Many of you have probably asked yourselves this many times. For those of you who are looking to buy or have already purchased a computer may still be asking yourselves what this piece of hardware does for your computer. Buying computer memory is not as simple as going to the store and asking a sales representative for it. Each computer can only support a certain type of memory.
Walk into any computer store and either look at the cute little sticker they put on the case or just ask the sales representative and they will almost always let you know exactly how much memory, or RAM, the computer has. Ask them what it means and depending on where you're shopping you may or may not get an answer. The purpose of this article is to help you get a better grasp on what you need to look for when it comes to computer memory.
A more common name for computer memory is RAM. RAM stands for Random Access Memory. For those of you who are not fluent in computer lingo you may still be complexly lost.
To help you understand better about the purpose of RAM we will go over how anything gets done on your computer without RAM. Each time you start an application on your computer it goes through many steps to bring up the application you are wanting. It usually starts with an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. Let's pick on a well known application that most of you are probably familiar with; Notepad. You would start by taking a hold of your mouse and clicking on the start menu. Doing so would in turn pop up a menu. From that menu you would find and click on notepad. Once you click on the notepad icon, information is sent electronically through the wire of the mouse down to your USB or PS/2 port on your motherboard. When it gets there the information then travels to your processor. The processor then decides where it needs to send this information. Most of the time, the information is needed to be sent to your hard drive, since your hard drive is where most of your information is kept. Once the information gets to your hard drive it then searches for Notepad. All the files needed to run Notepad are sent back to your processor. The processor then sends the files where they need to go to run Notepad.
Now that seems like a long journey to pull up an application as simple as Notepad, doesn't it? This is what makes RAM so wonderful. All those files that are needed to run Notepad can be stored on RAM. When you click on the Notepad icon on your start menu your RAM will actually send the required files needed to run Notepad rather than the long trip explained above. This alleviates a lot of stress on your computer. Instead of worrying about where the files that are needed are and searching for them, RAM will step up and let your computer know, "Hey, I have those files right here! You can start Notepad now!"
If you have ever seen a stick of RAM you may have noticed that it looks a lot like little black squares attached to the greenish colored circuit board. These little black squares are where the information is stored.
RAM does this for starting and running all applications on your computer. The most important thing you must remember when looking at memory is that each application you need to run requires a certain amount of RAM in order for it work correctly. The more you have the better off you will be and the faster your computer will run. You have to be cautious though, having too much RAM can cause problems. The problems mainly arise because of a combination of both hardware and software restrictions. If you have a fairly recent computer you could safely get away with running 2GBs of computer memory. The operating system you probably use, Windows XP, will only support up to 4GBs. This isn't a lot when you compare the size to hard drive space. But your computer doesn't need a lot of RAM because the information that is stored in it is not permanent. It would be almost impossible for you to run so many applications and work on them all to 'fill up' your RAM with application information. But as technology grows applications will require more and more RAM to operate. So the amount of RAM that you can safely use will eventually increase. Windows XP 64-bit version already supports up to 16GBs of RAM and although it hasn't gone retail yet, Windows Vista will also support up to 16GBs. This will allow for programmers to create a more diverse range of applications to run on your computer.
The underlying factor in the benefits of getting RAM is two-fold. It relives stress on your CPU and can make your computer a lot faster. Now if you upgrade from 512MB to 1GB you may not see much of a difference. Going from 512MB to 2GB will undoubtedly show you some massive speed improvements with your computer. Always be sure to check with your motherboard documentation before getting RAM for your computer. Each motherboard will only support a certain type of RAM. Don't make the mistake of buying RAM that you can't even use.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Computer Memory
Monday, June 22, 2009
DeFragging Your Hard Drive
A multi-tasker needs all the RAM his PC will handle. I just increased mine to 2GB and I can tell a big difference. On the other hand, 512MB is a pretty healthy amount of real memory for a notebook - especially if you are using a PIV processor. If you have a Celeron, however, it needs a lot of help. I have resorted to the reformat, reinstall process a few times - but it was always with Celerons and the computers were slow from the second you turned them on.
