Better Computer Performance

Computer memory

When it comes to computer terminology, one can become easily confused. A term may sound like one thing but in fact describe something totally different. Yet, when the term is computer memory it is as important as it sounds.

Computer memory is important because without it our computers would function so slowly that we could in fact not actually use them. Why would it be so slow? It would forever be searching for data and information from our hard drive to function properly. But since our computers have their own memory, they can access the information they need and at a quick speed.

Our computer also has different forms of memory. Most of the data our computers needs to function goes into what is called RAM (Random Access Memory). But our computer also has permanent things stored in our hard drive and accesses information by input devices such as our keyboard and our mouse.

Did you realize that when we turn on our computers and after it powers on, it instantly begins accessing its RAM and performs a test to make sure that our computer and all its components are working properly? The computer and its RAM memory does it so quick, that you may not even realize that this is happening as it is powering on.

Your computer also accesses RAM each time it opens certain programs. To conserve the amount of RAM that is being used, sometimes the computer will only store the initalization part of these programs.

RAM also holds many temporary files. When you open and then save a file, this is generally the area of the computer in which it saves.

Since RAM is so important to the running of our computer you may be wondering how you save on its vital storage capacity. There are some simple steps we all can and should take to do this, such as:

1. Clean your recycle bin on a regular basis.

2. Check to see if your system needs to be defragmented. This is easy to do. If you are running Windows XP Click on Start. Click on All programs. Go to Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter, Click Volume C. Now click Analyze to see if it needs to be deframented. If it says it does, click the defragment button. Repeat on Volume D.

3. Check to see if your disks need to be cleaned up. Again, if you have Windows XP, click start, then clip All programs, accessories, system tools, disk clean up, select drive C, click ok, follow instructions, repeat process with drive D.

4. Clear your browser history regularly. While in Internet Explorer, click Tools, Internet Options, General tab, Go down to the bottom where it says clean history choose the day in which you wish for it to clear.

5. Clean temporary Internet Files. While in Internet Explorer, click tools, internet options, General, In the middle of the box it says Temporary Internet Files now click the delete cookies button.

6. Occasionally check to see what programs are installed on your computer and delete those that are needed. You can do this in the control panel option which is found in your start menu.

7. Check your start up menu. These are the programs that start when you first start operation of your computer. You can easily do this on a computer with Windows XP by: Click the start button, All programs, look for a file called Start up, click this. Now all you see are the programs that begin when you start your computer. Delete any you do not wish to start by right clicking your mouse button and then choosing the delete option.

8. If you have to keep a lot of files onto your computer, consider adding more memory to it. You may want a professional to do this for you.

You should also realize that not having enough RAM or having problems with your RAM storage can cause your computer to freeze up or become slow running. Sometimes your computer will even warn you by giving you a warning that states you are low on virtual memory. But by using the above tips off and on, your computer memory and your RAM memory should stay in tip top running shape.