PC memory is temporary data storage. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) of a computer uses memory to retrieve the instructions it needs to process. There are two basic types of memory; Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM). RAM is typically installed on the motherboard, whereas ROM is generally used in storage media such as CDs and DVDs, as well as in the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS.) The term "PC memory" only refers to RAM.

History

The memory which came with the first PC computers in the early 1980s was generally very small. The IBM 5150, introduced in 1981, came with 16 Kilobytes (K) of memory. Early PC memory was sold in Dual Inline Packages (DIPs) that were comprised of small chips. These were often soldered onto the motherboard, but could also be inserted into sockets in some cases. Later, these packages were placed on Single Inline Memory Modules (SIMMs) which simplified the installation of computer memory.

Function

PC memory stores information so that the CPU doesn't have to access the hard drive directly. RAM modules are able to access and send data to the CPU much faster than the hard drive, which is limited by the rotation rate of the disk's platters and the speed of its arms and heads. Thus, memory modules dramatically increase the computer's speed. RAM comes in different speeds just like CPUs. Generally, the speed of RAM that should be installed on a computer is determined at the time of manufacture.

Features

Modern memory modules are integrated onto circuit boards. In SIMMs the circuits appear on one side of the board, and in Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs) they appear on both sides. SIMMs must be used in pairs, but DIMMs can be used singly. There are small electrical contacts on the bottom of the modules. These plug into small motherboard slots or "banks" so that the memory can communicate with the CPU.

Types

PC RAM types include Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic RAM (DDR SDRAM) and Rambus RAM (RDRAM.) SDRAM and DDR SDRAM are the most common types. DDR memory has about double the bandwidth of single rate SDRAM. Designed by Intel, Rambus RAM comes in Rambus Inline Memory Modules (RIMMs.) While it can be up to 10 times faster than SDRAM, it is expensive and can only be installed on a motherboard with Rambus sockets. Memory also comes in Error Correction Code (ECC) and Non-Error Correction Code (Non-ECC). ECC memory can correct errors which occur during the transmission of data; Non-ECC cannot.

Benefits

The benefits of memory depend on which type of memory you have installed. DDR SDRAM is superior to regular SD RAM. It is the best memory to purchase when upgrading a computer. ECC memory is typically only used in mainframes and servers. It is too expensive for PCs. Since PCs suffer very few errors, it's also unnecessary. Non-ECC memory offers the most benefits due to its lower cost. PC users should avoid registered, Rambus and static RAM for the same reasons.

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Is the hard drive on your Mac filling up fast? Can't seem to figure out where all that storage space went? Use Apple's own Spotlight search feature to find and eliminate large, unwanted files and recover that space. 

Things You’ll Need:

• Mac OS X 10.5 or newer
• 15 minutes of your time
• A full hard drive

Step 1

Start in the Right Place
In the Apple Mac OS X Finder, open a new window by choosing the "File" option in the menu bar and select "New Finder Window" from the list of choices. You can also do this by using the ⌘-N (Command and N) keyboard shortcut. Then   navigate to your user folder on the hard drive and select it (single click)

Step2

Set Up Your Search
Type the ⌘-F (Command and F) keystroke to initiate a Spotlight search. In the pull-down menu that appears under the word "Search:", select the "Other..." option if the "Size" option does not appear in the list. If it is already there, skip to Step 4.

Step3

Add "Size" To Your Search Options
Once you've selected "Other...", a box will appear with a list of additional Spotlight search attributes. Scroll down to the "Size" option and click its checkbox in the "In Menu" column. If the attribute list is not alphabetized by name, click on the "Attributes" column heading.

Step4

Define the Size of the Search
Choose "Size" from the search pull-down menu. Once selected, define the size of the files you'd like to find by entering the necessary information in the 3 menus/fields found to the right of the "Size" option. For example, select "is greater than", "100", and "MB", respectively. This will cause Spotlight to search for any file in the Users folder that is larger than 100 megabytes. Simply change the value of parameters to suit your needs.