I would first try dumping all of your background programs. You can do that by running `msconfig', choosing `selective startup', going to the startup tab, and unchecking everything but your antivirus program. Another software maintenance issue (besides defrag) is keeping all of your junk files cleaned out (recycle bin, temp files, temp internet files, cache, history, etc.). I like a little program called `Window Washer' but there are several on the market, another problem you may be having is heat. If the underside of your notebook is not well ventilated it could be running hot - and that will really slow it down.
Multi-tasking is a memory thirsty pastime. Your CPU can clearly cope. Adding 256MB of RAM would make a difference; 512MB would have a much bigger impact though. Don't reformat mate, you'll be gutted afterwards, as you can never get things quite the same again. First, I'll list below, a way you may be able to greatly improve things by simply tweaking windows a bit.
You may or may not be familiar with Virtual Memory. (If you are, prepare to suck eggs, sorry) It's an area of Hard Drive specifically allocated by Windows to act as an overflow for when your system runs low on Physical RAM. So if your system has 512MB and your Multi-tasking requires 1024MB, Windows will use 512MB of Virtual RAM to make up the extra.
When you defragment your Hard Drive, the Virtual Memory is shown as Data that cannot be moved (Green). The Problem with Windows is that it manages your Virtual Memory Dynamically. Setting a minimum and a maximum value that, changes as and when required. This tends to slow things down as the Virtual Memory allocation becomes fragmented on your Hard Drive. In turn this delays your Processor as it retrieves Data from all over the place instead of simply off your Memory module(s).
The best way to overcome this is to monitor Task Manager while you are multi-Tasking. And while the PC is at rest. You need to note the "Page File" usage (This is another name for Virtual Memory). See how high it goes when you're hammering it, and how low it goes when it's resting. Deduct max from min and add around 10%. This is the figure you'll need later. Your aim is to end up with a Page File in one place with no fragments. All you're doing is optimizing your system.
Start by, Defragging your Hard Drive. Now left click Start,right click My Computer,left click Properties. You should now have the System Properties Window open. Click the Advanced tab,Performance Settings,Advanced. In The Virtual Memory area, click Change. Select Custom Size and insert your calculated figure (Max-Min) +10%.
You need to insert the same figure for both Max and Min. This will fix the memory size and stop windows from expanding and shrinking it dynamically. You'll probably be required to restart before the changes will take effect. Once restarted, you can go to Defragmenter and analyze the Drive to ensure you have just one Fragment of Page File. This information can be viewed in the report generated by Defragmenter. If you find the Page File is fragmented, try defragging it again to try and clear a contiguous area big enough for it.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for http://www.BuyRAM.info/ , a computer memory Super Store. BuyRAM.info carries an excellent selection of computer memory, notebook memory, and digital camera memory for every type of computer, notebook, and digital camera on the market. Click Here to Search for System Memory by selecting the make and model of your system.
I would first try dumping all of your background programs. You can do that by running `msconfig', choosing `selective startup', going to the startup tab, and unchecking everything but your antivirus program. Another software maintenance issue (besides defrag) is keeping all of your junk files cleaned out (recycle bin, temp files, temp internet files, cache, history, etc.). I like a little program called `Window Washer' but there are several on the market, another problem you may be having is heat. If the underside of your notebook is not well ventilated it could be running hot - and that will really slow it down.
Multi-tasking is a memory thirsty pastime. Your CPU can clearly cope. Adding 256MB of RAM would make a difference; 512MB would have a much bigger impact though. Don't reformat mate, you'll be gutted afterwards, as you can never get things quite the same again. First, I'll list below, a way you may be able to greatly improve things by simply tweaking windows a bit.
You may or may not be familiar with Virtual Memory. (If you are, prepare to suck eggs, sorry) It's an area of Hard Drive specifically allocated by Windows to act as an overflow for when your system runs low on Physical RAM. So if your system has 512MB and your Multi-tasking requires 1024MB, Windows will use 512MB of Virtual RAM to make up the extra.
