256MB RAM (Random Access Memory)

Random Access Memory (or RAM) is a device that allows your computer to temporarily store information (or data) while it is working.  There are several types of RAM and many different specifications that describe a RAM chip.

RAM is measured in MB or Mega Bytes just like the hard drive.  Don't get confused here, RAM has a very different purpose than your hard drive - See Analogy for an easy to understand comparison.

A good amount of RAM is 256 MB or 128 MB.  We are currently recommending this amount of RAM for most personal computer scenarios.  The RAM will determine how many programs your computer can run at one given time.  Let's say for example that you are creating a Word document, and you wish to insert an image from a picture that you will scan using a scanner.  You will have three programs open, the Word program, the scanning program, and an image editing program such as Corel Draw.  Each of these programs takes up a piece of RAM, not to mention the TSRs (Terminate and Stay Resident) programs which are programs that run in the background such as your virus protection software.

RAM  comes in several sizes 30-pin SIMM (Single Inline Memory Modules), 72-pin DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Modules), 168-pin DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and so on.   Now that's enough of the acronyms!!!

The speed of RAM is measured in nano-seconds (ns).  A good speed would be about 50 ns or 60 ns.

The main thing to remember about RAM is that more is better.  You will not regret getting more RAM.  Normally you can add RAM to your computer after you buy it.   Most systems will have a section on how to add RAM to your computer.   Normally, adding RAM is about a 10 minute process, and anyone can do it.   Don't be afraid to try, if you can add gas to your car, then you can add RAM to your computer!!!

Analogy - Think of RAM as desk space in your office.  The more desk space you have, the more that you can do at any given time.  The hard drive is like your filing cabinet.   Obviously you can store, many more files in your filing cabinet than you can on your desk, although some people might argue that their desk can hold a heck of a lot of files! 

When you open a file from your hard drive (permanent storage) it is like opening the filing cabinet and pulling out a file.  Once the file is open, it goes into your RAM (temporary memory) which is like putting the file on your desk.  The file remains in RAM (on your desk) until you close the file (put the file back away).

History - A few short years ago, Bill Gates was quoted as saying, "no one will ever need more than 4 mega bytes of RAM."  How off could you get!!! Well obviously Bill did a few things right, but the thought process continues.  It is hard to believe today that you will need more than 128 MB, but someday we will look back at that and wonder how in the world we ever survived!

Manufacturers - Typically RAM is a non brand name product.

What You Are Looking For - Look for the RAM that is appropriate for your computer.  If you adding RAM to your system, reference the chart in your users guide to tell you what type of RAM (72-pin DIMM, 168-pin DRAM, 70ns, 60ns or 50ns RAM etc.) that your computer will require.   Then you will need to determine how many slots you have open.  Each RAM chip will fit into a slot, so make sure that your new RAM will have a home, BEFORE you buy!