Easy PC upgrades

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Don’t chuck out a perfectly good computer just because it doesn’t have what you need. Adding new components is often very simple, sort of like high-tech Lego! Here are a few easy options to boost your computer:

Add more memory. There are two types of memory on a computer. One is the hard drive memory (the amount of space in your C drive) and the other is RAM. Every time your install a program, screensaver or whatever on your computer you are putting more of a strain on the RAM. Adding a bit more, even the smallest and cheapest type, always helps.

To avoid getting bamboozled by the names and types of RAM out there, do a couple of things first. Click on the System icon in the control panel which will tell you how much RAM you already have and the speed of your processor (something like 266MHz), and then either dig out the computer manual or open it up and look for the RAM already there to see whether it’s DDR or DDR2(probably if you’ve bought it in the last few years) or RD RAM (more likely on older models). If you open up the computer make sure you switch it off and disconnect it from the power, and touch the metal case before you touch the memory module so that you don’t let any static electricity from your body near it.


	Scared of the insides of your computer? Click here to see a typical layout.

If it’s DDR RAM or DDR2 RAM (also called DDR SDRAM) then all you do is buy another one (any size but make sure it’s the same speed as the old one and shove it in the slot next to the existing memory module. If both slots are already taken up (there are usually two slots) then you can replace one or both and flog the old ones on ebay.

If it’s RD RAM then all you have to remember is to install in pairs, and make sure they are both the same amount of RAM. E.g. installing a pair of 256MB modules will give you 512MB.

So to sum up, make a note of:
1. The type of RAM you already have
2. The speed of your processor

Then you can easily choose the memory upgrade you’d like to use.


	Click here to compare prices and find the latest online discounts for memory cards.


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