When you defragment your Hard Drive, the Virtual Memory is shown as Data that cannot be moved (Green). The Problem with Windows is that it manages your Virtual Memory Dynamically. Setting a minimum and a maximum value that, changes as and when required. This tends to slow things down as the Virtual Memory allocation becomes fragmented on your Hard Drive. In turn this delays your Processor as it retrieves Data from all over the place instead of simply off your Memory module(s).
The best way to overcome this is to monitor Task Manager while you are multi-Tasking. And while the PC is at rest. You need to note the "Page File" usage (This is another name for Virtual Memory). See how high it goes when you're hammering it, and how low it goes when it's resting. Deduct max from min and add around 10%. This is the figure you'll need later. Your aim is to end up with a Page File in one place with no fragments. All you're doing is optimizing your system.
Start by, Defragging your Hard Drive. Now left click Start,right click My Computer,left click Properties. You should now have the System Properties Window open. Click the Advanced tab,Performance Settings,Advanced. In The Virtual Memory area, click Change. Select Custom Size and insert your calculated figure (Max-Min) +10%.
You need to insert the same figure for both Max and Min. This will fix the memory size and stop windows from expanding and shrinking it dynamically. You'll probably be required to restart before the changes will take effect. Once restarted, you can go to Defragmenter and analyze the Drive to ensure you have just one Fragment of Page File. This information can be viewed in the report generated by Defragmenter. If you find the Page File is fragmented, try defragging it again to try and clear a contiguous area big enough for it.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for http://www.BuyRAM.info/ , a computer memory Super Store. BuyRAM.info carries an excellent selection of computer memory, notebook memory, and digital camera memory for every type of computer, notebook, and digital camera on the market. Click Here to Search for System Memory by selecting the make and model of your system.
How to build a Computer
Building a computer is not like trying to break the bank at an online casino or a casino in Las Vegas, it is very simple, once you know how.
To make a computer work you must have a mother board a processor some ram a CD ROM drive and a hard drive, with these key components you can build a computer than can easily be upgraded ever few years instead of having to get an entirely new PC.
The first step in building a computer is to find a nice sized clean workspace. The next thing you must do it to lay everything out on the table so that when it is needed it is close.
Before going any further open the box for the motherboard and remove the manual from the box. The manual will tell you everything you need to know about building the computer. Not reading the manual for the motherboard before starting to build your PC is like gambling in a casino at the craps table, without knowing the rules for craps, and you would not play a casino table game without knowing the Gambling Expressions or the rules for that game would you?
Take the computer case and open the side panel. This will open the space you will be building the computer in. before touching any of the actual computer components make sure you have attacked your anti static line to your workspace and your wrist, a shock from your hand to one of the computer components can damage them permanently.
With the computer case you will have a bag of screws. In this bag are some posts, place the mother board in the case just to see where the holes line up, and in each of the holes place a post screw. These posts are used as spacers so that the motherboard does not sit directly on the computer case.
After putting in the posts, the mother board can be placed on top of them and screwed into place. When screwing in the motherboard make sure to use the paper washers on each of the screws attaching the motherboard to the case.
Now you can carefully open the processor box and remove it, carefully line up the cutout in the processor with the one in the motherboard, and gently put the processor in place. Once the computers processor is on the motherboard, make sure to lock it, to stop it from moving.
Before you can put on the heat sink and fan you must put on a layer of thermal glue to the back of the processor, this glue makes sure the heat flows from the processor to the heat sink and fan. Without this glue the processor will over heat and burn out fast.
Most modern motherboards have a Nic card, video card and sound card as part of the mother board. This make is much easier to build the computer because that is 3 less things that have to be purchased or installed.
Now you can install the Ram. This is done by locating the cut out of the ram chip and lining it up with the slot for the ram on the mother board. If you are not sure where to install the ram make sure to check the motherboards manual it will show you exactly where to install the ram.
Now all that is left is the hard drive CD Rom drive and some wires connecting the computers on and off button to the motherboard.
The mother board will come with the cables you need to install your heard drive and your CD Rom drive. It is simple to do just plug one end of the cable into its place on the motherboard and the other end to the device you are attaching; it is as easy as playing Keno.