Step5

Dump the Clutter
Once Spotlight has displayed the list of files, carefully review them and decide which ones you no longer need. Drag any unwanted files to the Trash. After reviewing the contents of the Trash folder one last time (one can never be too careful), empty the Trash.

 

Source : ehow.com

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Things You’ll Need:

         CPU-Z Software

Step 1

Download CPU-Z from "www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php" and copy the zip file's contents into a folder. CPU-Z requires no installation, which means you can simply delete the folder when you are finished with it! The first CPU tab shows general information about your system processor.

Step 2

Switch to the Mainboard tab and you can see details about your motherboard, BIOS, and graphic interface. Take particular note of your motherboard's manufacturer- this will come in handy if your board becomes faulty and you need to call customer support.                    

Step 3

Click on the Memory tab- you'll see your system's RAM type shown in the first box. If you want to add to your PC's memory, then you should buy the same type in order to ensure compatibility. For a computer running Windows Vista, you should ideally have at least 1024 MB of ram.

Step 4

Select the About tab. This tab contains three tools, including the Registers Dump utility - click on the Registers Dump button and save a text file. Open this file up, and you'll find a plethora of different PC specifications, which will be helpful to more advanced users.

Source : www.ehow.com

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With the release of OS X, Apple has directly confronted Microsoft's Windows in the ongoing war between Macintosh and the PCs. Vista programs can now run on a Mac and vice versa. You can even set up your computer to dual boot Vista and OS X.

Instructions

Step 1

Buy a full version of OS X or Vista. Since your are adding a totally different operating system to the computer, you can't use upgrade versions of the software. Make sure you purchase a 32-bit version of the new software if you have a 32-bit version of your current software.

Step 2

Back up your files before you dual boot. Whenever you make changes to your hard drive, you risk losing information on that drive.

Step 3

Create a partition large enough for the operating system and programs working with Vista or OS X, depending on your original computer. For example, divide a 250-gigabyte hard drive into 150 gigabytes for the original system and a new partition of 100 gigabytes for OS X and its programs. After you calculate the recommended space needed for the new operating system and programs, add extra space for future programs.

Step 4

Restart the computer to see the new partitions.

Step 5

Put the installation disk in the appropriate drive and wait a moment for the installation menu to appear.

Step 6

Choose the "Custom" option for the type of installation you want to perform. If you choose the "Standard" option, you will create problems for the computer as you try to install a totally different operating system over your current system.

Step 7

Select the partition drive you created to install the new operating system. Do not select the "C" drive as the location for your new operating system.

Step 8

Select the button to start the installation. Follow the onscreen instructions to add activation codes, register the software and set up your personal preferences for the new operating system.

Step 9

Choose the operating system you want to use in your dual-boot system when the computer reboots and when you start the computer in the future.

 

Source : eHow Computers Editor

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The type of video card needed depends on how you use your computer. Usage includes Web browsing, watching videos, listening to music and more complex uses, such as advanced gaming and video editing. Here is how to determine the type of video card your computer needs.

Instructions

Step 1

Understand the purpose for which the computer is to be used. If it is to be used by average users for casual purposes, such as listening music, watching movies or Web browsing, an inexpensive 4 MB to 8 MB video card supporting at least 1280x1024 resolution at 85 MHz refresh rate can be used.

Step 2

Decide if the computer is to be used for designing graphics. If yes, a video card with high resolution capacity, say 1600x1200 resolution or higher, will be needed. This will ensure more visible detail.

Step 3

Decide on your need for multi-monitor display. This will require the graphic card to support two monitors by expanding the graphical workstation.

Step 4

Decide on video editing needs. Video editing will have supplementary needs for video-in/video-out (VIVO) facility. However, if the video card does not have this feature, it can be added externally.

Step 5

Recognize your gaming needs. If you want to play games that are not 3D or games that are 3D but you are not concerned with speed, a card supporting directX9 and having a memory of 128 MB of video will be suitable. On the other hand, if you are a game freak and want every detail enhanced, you need a video card that can support the current 3D games on the market. The 3D video cards should support directX9 with a minimum of 256 MB graphics memory.

Source : eHow Computers Editor

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