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I have some questions about getting more RAM for my computer?

my computer is really slow and i think RAM makes it faster 1. does it make it faster? 2. is it easy to put in without any knowledge of computer parts? 3. is there certain ones you have to get for certain computers? 4. how much does it cost at the least expensive 5. do i even need more RAM or do i need something else this is what it says in my system information thing in My Computer, in case it matters System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002 Service Pack 2 Dell Computer Corporation Dell DIMENSION DIM2400 Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80 GHz 2.79 GHz, 256 MB of RAM

Public Comments

1. That depends on what you consider is slow. The internet? The PC itself ? Details
2. Ive used 256mb ram on an XP PC for yrs and it worked great. Here's what I suggest you do. These steps are called optimizing (tweaking) your operating system. Step 1. Click start, run, type msconfig, click ok. Step 2. On top click the startup tab and count how many are checked in the list. (Most PCs have way to many programs checked which in this list start with XP when you turn your PC on causing it to drag). Step 3. Go through the list and uncheck whats unnecessary to start with XP such as messengers, dvd programs, cd burn programs, microsoft office program, etc. IF your not sure what to uncheck and leave alone add me to yahoo messenger: sadeyzluv and i'll help ya optimize it.
3. Your computer seems pretty fast in terms of the CPU speed, but you are correct that you don't have very much RAM. Yes, you need a specific speed of RAM - like DDR333 (PC2700) or DDR400 (PC3200) which are some possible RAM speeds that your computer might use. You can try to find out what RAM is required by your motherboard from DELL which might be difficult - they don't really encourage upgrades. Or you could buy the upgrade from DELL. Or you could open your computer and look at the RAM modules to see what is in there and if there are any open slots. Most RAM modules say right on a sticker what speed and size they are and you can usually upgrade that way as well.
4. Add only 256 MB of RAM. You can do it yourself also. Get the RAM matched than only buy or exchange your RAM with a 512 MB RAM & pay the difference. Cost may be $45 $50. But system mentainance will help you & keep on doing that regularly. Do as follows First of all To increase your virtual memory or page file size open control panel double click system foldes on opening page click advanced than chek before Adjust for best performance & click apply(it will take a while). Than click advanced in coming window you will find virtual memory click setting. Select drive on which you want your virtual memory to be. then click custom and change the Page file size or virtual memory size by typing. Initial size should be 1024 MB at least & max size should be not less than 2048 MB. 1. Search for temp files( In search box type *.tmp) click search. Delete all files that appears after search. 2. Than as above type *.log & do the same. 3. Search Temp folder Delete all it's content. 4. Search Temprory Internet Files & delete it's content. 5. Run updated Antivirus & Anti spyware. 6. Run disk cleanup from system tools in accessories. 7. Than defragment your drives twice from system tools Defrag. 8. From run type msconfig > enter > click on startup un check all checked field except of antivirus & anti spyware. Choose & click services, Check beside hide all MS Services. In remaining list uncheck all except Anti virus & Anti spyware services click apply click ok you will asked to restart click restart. You are almost done. This will make your system considerably faster but one very essential action has to be taken and that is cleaning Registry which is the main reason of sluggis system. Dowload WIN XP Manager or tuneup utilities install & clean. Try with win xp manager,s 1 click cleaner. You can download it from www.softarchive.net. It requires dotnet fx so you will have to download it also. First you will have to install dotnet fx. It is free & you can get it from site of microsoft. Your PC will become as fast as it was when new or a bit better.