There will still be 4 or 5 wires that will need to be hooked up from the case to the motherboard. These wires are for the on and off button the reset button and the power lights on the computers case.
By reading the manual and following the directions you can build a computer in about an hour.
Trevor Green has a degree in computer science, but likes to write reviews for Online Casinos because of his passion for Craps and other online casino games.
To make a computer work you must have a mother board a processor some ram a CD ROM drive and a hard drive, with these key components you can build a computer than can easily be upgraded ever few years instead of having to get an entirely new PC.
The first step in building a computer is to find a nice sized clean workspace. The next thing you must do it to lay everything out on the table so that when it is needed it is close.
Before going any further open the box for the motherboard and remove the manual from the box. The manual will tell you everything you need to know about building the computer. Not reading the manual for the motherboard before starting to build your PC is like gambling in a casino at the craps table, without knowing the rules for craps, and you would not play a casino table game without knowing the Gambling Expressions or the rules for that game would you?
Take the computer case and open the side panel. This will open the space you will be building the computer in. before touching any of the actual computer components make sure you have attacked your anti static line to your workspace and your wrist, a shock from your hand to one of the computer components can damage them permanently.
With the computer case you will have a bag of screws. In this bag are some posts, place the mother board in the case just to see where the holes line up, and in each of the holes place a post screw. These posts are used as spacers so that the motherboard does not sit directly on the computer case.
After putting in the posts, the mother board can be placed on top of them and screwed into place. When screwing in the motherboard make sure to use the paper washers on each of the screws attaching the motherboard to the case.
Now you can carefully open the processor box and remove it, carefully line up the cutout in the processor with the one in the motherboard, and gently put the processor in place. Once the computers processor is on the motherboard, make sure to lock it, to stop it from moving.
Before you can put on the heat sink and fan you must put on a layer of thermal glue to the back of the processor, this glue makes sure the heat flows from the processor to the heat sink and fan. Without this glue the processor will over heat and burn out fast.
Most modern motherboards have a Nic card, video card and sound card as part of the mother board. This make is much easier to build the computer because that is 3 less things that have to be purchased or installed.
Now you can install the Ram. This is done by locating the cut out of the ram chip and lining it up with the slot for the ram on the mother board. If you are not sure where to install the ram make sure to check the motherboards manual it will show you exactly where to install the ram.
Now all that is left is the hard drive CD Rom drive and some wires connecting the computers on and off button to the motherboard.
The mother board will come with the cables you need to install your heard drive and your CD Rom drive. It is simple to do just plug one end of the cable into its place on the motherboard and the other end to the device you are attaching; it is as easy as playing Keno.
There will still be 4 or 5 wires that will need to be hooked up from the case to the motherboard. These wires are for the on and off button the reset button and the power lights on the computers case.
By reading the manual and following the directions you can build a computer in about an hour.
Trevor Green has a degree in computer science, but likes to write reviews for Online Casinos because of his passion for Craps and other online casino games.
Physical Damages of Hard disk
When clicking sound starts coming from hard disk drive, this indicates that hard drive is facing some problem. This only happens when power fluctuate while you are working on the computer. This shows that your hard disk is physically damaged.
Some of the hard disks give message when such sounds start coming that some error has reached. Such kinds of troubles are faced by many factors but most common which becomes the primary cause for its failures are given below.
Hard disk head smashed:
Hard disk magnetic plates are used to store the data on the disk and head on the hard disk supports in reading and writing of the data. When head finds any scratches on the magnetic plates; sound is produced when head revolves on the plate to that specific sector for reading or writing data. This needs to be taken care of immediately because if you start fixing the damage then it may result in further disk damage. Immediately shutdown your system and call any recovery experts for consultation. Data stored in hard disk is very sensitive it should be examined and recover in clean room labs.
Bad sectors of the Hard disk:
Bad sectors of the hard disk are areas on the tracks of magnetic plates which get corrupted due to any reason. When head try to read data from these sectors, its all attempts go in vain. Sound heard during the reading of that corrupted sectors which indicates that some of the sectors are failed and damaged.
