RAM, or Random Access Memory, is what the computer uses to store information needed for the applications (programs) being run at the moment, such as Outlook, your web browser, etc. and all system applications needed for the computer to run. Enough applications opened at the same time will use up the RAM and make the computer start using virtual memory.

Virtual memory is a different type of memory the computer uses when it starts to run low on RAM. The more virtual memory the computer uses, the slower it will become. Why? Virtual memory consists of a file stored in your computer’s hard disk, called paging file. In there the computer will store information when the RAM is running out. The problem with it is that the access time to the computer hard disk data is way higher than the access time to the RAM. So every time the computer needs to use memory and uses virtual memory to store/retrieve data, it becomes slower because it takes that much more time to retrieve and store information.

So remember – generally more memory means more speed. Don’t forget it.

Contact me if you need help assessing whether or not you need more memory, how much more, what type, etc.