One of the easiest ways to boost a computer’s performance is to add more RAM–a simple task requiring only basic computer knowledge and the guts to open up your PC’s case.
On the other hand, making the best use of the memory you already have is an often-overlooked tactic–even though it’s just as simple. To that end, here’s how to get the most out of your PC’s RAM, as well as select and install more if you need it.
Step 1: Do you really need more memory?
From the Start menu, click All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Information. Once the system-info summary appears, scroll down a bit and look for two fields: Total Physical Memory, and Available Physical Memory. Experience says if you’re showing 300MB or less available memory, you’re probably in trouble. That said, don’t rush out to buy RAM just because you see a gap between the total memory and the amount actually available. It’s possible to increase your available memory without buying any chips–read on to find out how.