's RAM. CPU is Central Processing Unit (or the PC's motor). Look at the CPU Usage rate and the Physical Memory. CPU Usage is what proportion of your computer's processor capability is being used at this period of time. The Physical Storage Memory shows what % of the RAM is occupied.
The CPU will fluctuate greatly from moment to moment. It can go from 0 percent to 100% based on what you are doing at the moment. You will probably have a problem if, when you finish working on the computer for a minute, the CPU usage will not drop back under 20 or 30%. The computer's Physical Storage will fluctuate but not as greatly as the CPU percent. It ought not remain above 75% for an extended length of time. Preferably the CPU percent should be below 55% most of the time. If it is not then you may need more RAM added to help solve the problem with your computer's speed.
But also keep in mind, Random access memory is not hard to install or expensive. And when buying or pricing a new PC, get extra RAM included. It's money well spent. Most "over the counter" pieces of RAM cost less than $60 for a GB... which should be more than enough.
So how is the Random access memory distinctive from the pc's hard drive storage memory? Your bigger hard drive memory storage saves your documents, photo's, mp3's, applications, and other data in a very large "warehouse". Where as the info in the RAM would be like the documents on your desk... ready to be read.
This short term memory dramatically effects a computer's performance. You can run this TEST to determine if your PC has enough RAM:
Right click on the bottom toolbar of you desktop and check the screen box that pops up. You will see "Task Manager" listed with about 8 other selections - click it; and when the Task Manager opens it will display tabs for: "Programs", "Processes", etc. These should tell you what is working on the computer.
On the bottom of the "Windows Task Manager" screen you can find: "Processes: __", "CPU Usage: __", and "Physical Memory: __". The Physical Memory is the Computer's RAM. CPU is Central Processing Unit (or the PC's motor). Look at the CPU Usage rate and the Physical Memory. CPU Usage is what proportion of your computer's processor capability is being used at this period of time. The Physical Storage Memory shows what % of the RAM is occupied.
The CPU will fluctuate greatly from moment to moment. It can go from 0 percent to 100% based on what you are doing at the moment. You will probably have a problem if, when you finish working on the computer for a minute, the CPU usage will not drop back under 20 or 30%. The computer's Physical Storage will fluctuate but not as greatly as the CPU percent. It ought not remain above 75% for an extended length of time. Preferably the CPU percent should be below 55% most of the time. If it is not then you may need more RAM added to help solve the problem with your computer's speed.
But also keep in mind, Random access memory is not hard to install or expensive. And when buying or pricing a new PC, get extra RAM included. It's money well spent. Most "over the counter" pieces of RAM cost less than $60 for a GB... which should be more than enough.
SHARE
