How inexplicably frustrating it is to use a slow computer. Anyone who has been using computers for any period of time has surely experienced it. Programs delay, and simple tasks like opening a web browser seems to lag. An overall sluggish experience no matter what you're trying to do. It could be your parents stone-aged machine, your friends old clunker, or perhaps even your own?
Just what is responsible for your machine crawling along at snails pace? While there are many factors and variables to consider – from aged processor, to being overloaded with spyware – the most common (and easiest!) fix would be your System Memory.

First, let's clear up one thing that I hear too often. Your computer Memory and Storage are not the same thing. I hear people that have tons of files on their computer say they are running out of memory when in fact their computer is running out of storage space. Storage relates to the Hard Disk, and this entry is talking about RAM.

So just what is System Memory and how does it work? Random Access Memory (usually called RAM), put very simply is a location for your computer to temporarily store information for faster access by the CPU. For an in depth explanation of how computer memory works, see the article at HowStuffWorks.com

What happens when your computer is sluggish from lack of RAM, on a very basic level, is that your memory has been used to its capacity, forcing your CPU to access information directly from the Hard Disk until the RAM is refreshed and can be used again; slowing everything down significantly. Simply adding more RAM will fix this problem.

RAM comes in the form of integrated circuits called a DIMM (dual in-line memory module) or commonly just “memory module”, and can be purchased at various densities. How much you can install in your computer is dependent on your motherboard (that's the large circuit board that everything else is plugged into). To determine the maximum amount of RAM your computer can use, you will need to consult the manual that should have come with your motherboard or your manufactured PC. Alternatively, there is a great utility at Crucial.com that will scan your system and tell you the information you need to know.

There are several types of RAM on the market. The most popular from older to newer are:

• SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory)
• DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory)
• DDR2 SDRAM (Double Data Rate Two Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory)
• DDR3 SDRAM (Double Data Rate Three Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory)

Which type of RAM your system can use is again, dependent on your motherboard. The suggestions in the previous paragraph also apply here.

RAM modules can be purchased from various electronics stores, but usually at a much higher price (think 25% more) than online retailers. I suggest Newegg or Tigerdirect.
RAM is the easiest internal component to replace and/or install. The most difficult part of the process will usually be figuring out how to get the confounded case open. (If your computer is a laptop, the process is basically the same, except that there should be a little hatch on the bottom of the laptop that you'll unscrew and open up to find your RAM. Consult your manual.) Once you do finally crack open the shell of your machine, you'll be looking for two (sometimes four) skinny 5.25” long slots side by side on the motherboard with a white clip on each side. To remove existing RAM modules, you will press the clips away from the modules and they will pop the DIMMs out of the slots.* To add the memory, you'll spread the clips away from each other, place the DIMMs into the slots evenly, and press firmly down on each side with even pressure until the two clips “click” into place. The slots and modules are keyed, so they'll only go in one way.

How much RAM do you need? This depends on what operating system you are running, and what you use your computer for. But I'll lay out a few guidelines:

Windows XP should have a minimum of 512 Megabytes (MB), any less and your experience will be unpleasant. 1 Gigabyte (GB) is recommended, especially if you do more than email checking and web browsing.
Windows Vista should have a minimum of 1 GB with 2 GB recommended. Vista needs more than XP to run smoothly because there are more flashy user interface options included.
Mac OSX should have a minimum of 512 MB with 1GB recommended, although in my experience OSX just feels rather sluggish no matter how powerful your system is.
I won't include GNU/Linux since there are just too many different distributions to cover. But the standard laid out for the other OS's is a good one to follow here too.

Don't be afraid. You too can have a snappier, more responsive computer, using this very simple and quick (think 10 minutes) upgrade.

* When working inside a computer, be sure it is unplugged, and that you touch the metal exterior of the case to discharge any static electricity before you touch any internal components.