How to Improve Your Computer's Performance

An easy way to improve your computers performance.

Every computer has 2 types of memory. The hard drive which is a fixed physical memory for permanently storing things, and the RAM (random access memory). When using your computer the RAM is used to store the data you are currently working with, for example, word, media player, any open web pages. When you save and turn off your machine, these things are stored to your hard drive. Until they are, they are stored in the RAM.

This shows us why, the more RAM you have, the better your machine will perform, as it will have more temporary storage, or 'working space' as I like to call it. Imagine RAM to be like your desk at work, the bigger the desk, the easier and faster you can work, the smaller the desk, the more difficult and slower your work becomes.

A physical increase in RAM involves inserting memory sticks into your computer. A job for a technician, or someone who has experience in computer upgrades.

Each computer has a small section of the hard drive, which is dedicvated to be used as temporary storage, this is known as virtual memory. You can adjust the settings to increase this amount, therefore giving you more virtual memory, and in turn, more RAM space.

Enough techy talk, heres how to change yours:

click start>right click my computer> click properties>click advanced>click performance-settings>click the advanced tab> virtual memory>change> you will see the current amount allocated, and the maximum permitted amount, click change>change the current amount to the current amount allocated >click set.ok everything and back out.