How To Pick The Right RAM

If you're lacking RAM (Random Access Memory), you can expect your computer to often freeze or stall on you. It is by far one of the most crucial components of a computer as far as speed is concerned.

Many people underestimate the determining speed role of  RAM in a system. More memory translates into more programs being able to run simultaneously, and your favorite programs easier to use. When it comes to adding system memory, the general rule of thumb is the more, the better.

Its main function is to provide a temporary space for data to be stored by the system. All RAM are volatile, which means it cannot be used to store permanent data. Once the power is off, all the data stored in it is lost. Computer RAM on the other hand processes data faster than any other storage media. For this reason when you boot up your machine, the system loads information from your storage drive into the RAM. Whenever your system needs any information, it'll access the RAM for retrieval of data.

When purchasing Computer RAM, here are a few things to consider:

Storage: 

General Purpose:	Recommended memory:
Casual User - Internet browsing, e-mail and listening to music	512MB-1GB
Frequent User - Internet browsing, email, word processing, simple graphics programs and flash games, music and watching videos, multitasking.	1GB-2GB
Power User/Student - Internet browsing, email, word processing, photo editing, video editing, graphics programs and gaming, intensive multitasking.	2GB-4GB*
Professional User/Gamer/Graphic Designer - High performance gaming, multimedia editing, high-definition video, graphics design/3D modeling, intensive multitasking.	4GB-8GB*

Operating System Memory Recommendations
Operating System	Minimum requirements	Recommended*
Microsoft Windows® 7 64-bit	2GB	4GB-8GB
Microsoft Windows® 7 32-bit	1GB	4GB
Microsoft Windows® Vista™ 64-bit	2GB	4GB-8GB
Microsoft Windows® Vista 32-bit	1GB	4GB
Microsoft Windows® XP® Professional	512MB	2GB-4GB
Windows XP Home	512MB	1GB-3GB
Windows 2000	512MB	1GB-4GB
Mac® OS X	512MB	2GB-4GB

* When 4GB of memory is installed in a 32-bit Windows system, it only utilizes 3GB or 3.5GB. In this case, some of the addressable memory is reserved for use by page files or by some of the devices that you are using, such as a graphics card, PCI card, or integrated network connections.