Speed Up Computer

If you’ve decided to make the transition to Windows Vista from an earlier version of the operating system, or you’ve purchased a new computer and Windows Vista came loaded on it, you may be wondering how the new operating system performance will compare to your old one.

Memory Shortage Can Cause Performance Problems

Ideally, a new computer and the latest version of the operating system should perform exceptionally well, provided that you have a sufficient amount of RAM loaded into the computer. If you economized by not upgrading your memory from the bare minimum, you may come to regret that decision as you begin to add files and programs to your computer.

No real harm done, here. You can easily add (or have someone add) memory to your computer if the performance of your system is intolerably slow. Adding memory is usually an exercise in mathematics. Sometimes you can simply add more memory. Other times, you need to take out the memory in the computer and replace it with a new package. Whether or not you can reuse the existing memory depends upon how many memory slots your computer has, and whether or not any slots are open. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on memory, and don’t mix memory sizes.

Some is good, but more is not always better. By design, your computer has a maximum amount of RAM it can address. Don’t exceed this limit; your computer won’t work if you do. Your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s Web site should be able to help you determine the maximum amount of memory your computer can handle.

You should consider a memory upgrade if:
A. You have the minimum recommended memory installed in the computer. The minimum recommendation is meant to tell you how much RAM your computer needs to run the operating system. You’ll need additional memory to run your applications.

B. Your hard drive is constantly working while you’re running applications. This is a sign that your computer is using hard disk space to compensate for needed RAM.

C. You run computationally intensive programs. These include programs with a lot of graphics, programs that create graphics, and those that help you draw, lay out or design things. If you use your computer to run graphics-intensive games, you’ll want to have as much memory as possible.

.D. Your computer acts as a server for other programs. If your computer is responding to requests from other computers – even if only on a home network – you may need more memory to accommodate the server processes.

Photo Credit: Charlene Wood