If hard disk is very old and its condition seems to be very bad; best tip to stream line it again is to scan the whole disk for bad sectors. Scanning process will help in identification of all the damaged or corrupted areas and it will not let hard disk to write any thing on those sectors again.
Damaged Circuitry of Hard disk:
Other than the above two major reasons, additional grounds can be cause of failure of some internal components of the hard disk. It can be out of order spindle; loose head of hard disk, wrong placement of head and any disconnected connection of internal circuitry.
This is always seen that after clicking sound of your hard disk it freezes or stop working any more. Best solution to fix the damage is to take your hard disk to any famous hard disk data recovery company.
Lesser space of storage:
If stored data on hard disk cross the storage limit of hard disk then hard disk uses the technique of virtual memory paging to do the task which are left to process. Such kind of tasks increases the processing of the hard disk and raises it to exhausted state.
In order to overcome over this problem some extra space should be added, for this purpose RAM and extra hard disk is the best solution.
Webmaster:
Geeksnerds, data recovery solutions UK offers data recovery services and software to salvage data from damaged hard drive, RAID system, laptop and removable storage media.
Some of the hard disks give message when such sounds start coming that some error has reached. Such kinds of troubles are faced by many factors but most common which becomes the primary cause for its failures are given below.
Hard disk head smashed:
Hard disk magnetic plates are used to store the data on the disk and head on the hard disk supports in reading and writing of the data. When head finds any scratches on the magnetic plates; sound is produced when head revolves on the plate to that specific sector for reading or writing data. This needs to be taken care of immediately because if you start fixing the damage then it may result in further disk damage. Immediately shutdown your system and call any recovery experts for consultation. Data stored in hard disk is very sensitive it should be examined and recover in clean room labs.
Bad sectors of the Hard disk:
Bad sectors of the hard disk are areas on the tracks of magnetic plates which get corrupted due to any reason. When head try to read data from these sectors, its all attempts go in vain. Sound heard during the reading of that corrupted sectors which indicates that some of the sectors are failed and damaged.
If hard disk is very old and its condition seems to be very bad; best tip to stream line it again is to scan the whole disk for bad sectors. Scanning process will help in identification of all the damaged or corrupted areas and it will not let hard disk to write any thing on those sectors again.
Damaged Circuitry of Hard disk:
Other than the above two major reasons, additional grounds can be cause of failure of some internal components of the hard disk. It can be out of order spindle; loose head of hard disk, wrong placement of head and any disconnected connection of internal circuitry.
This is always seen that after clicking sound of your hard disk it freezes or stop working any more. Best solution to fix the damage is to take your hard disk to any famous hard disk data recovery company.
Lesser space of storage:
If stored data on hard disk cross the storage limit of hard disk then hard disk uses the technique of virtual memory paging to do the task which are left to process. Such kind of tasks increases the processing of the hard disk and raises it to exhausted state.
In order to overcome over this problem some extra space should be added, for this purpose RAM and extra hard disk is the best solution.
Webmaster:
Geeksnerds, data recovery solutions UK offers data recovery services and software to salvage data from damaged hard drive, RAID system, laptop and removable storage media.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Fallout 3 bargain round-up
Unsurprisingly, most retailers are charging similar prices for the game. The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions can be snapped up for $89 at JB Hi-Fi and Kmart, while Dick Smith is charging just 74 cents more. For PC gamers, Kmart, JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman are the best places to go as they’re charging a mere $79.
In case your wallet is still recovering from the global economy crisis, or if you’re simply a cheap skate, then you’ll be please to hear there are a number of trade-in deals on offer. First up, JB Hi-Fi is offering the 360 and PS3 versions for FREE when you trade-in three games – just remember to check their exclusions list (.pdf file) before heading into your local store. In contrast, you can pick up the console versions for $19.95 at EB Games when you trade-in two games, though you’ll need to make sure they’re on the eligible titles list. Lastly is GAME’s trade-in deal, where they’ll give you a 50% discount on any version of Fallout 3 if you trade in one eligible game (see below). Unfortunately, the deal expires on the 31st of October, so you only have two days to take advantage of it.
