Random Access Memory, commonly known as RAM, is an essential part of data transfer and storage for every computer. It is called random because it is volatile meaning when once your computer is shut down what ever data or information that was strored in the cache will be lost. . The random in RAM also means that any part of the data can be accessed and returned in constant time. Constant time is the amount of time needed to bring forth the information requested when the amount of data being brought forth is not factor.One of functions of memory is to make sure that as your computer initializes programs, and you can also do something called multitasking efficiently.

The term RAM or memory appears in almost every computer specification. The RAM controls how fast programs would run on your PC. As you may already know that the processor of the computer controls how fast a computer could potentially load a program from the hard drive. After the program has been loaded, your computer memory kicks in to support the processor. In a practical scenario, how much memory your computer has installed will determine how efficiently applications well perform.

How much memory you need depends on the operating system you use and what do you use your computer for every day.

Windows XP Need around 256mb: Uses for word processing, Word processing, email, data-entry, Fax/communications, database administration, spreadsheets.Need around 512mb. Complex documents, accounting, business graphics, presentation software, network connectivity.Need around 1GB. Complex presentations, sales/market analysis, project management, Internet access, Statistical applications, large databases, research/technical analysis, complex presentations, video conferencing.Need more than 1 GB: 2D CAD, rendering, multimedia presentations, simple photo-editing, Web development. Need approximately 2 GB: Animation, complex photo-editing, real-time video, 3D CAD, solid modeling, finite element analysis

Vista At least 1GB: Email, Picture share, Web Surfing, Basic Office Products. More than 1.5GB recommended for Download and Manage Music, Interactive web surfing, Basic creative software, Corporate Software. Need at least 2GB for Download and Manage Photos, Music, Movies and TV, Games, Web Surfing and Development

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With so many types and models of computers to choose from, it becomes quite intimidating to buy a new computer, especially if you do not have the expert knowledge of experienced computer users. Here’s a quick run-down of what to look for when you buy a computer.

1. Buy What You Need, Maybe a Little More

One of the most important things you can do when buying a computer is make a list of the things that you will be using it for.

Regardless, you should think about some of the things you might want to do. Some possibilities include : Connect to the internet, play games,digital photography, digital video, type documents, design websites, programming

Some of these things need more power than others. For example, connecting to the internet really doesn’t need a lot of power. Even the most basic computer available will probably work just fine.

Digital video and many games need a lot more power. If you don’t get a fast enough computer with enough memory, you’ll be disappointed with the performance.

2. Crunching the Numbers

Higher values generally mean a more powerful computer, you may end up with so much power and speed that you cannot maximize and utilize efficiently. Before buying a computer, focus on the following important parts and values:

* Random access memory (RAM). Higher RAM values can help you multi-task and run programs quicker and easier, although you may end up wasting a lot of money if you only use your computer for basic tasks like typing papers and playing simple games.

* Processor speed. it’s important to remember that a fast processor should always be bundled with a considerably big amount of RAM.

* Video. Some budget computers come with integrated video cards, although it’s still best to buy a computer with a separate video card built to work well with your CPU and RAM specs..

* Disk space. There’s no such thing as “too much free space,” especially if you like to collect music, videos, or if you make a lot of files. The bigger the hard disk space that there is in the computer, the better. You can divide a really large hard disk into partitions to make organizing files easier.

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The most area to look at is to upgrade some of the primary hardware that runs your computer. The best three in order of performance increase are RAM, Video Cards, and hard drives.

If you are planning on upgrading your computer’s memory, you will first need to determine how much memory your computer currently has. You will also need to know how many empty slots you have for upgrading the memory. If your computer was new when you purchased it and you have not upgraded it, this information is normally provided in the user manual that came with your system. Otherwise, you will need to perform a BIOS check to see how much memory you currently have. Then you will also need to open your computer’s case to check the number of empty slots.

Once you have checked these things, check your computer’s manual to find compatible memory types. When you are purchasing memory modules, it is usually best to buy the most memory you can with the least amount of modules.

The next are that would help would be to replace the video card or add RAM to the video card if possible. Many of the newer low-end computers borrow RAM from the system, which is economical from the manufacturing side but not the most efficient for the operation.

The newer versions of all the major video cards have their own processors and RAM on board the card. This adds quite a bit of punch to the refresh rate and can have a big impact for most computers. Video cards also have a host of features that can help speed up some graphic operations.

The next area that can always use some help is the hard disk. Your hard disk really has two factors that dictate the speed it operates. One is the type of connection; the other is the speed the hard drive spins. The newer hard drives have what