Laptop Memory

Adding laptop memory to your machine is one of the easiest ways to improve performance and to get your system back up to speed. However, first you have to establish if your laptop has an access panel to the memory chip. If not, you will have to have the memory added for you by a computer tech.

Find out what kind of memory you have, and how much you can install. The manual that came with your unit should let you know this information, and you can find out how much memory your system is running with by going to "My Computer," and choosing "Properties." If you have access, then the next step (after unplugging your unit, and turning it off!) is to open the memory area and insert your new memory unit gently (you can buy this memory online or at computer shops).

Adding laptop memory makes your programs and games run faster, and you may need additional memory simply to run the most modern applications. Most software comes with both "minimum" and "recommended" requirements, and you should run the program with at least what's recommended. The new graphic-rich games, for example, can take upwards of 500 MB, so make sure you have a system that can run it before you buy this type of program.

Memory comes with type, parity and speed parameters, and you need to make sure you are getting the right kind of memory for your system. If you don't have the manual, you will have to contact the manufacturer for this information, unless you can get it from an online user group or other source. It sounds complicated, but the payoff is a better-running and easier-to-use laptop.