For a complete list of specials please see below:
Dick Smith:
360/PS3: $89.74
PC: $79.78
EB Games:
360/PS3: $119.95 or $19.95* when you trade-in two selected games
PC: $99.95
*For a list of eligible trade-in titles click here.
GAME:
360/PS3: $119.95 or 50% off* SRP when you trade-in one selected Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 game.
PC: $99.95 or 50% off* SRP when you trade-in one selected Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 game.
*Eligible titles include Madden 09, FaceBreaker, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, SoulCalibur IV, FIFA 09, LEGO Batman: The Videogame and Call of Duty 4: Modern Combat GOTY Edition. Trade-in deal is valid until October 31st only.
Harvey Norman:
360/PS3: $99
PC: $79
JB Hi-Fi:
360/PS3: $89 or FREE* when you trade-in 3 games.
PC: $79
*Exclusions apply. For a complete list of excluded titles, click here (.pdf file)
Kmart:
360/PS3: $89
PC: $79
Target:
15% off storewide. Ends Saturday, November 1st.
360/PS3: $101.96
PC: $84.96
Wow – Sight and Sound:
360/PS3: $99
MTV announces Beatles music game
MTV has announced a deal that will see MTV Games, Rock Band creators Harmonix and Apple Corps Ltd (The Beatles' media company, not the iPod/Mac creators) work together to create a new standalone title featuring the music and history of The Beatles.
The exclusive agreement will see the creation of an interactive music game created with input and support from Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison:
"The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music. I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out,” Sir Paul McCartney said.
“It gives me great pleasure to be part of The Beatles / Apple and Harmonix / Rock Band partnership,” said Ringo Starr. “The Beatles continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that The Beatles’ legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st century through the computerized world we live in. Let the games commence.”
“It’s cool. I love it and hope it will keep inspiring and encouraging the young generation for many decades.”
“People are having so much fun playing Rock Band. Combined with The Beatles tracks, it is a great way to either listen or participate,” said Olivia Harrison. “If you like the music, it doesn’t take much persuasion to get you to play.”
Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles LOVE project, will act as Music Producer.
Paul DeGooyer, MTV’s Senior Vice President of Electronic Games & Music, was keen to express his excitement about the project, stating "We are honored to be part of this new way for people to discover the timeless music and art of The Beatles - the most creatively and commercially successful, critically acclaimed, and influential band in the history of popular music".
Speculation as to who would actually be getting the rights for The Beatles' game can now be put to rest. Hardware details are yet to be confirmed, but a Christmas 2009 release date has been mentioned.
The exclusive agreement will see the creation of an interactive music game created with input and support from Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison:
"The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music. I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out,” Sir Paul McCartney said.
“It gives me great pleasure to be part of The Beatles / Apple and Harmonix / Rock Band partnership,” said Ringo Starr. “The Beatles continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that The Beatles’ legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st century through the computerized world we live in. Let the games commence.”
“It’s cool. I love it and hope it will keep inspiring and encouraging the young generation for many decades.”
“People are having so much fun playing Rock Band. Combined with The Beatles tracks, it is a great way to either listen or participate,” said Olivia Harrison. “If you like the music, it doesn’t take much persuasion to get you to play.”
Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles LOVE project, will act as Music Producer.
Paul DeGooyer, MTV’s Senior Vice President of Electronic Games & Music, was keen to express his excitement about the project, stating "We are honored to be part of this new way for people to discover the timeless music and art of The Beatles - the most creatively and commercially successful, critically acclaimed, and influential band in the history of popular music".
Speculation as to who would actually be getting the rights for The Beatles' game can now be put to rest. Hardware details are yet to be confirmed, but a Christmas 2009 release date has been mentioned.
New conquest maps available for Battlefield: Bad Company
The pack consists of four brand new Conquest multiplayer maps, gameplay enhancements (which aren't specified) and PlayStation 3 Trophy support. The maps include Par for the Course and Acta Non Verba, which where voted by "the community" as the most wanted single-player maps to be featured in Conquest mode. The other two maps were selected by the development team, and are Ghost Town and Crossing Over.
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