Chapter 6. You Must Remember This: Upgrading System Memory

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Understanding computer memory

• Adding RAM to a desktop PC

• Adding RAM to a portable PC

Every computer comes with a boatload of built-in electronic memory. This memory is called random access memory, or RAM, and is where your computer temporarily stores program instructions, open files, and other data while it's being used.

The more memory your computer has, the faster your applications will run and the more applications (and larger files) you can have open at one time. If you don't have enough memory in your system, your computer will appear sluggish and possibly freeze up from time to time. The solution is simple: Add more memory!