Help from the outside
Don¡¯t want to spend the bucks to boost your computer storage memory? There are some cheaper external alternatives. Though, it depends on what type of drives your computer features. For little money you can use floppy disks for storage. Though, these disks are usually just good for word files since they don¡¯t have much space. If you are looking to save larger files (and your computer has the drives) you can use CDs, zip disks and even DVDs.
The Memory Minimum:
Don¡¯t think you¡¯ll need too much memory for your PC? You probably won¡¯t if you¡¯re going to use your computer for a giant paperweight. However, if you¡¯re planning to run a platform like Windows XP you¡¯ll need around 256mb. Games use even more. Plus, photo albums, word files, Mp3s¡the list goes on and on. Today, to be on the safe side a gig of memory should keep you covered.
Adding with ease:
Adding memory. Most people hearing this phrase conjure up adolescent nightmares of unsuccessful attempts at building model cars. The truth is it¡¯s a lot easier. Your owners manual should provide you with step by step details. However, here are few key things to keep in mind. Before installing anything make sure your computer is off. After opening the case look for the computer¡¯s memory expansion sockets located on the motherboard. Insert the memory module at an angle and make sure it¡¯s firmly in place. Consult your owner?s manual for more specific instructions.
PC memory: A look back
PC Memory got its start back in the early 80s. The first amount included in computers was around 16 kilobytes. Today, you¡¯d probably use that much in a 1paragraph word file. In PCs today it?s not uncommon to find up to a gigabyte of memory. Two types of memory are found in your PC -- RAM (Random Access Memory) & ROM (Read Only Memory). ROM is the little memory needed to start up your computer. In contrast, RAM is pretty big since it¡¯s used for everything else. To save some cash it¡¯s better to buy a computer with more RAM than spending extra bucks to add extra memory later.
Memory: Forget this
Just like good ¡®ol mom never forgets, computers have the same uncanny ability. Sometimes it¡¯s good to have these records when you have a problem. Other times it can drain your memory needlessly -- like web surfing. Every website you go to the computer remembers you were there and what you did. The information collected is called cookies and cache. To make sure you maximize your memory use it¡¯s probably a good idea to empty this collection of cache and cookies every so often. If you¡¯re not sure how to do it search through the help index on your computer platform.