| Many people are taking the leap and upgrading their | | | | warranty-related issues. |
| pc operating system from Windows XP to Windows | | | | Upgrading system memory as high as your budget |
| Vista, only to be very disappointed by the distinct | | | | will allow is recommended, although anything higher |
| slow-down in performance. | | | | than 4GB with the 32-bit version of Windows Vista is |
| Anecdotal evidence suggests that Windows Vista | | | | pointless, as it will generally only recognise around |
| requires twice the computing power and resources | | | | 3.5GB of the installed memory. The 64-bit version of |
| to operate at a performance level similar to that of | | | | Vista, however, can recognise over 8GB of memory, |
| Windows XP. So what can you do to improve this? | | | | although most computers don't yet support this. |
| Firstly, it may be worth considering if you need to | | | | To take advantage of ReadyBoost, simply plug in a |
| have all of the Vista bells-and-whistles that are turned | | | | compatible USB drive or flash card into your |
| on by default. The Aero interface in particular, | | | | computer, then follow the steps to configure it using |
| although it looks pretty, requires considerable | | | | the built-in wizard. Once configured, ReadyBoost |
| resources and it's worthwhile turning it off to see | | | | serves as an additional memory cache which can |
| how much general performance improves. In addition | | | | significantly improve performance by reserving part |
| many computers from manufacturers such as IBM | | | | of the flash drive/card for memory management. |
| come with a whole suite of ancillary support | | | | If you are not certain about whether your pc can be |
| programs which you may not really need, such as | | | | upgraded with more system memory, there are |
| firewall programs, antivirus programs, performance | | | | many websites which make this task relatively simple |
| monitor programs, etcetra. Third party firewall | | | | to figure out. Using your favourite search engine, |
| programs in particular can use up a lot of resources. | | | | type in your computer brand and model followed by |
| If you've been happy with the built-in Windows | | | | the words "memory upgrade" and this should give |
| Firewall, then consider turning off any third party | | | | you somewhere to start. Alternatively, if you still |
| ones. | | | | have your user manual this should contain |
| The other two areas where a significant | | | | specifications about how many memory slots you |
| improvement can be made is by upgrading the | | | | have, the maximum memory capacity your pc can |
| amount of system ram or memory, and utilising a | | | | handle, and the type of memory that is compatible. |
| ReadyBoost compatible flash drive or flash card. | | | | To check your currently installed memory for |
| Upgrading system memory is very straight forward. | | | | Windows: Right mouse-click on the "My Computer" |
| Manufacturers like Kingston make third party ram to | | | | icon and select "Properties." The total memory is |
| the specifications of the big OEM's like IBM, HP, Dell, | | | | calculated and displayed under the "General" tab in |
| Acer, Apple and others so it's not necessary to pay | | | | the system properties window. For Mac: Click "About |
| hefty prices to obtain a 100% compatible ram | | | | This Mac" or "About This Computer" from the Apple |
| upgrade. Kingston also guarantee their memory for | | | | menu. (Far top left of the screen). This will provide |
| life so even if the reseller you purchased it from | | | | information about your Mac's total memory (built-in |
| closes up ship you can go back to Kingston for any | | | | memory plus DIMMs installed). |